Sustainability & Zero Waste

Clean Water is engaging businesses, local governments, and individual consumers in minimizing the use of single use products with ReThink Disposable, prioritizing responsible agriculture and food systems, supporting zero waste efforts, and moving towards a sustainable economic and environmental future.

ReThink Disposable

ReThink Disposable, a program of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund, aims to stop waste before it starts. We work with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers of single use food packaging to inspire a cultural shift away from the single-use “throwaway” lifestyle.

State Actions

Related Publications

Factsheet - e-Waste Recycling in Minnesota

Minnesota can benefit in a myriad of ways by investing in e-waste recycling.

New Jersey Plastics Policies — Local and Statewide

Clean Water Action's ReThink Disposable program works to eliminate single-use plastic trash and other harmful chemicals. Plastic contains toxic chemicals linked to reproductive harm, cancer risk, metabolic disease, and other issues. We have spearheaded efforts to pass numerous local and statewide policies to protect our health and communities from harm. Learn more in our New Jersey Plastics Policies Fact Sheet:

ReThink Disposable Case Study: Bedford Public Schools

Bedford Public Schools, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, serve approximately 2,500 students across four schools. Thanks to a generous donation from PlasticFreeRestaurants.org, the schools’ polystyrene (foam) lunch trays were traded for Ahimsa stainless steel reusable trays.

Factsheet - Bag the Plastic Bag Ban in Minnesota!

Minnesota plastic bag recycling is estimated to be less than 10%. Clean Water Action is working to remove the plastic bag ban preemption in Minnesota statute, which will return local control around this issue back to where it belongs — with each city and town in Minnesota.