Your summer can be full of pool days, cookouts, and road trips without turning into a season of extra trash and extra clutter. Hanna and Joe talk us through realistic sustainable summer tips that work for busy families, hosts, and anyone trying to reduce waste without giving up the fun. Along the way, we share a few favorite local experiences that make great gifts and even better memories, from museums to escape rooms to kayaking.
They're joined by Amy Densborn, SWACO Program Manager, and Leah Cordier, SWACO Communications Administrator, to swap practical ideas you can use right away. Think: packing a low-waste beach bag with a reusable water bottle and reusable snack containers and finding refilleries for personal care items like sunscreen. Plus, grilling with less waste using tools like reusable grill baskets and cedar planks instead of aluminum foil.
We also answer a common summer question: what to do with empty propane tanks, including exchange programs and when it makes sense to bring a tank to SWACO’s Household Hazardous Waste site for recycling.
Then we get into one of the biggest wins of the season: reducing food waste. We share simple leftover rules for hot weather, freezer strategies, and planning tips for everything from a family cookout to a big party. You’ll also hear about SWACO’s free resources like our Sign Maker Tool and an 'estimator' to help you buy the right amount of food. If you like practical sustainability, recycling, composting, and smart local living, this one’s for you.
Subscribe to WastED, share with a friend who hosts cookouts, and share your best summer sustainable fun!
