May Newsletter
By Shenandoah Marr
May is a time of celebration for many. Mothers Day, the end of the school year festivities, outdoor dining, and the beginning of vegetable growing season are all things worth celebrating! Group celebrations often involve a lot of food. Remember to prepare only what you need, offer leftovers to everyone (or take some yourself!), and compost what isn’t used.
Legislative Summary
By Shenandoah Marr
Waste related bills did well this legislative session. We are ecstatic to share that SZW’s priority bill, the Recycling Reform Act, passed both the state senate and the house and is awaiting the governor’s signature. We’ve been advocating for this legislation for six years and are thrilled it made it through. The RRA will hold producers of packaging waste responsible for it by having them pay for recycling and incentivize less packaging in general. Thank you to everyone who responded to our action alerts to help this bill pass! For more information on the specifics of this bill take a look at this fact sheet by our coalition partner Zero Waste Washington.
Another priority bill, the Right to Repair is also on its way to the Governor's desk. Passed with strong bipartisan support, this bill will make it easier to repair electronics and home appliances instead of throwing them in the landfill. Read a full summary of waste related bills that passed and what we’re likely to focus on in 2026 here.
Year-round farmer’s market? Yes, please!
By Shenandoah Marr
We are excited to share that Spokane’s first year-round farmers market and agricultural hub is opening May 31st! Located in the “quarry” adjacent to the Spokane Conservation District offices, the Scale House will be a hub of fresh, prepared, and preserved local foods, crafts, and more. They also plan to offer classes on topics such as nutrition and cooking. The goal of supporting and growing small, local businesses who use sustainable practices aligns with Spokane Zero Wastes mission of promoting a circular economy and keeping things local.
Speaking of sustainability, community, and a circular economy, huge companies like Amazon are the antithesis of all of these things. With fewer small, locally owned businesses to choose from, and the convenience of online shopping, we know it may be hard to end your relationship with Amazon. Start by making small changes if needed and check out local thrift stores or consignment stores like Buffalo Exchange for clothes and shoes and Art Salvage for art supplies. For cleaning supplies and household goods, check out this list of alternatives to Amazon. And Spring Cleaning means many tools, kitchen supplies, toys, and other items will be available and affordable at the many moving sales that happen around town this time of year.
Earth Day Block Party Recap
We had a wonderful time hosting our Earth Day Block Party with River City Youth Ops. There was food, music, the Raging Grannies, and upcycling crafts, PJALS,the Spokane Free Store, bike give-aways for youth and so much more.
SZW provided a waste sorting station and we collected a total of 10.2 lbs of food waste that went directly into the compost pile at RCYO garden at West Central Abbey, 2.3lbs of uncontaminated recycling and 12.2 lbs garbage. While garbage was still the biggest category here, we’re super stoked that we were able to get food waste and recyclable materials to their proper place. Learn more about food waste a composting in our April newsletter
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, Connie, Maggie, Fatimah and Kasper for helping make this a low waste event with uncontaminated waste streams.
Event Waste Reduction is something SZW is passionate about. So much so that we’re piloting our waste reduction consulting and waste sorting services for events at the Night Market and STREET FAIR June through October. Come visit this fun and entertaining market that has live music, interesting vendors, great food and most importantly a super cool community every 2nd Friday of the month in the Catalyst Building parking lot, 508 E Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99202. Oh and be sure to visit their socials to learn about the theme of the month - costumes are highly recommended.
A celebration of culture and creativity!
Spokane Zero Waste (SZW) has been awarded a Spokane Neighborhood Business District Activation Grant. The funds will be used to produce a creative community event for the N. Monroe Business District on August 16th and will showcase the creations of 5 sewists from Spokane Zero Waste’s ReCraft Lab, a jobs training and circular economy endeavor.
The day will include: Tea and treats from the Afghani Grocery, henna tattooing, delicious food and an opportunity for cultural exchange and learning through the art of sewing. This event will have a lasting impact on the N. Monroe Business District as funds will also be used for a new mural and colorful crosswalk flags. The flags will be made by ReCraftLab students, with upcycled materials and enhance pedestrian safety at five important crossings in the area.
This event, co-hosted by Rogue Heart Media with support from Sew She Can and Manzanita House will be a low-waste event supported by SZW. We will work with participants to guide waste reduction both upstream, with materials and operations recommendations, as well as downstream with our waste sorting station. Interested in volunteering for this event? Email volunteerszw@spokanezerowaste.org with the subject Line N. Monroe.
SZW at the Washington State Recycler’s Association Conference
Executive Director Elyse Hochstadt presented on the four programs Spokane Zero Waste has to reduce textile waste, build circularity and a natural fiber future at this year's conference.
Additionally SZW, Art Salvage and Spokane Solid Waste hosted this year's Trashion Show, a fashion show that typically showcases waste materials transformed into fashion. While this was a part of this year’s show, the story we’re told concludes with a focus on ending textile waste by developing natural fiber systems and a showcase of what that can look like. Check out our socials for a look at the creations.
Check out some of the creations in our Trashion Show on our Instagram
