13 Nov How to Get Involved in Austin’s Shop Zero Waste Initiative

It is well-known that we Austinites love local businesses. Our local businesses showcase all of the history, culture, and weird spirit that make Austin such a great place to live. The City of Austin’s Small Business Program aims to keep these local businesses thriving in Austin, so they created LocallyAustin.org:  an online directory of locally-owned small businesses in Austin.

The business gets a free profile and a window cling that recognizes them as a local business. In cooperation with Austin Resource Recovery, a Shop Zero Waste category was added to recognize local businesses that share or repair items, or sell products made with recycled or upcycled materials.  All of the businesses in the Shop Zero Waste category get labeled as one or more of the following subcategories:

• [re]Made: Companies and organizations that make, manufacture or sell products made from recycled, upcycled or reused products, including second-hand stores. 
• [re]Pair: Companies and organizations that offer repair or refurbishing services for household or business items, such as computers, shoes, appliances and vehicles.
• [re]Share: Companies and organizations that encourage the sharing of items, especially items not typically needed on a daily basis, such as car sharing, bike sharing, tool sharing and other rental businesses.

When consumers are more aware of where the items they purchase come from, and when personal buying behavior begins to include more shared, repaired, recycled, and upcycled goods, huge progress can be made toward supporting our local economy and Austin’s Zero Waste goal.

If you’re interested in supporting Austin’s zero waste goals and local business at the same time, here are some ways you can get involved with Shop Zero Waste:

• Use LocallyAustin.org when you shop to find locally-owned businesses where you can purchase reused or recycled items, get something repaired, or rent something. Some businesses even offer coupons and promotions through LocallyAustin.
• Before you buy something new, think about whether you could rent the item instead. Before you throw something out that is broken or used, consider whether it might be repairable, or if it could have a second life if it were donated or sold to a second hand store. Then use the Shop Zero Waste directory to find the business you need.
• When you see Shop Zero Waste decals in a window or on a website, thank the business owner for their role in getting to 90% waste diversion by 2040.
• If you are a small business owner whose company fits one of the descriptions above, make sure to sign up for LocallyAustin.org! The directory is a great way for new customers to find you, at no cost to your business.
• Know of a business that fits the description above but isn’t listed on LocallyAustin? Let them know about this service, or send us an email at locallyaustin@austintexas.gov and we will reach out to them.
• Spread the word about LocallyAustin.org!