Go Zero Waste!

Buy in bulk and avoid pre-packaged foods. Use beeswax paper to pack your tasty homemade meals and help reduce unnecessary waste from getting into our bay.

Package your snacks in reusable bags and containers to help reduce the amount of harmful waste that ends up in landfills and can ultimately find it's way to our bay.

Bring reusable plates and silverware or opt for fun finger foods and help save our bay from harmful plastics and waste.

Tips for going zero waste in the kitchen 

• Buy staple foods in bulk with reusable containers 
• Check your fridge before heading to the grocery store, so you don’t buy what you don’t need
• Use this helpful resource to find out how long your food lasts before it expires
• Purchase foods from your local farmer’s market and support your local businesses 
• Store almost all vegetables and herbs inside fridge. Check out these food storage tips for more 
• Got leftovers? Here’s a handy tool to help you whip something up quick 

Get crafty with these DIY zero waste tips! 

• Make your own dishwasher tabs at home with this easy recipe
• Check out these 19 natural cleaning tips plus easy green cleaner recipes  
• Dealing with pesky pests? Try one of these five natural, chemical-free organic pest control options 
• Here are some zero waste trash bag alternatives to try  

Tips for a Zero Waste grocery run 

BEFORE 

• Place your important items like keys and wallets in your reusable grocery bags, so you don’t forget to bring them 
• Leave a cardboard box in the car to transport groceries straight from the shopping cart 

DURING 

• Opt for products packaged in recyclable materials like glass, metal and paper. Only 9% of plastics actually get recycled! 
• Buy naked produce that isn't packaged in plastics 
• Consider buying reusable produce bags to place naked produce in 
• Find places to buy in bulk in San Diego here or purchase produce and meats from your local farmer's market 

AFTER 

• Use glass jars as storage containers for dry foods like flour and nuts 
• Reuse plastic microwavable containers for packed lunches 
• Pack a zero-waste lunch or dinner using reusable boxes, cloth napkins and reusable utensils 
• Make tacos or burritos with leftover rice, meat and vegetables 
• Make croutons or breadcrumbs using stale bread, and store in the freezer for later use 
• Turn all your unwanted vegetable parts into vegetable stock by boiling in a large pot with water 
• Click here for more creative ways to repurpose your leftovers 

Your furry friends can go zero waste too!  

Make a dog toy out of an old T-Shirt 

• Cut 2-3 inch width slits at the bottom of an old shirt, then rip along the slit. 
• Using other parts of the t-shirt, tie-off the strips of fabric on one side. 
• Split the strips into three sections and braid them together. Tie-off the braid again at the end and voila! 

Make a cat toy out of an old sock 

• Cut off the heel of the sock. Then, cut small strips into the toe of the sock. 
• Put a small amount of catnip onto a square paper. 
• Crumple up the paper and place it inside of the sock. 
• Tie the strips of fabric together and draw on a fun face!