Annual WasteBusters Challenge encourages sustainability

Clark County residents interested in reducing the amount of trash they produce are invited to join the annual WasteBusters Challenge, which encourages sustainability efforts.

The challenge begins Feb. 22 and runs through March 15. Clark County residents can register individually or form groups to participate in the virtual challenge.

Residents sign up for the free competition online at wastebusters.green and pledge to reduce the amount of trash going to landfills by committing to one of three waste-busting actions:

• Reducing food waste by using or freezing all fruits and vegetables before purchasing new produce items;
• Reducing paper waste by pledging to enroll two accounts (e.g. credit, banking, utilities) in paperless delivery; and/or
• Reducing textile waste, by repairing swapping or buying secondhand clothes instead of purchasing new clothing items.

Participants can earn points throughout the competition by attending virtual events, completing weekly challenges and answering reflection questions. Top point-earners are eligible for prizes, including an iPad and an Instant Pot.

There are three virtual event opportunities during the three-week challenge period. Challenge participants and other residents are welcome to attend.

The WasteBusters Challenge Kick-Off will take place from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. Guest speaker Alex Luna, owner of Kindred Homestead Supply, will share how to sustain a low-waste lifestyle and make ethical consumer decisions.

The Repair Clark County Show & Tell will be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Monday, March 1. A guest speaker will share information about the Repair Clark County program’s efforts to repair and upcycle used items. Participants are encouraged to bring an upcycled/repaired item to share after the presentation.

The DirtHugger Virtual Tour will be from 6 to7:15 p.m. Monday, March 8. Guest speaker Pierce Louis, co-founder of DirtHugger, will give a virtual tour of the composting facility, share information about the composting process and answer questions.

For more information about the challenge, and to reserve a spot at the kick-off event, Repair Clark County Show & Tell, and DirtHugger Virtual Tour, visit the WasteBusters website.

Clark County Public Health’s Green Neighbors program and Washington Service Corps sponsor the WasteBusters program.