ZWC Update: 2017 Wrap-Up

At the close of 2017, we had fun looking back on our first year in operation and tallying up all that we worked on throughout the year. In 2017, we:

-Launched our website, which features Chicago-area zero waste resources like a guide to bulk grocery shopping in the city, a breakdown of the compost options available locally, and much more.

-Hosted a free community meet-up each month, where we invited Chicagoans to come join us to meet each other and chat about zero waste. Events included film screenings, a picnic, a visit to the farmers' market, participating in the Chicago Climate March, and more. For upcoming meet-ups to attend, see our Events Calendar.

-Led workshops about zero waste and composting at places as diverse as Patagonia, the Loyola Quinlan School of Business, Sugar Beet Food Co-op, the Freehand Hotel downtown, the American Marketing Association, and more. Interested in hosting us for a workshop in 2018? Fill out our form here and we'll get right back to you.

-Helped hundreds of Chicagoans learn about the composting options in our city through our workshop and website, helping folks sign up for the pick-up service that's right for them and answering questions about vermicomposting and backyard composting.

-Tabled at events around the city, answering questions and sharing simple techniques for transitioning to a lower-waste lifestyle. We'd love to be part of your event or fair in 2018; give us a shout at hello@zerowastechicago.org.

-Shared resources to help folks utilize Chicago-area farmers' markets. You can see our guide to Chicago's wintertime farmers' markets and find the one closest to you here, if you'd like.

-Taught forty preschoolers at the Chicago Commons Nia Family Center about vermicomposting and the cycle of turning food scraps into soil, thanks to a generous grant from The Chicago Community Trust and Goodcity Chicago.

We're excited to keep working hard to bring you more zero waste resources in 2018. In the coming months, we'll be expanding the resources on our website, scheduling our next set of free workshops, opening up volunteer opportunities, and much more. We're grateful for your support, and we'd love to hear from you with questions, event requests, and anything else that's on your mind.