Although we aren't a business, Bainbridge Island Zero Waste, a program of Sustainable Bainbridge, is pleased to have the votes of so many Bainbridge Review readers. Congrats also to Community Volunteer finalist Jane Martin, one of ZW's steering committee members and head of ZW's Tableware Lending Library.

We believe the Lending Library is one of the primary reasons the community has bestowed this award upon us. It's earth-friendly because borrowers are using washable dishware for their wedding or sports banquet or holiday gathering, etc., instead of buying disposable tableware that ends up in the landfill after one use. Our Lending Library is on track to equal or surpass the 193 events serviced last year, and it wouldn't be possible without Jane's leadership and the time she devotes to the cause. THANK YOU, JANE MARTIN!

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Other complimentary services that Zero Waste volunteers provide to the community:

• Small scrap metal recycling (Barbara Ochota, lead)
• Terracycle drop-off for certain categories (Susan Knell, lead)
• Event discard management or consultation (Diane Landry, lead)
• Online guide to local reuse and recycling (Diane Landry, lead)

While some of us may be leads, it takes you as volunteers to assist in these efforts, so thank you for the roles you play. And maybe someday you will want to lead one of the above initiatives or initiate a waste reduction/reuse/recycling activity of your own. Come to our potluck this Sunday to have a conversation about what that might be!

Before 2019, Zero Waste used to have monthly meetings. It's time for us to connect again! Please join us on Sunday, October 6, 1-3pm, at the cozy Yeomalt Cabin. Bring some food to share and a place setting (we'll have extras in case you forget).

What's in store?

• Good conversation
• Games
• S'mores
• Your ideas for future ZW initiatives
• Ridwell raffles for a free month
• Reuse giveaways

Please RSVP, but if you forget, come anyway!

Sustainable Bainbridge just received three grants from the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, one of which is for running the first-ever fix-it fair on Bainbridge.

Planning has not yet begun. If you are interested in being part of the organizing committee or in being a fixer, please contact Heather Dowey.

Marcus Kitley's STEM classes at Blakely Elementary School, 4704 Blakely Ave NE, are always on the look-out for items that help them create, construct and experiment. Please see the list below for suggested donations. You many drop them off at the front desk during school hours, 7:50am-2:20pm.

Kathy McGowan and her two high school-aged sons this spring launched a "little experiment," in her words, that "seeks to enhance the amazing recycling programs that already exist on Bainbridge Island and address three specific needs: cost, convenience, awareness."

Kathy is the former Sakai parent who spearheaded a months-long plastic film recycling drive that involved the entire community and resulted in Sakai Intermediate School placing first in its category in the national Trex Recycling Challenge.

She explains the Flashdrive program this way:

"We recognize that not everybody can afford fee-based, at-home recycling pick-up programs, nor do they have the time to make recycling deliveries themselves.

"BI Flashdrive solves these problems by highlighting a different recycling program each month that is free and preferably local.The 'flash' will let you know what is being recycled and when the pick-up date is. On that day, put your items outside your front door; and BI Flashdrive will swing by and take them off your hands [for free]. Be sure to email biflashdrive@gmail.com beforehand and let us know that you have a pick-up."

Sign up here to be on the list for flash notifications of what items will be picked up and on which date.

MINI CALENDAR 2024-2025

(Look ahead and start collecting now!)

September:   Denim

 October:        Kitchen items (ex: plates, bowls, spoons, etc)

Refugee Resettlement Office

November:    Animal shelter Items (ex: small animal cages, hand towels, storage bins, sheets)

West Sound Wildlife

December:    Shoes (but not falling apart)

Soles-4-Souls

 January:      Small electronics

Amazon Recycling ReTeck Program

February:      Oral care waste

Oral B Recycling

March:          Soccer cleats

Good Play America

April:             Books

Spread the Word Nevada

May:              Women’s clothing

Madewell Forever

June:              Dog leashes and collars

Lengau

Find out what community projects Zero Waste Washington has been working on or supporting in its fall issue. If you like what you read, you can sign up here for the quarterly publications.

Community partner event:

Kitsap County Fix-it Fairs

October 12

10am-1pm

Poulsbo Library

November 2

10:30am-1:30pm

Kingston Library

Details here.

Note:

There WILL BE a fix-it fair on Bainbridge (date to be determined)! If you are interested in getting involved, try volunteering in some capacity at one of the above fairs first. Fill out this form to volunteer with Kitsap County.

ReFashion Bainbridge:

First Fall Clothing Swap

November 17

1-3:30pm

Filipino American Hall

Only drop-off day:

November 16, 11am-3pm

Details here.

Note:

Menders will be on hand to make minor repairs to clothing. If you would like to volunteer to mend, please contact Naomi Spinak.

From Sept 28-Oct 13, you can drop off clean, outgrown, children's Halloween costumes and accessories in the donation bin outside the front lobby of KiDiMu (Kids Discovery Museum), 301 Ravine Lane. The donation bin will be out daily 9am-4pm. "Shopping" will start October 14.

Whenever you are looking for a destination for something not accepted in your curbside bin, be sure to visit the

 "Guide to Reusing and/or Recycing Locally" on our website.