As Earth Day approaches on April 22, many of us begin thinking about how our daily habits impact the environment. The good news is that reducing waste does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small, practical changes can make a meaningful difference, both in your home and across your community.Whether you are just getting started or looking to improve your current habits, this guide offers simple, effective ways to reduce waste and make more informed decisions.  1. Start with a Waste Audit Before making changes, take a closer look at what you are throwing away. A simple waste audit helps identify patterns and highlights opportunities for reduction. You may notice common categories such as food waste, packaging, or textiles. Once

Photo of metal trash cans filled with small gas cylinders, like the kind used for camping stoves.

Photo of Brian Paganini

Do not put your recyclables in a plastic bag for recycling.  Consider reducing your use of plastic bags and plastic film. 

(Even if the celebrations are already underway) The holidays are a time of celebration and connection, but they are also one of the most waste-intensive times of year. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, household waste increases by an estimated 25 percent, adding roughly 1 million extra tons of trash per week in the United States alone. Most of that increase comes from food waste, packaging, and wrapping materials, among other things. The good news is that even if you are just days away from your holiday celebrations, there are still easy, low-cost ways to reduce waste without adding stress. Here are some practical tips you can use right now. Focus on Food Waste Reduction Food waste is one of the

News Release, November 14, 2025 The RecycleCT Foundation is pleased to announce a slate of new board members have been voted in to represent the organization at their Annual Meeting in October. The organization has benefitted from years of dedication from many founding board members and excited about new members that bring diverse perspectives on sustainable materials management, including zero waste, food recovery, environmental justice and system approaches. “We are so thankful for the years of service our outgoing board members have given to this organization,” said Emma Cimino, Board Chair and Deputy Commissioner of CT DEEP. “Frank Antonacci of Murphy Road Recycling and Tom Devivo, Mayor of Windham and formerly of Willimantic Waste have both helped create this organization