How to reduce pollution and live zero waste in Kansas City | The Kansas City Star
Kansas City 2022 resolutions: Embark on a zero-waste lifestyle with these resources
BY NATALIE WALLINGTON
JANUARY 07, 2022 5:00 AM
As the new year begins, some of us are trying our best to channel some fresh energy or work toward a new goal. Our KCQ team that works to answer reader questions about our city asked what goals you had, and now we’re looking into how you can make them happen in Kansas City.
Some readers reached out saying they wanted to be more sustainable and are resolving to create less waste in 2022.
Single-use plastic packaging, poorly made “fast fashion” clothing, food waste and other disposable items can all contribute to our pollution footprint. Instead of filling landfills with mountains of unnecessary waste, you too can resolve to live a more eco-friendly life this year. Here are some local resources to help you get on track.
Soap Refill Station KC: This zero-waste shop sells every type of natural soap product you can imagine, from laundry detergent and dish soap to shampoo, bar soap and cleaning supplies. All their liquid soap products are sold by weight, and customers are encouraged to bring their own containers from home or purchase reusable ones at the shop. You can also drop off clean empty containers for other customers to use. The shop is located at 7441 Broadway.
Pantry Goods: This organic food market specializes in pantry supplies like bulk grains, flours, dried fruit and nuts, candy and spices. All bulk products are available by weight in plastic-free packaging like paper bags and glass jars. The market recently closed its retail location in Volker, but still sells its food products online and can ship to anywhere in the U.S.
Green Utopia: This zero-waste shop sells biodegradable and reusable homegoods. Its offerings include plastic-free kitchenware, storage jars, jewelry and gifts made from repurposed materials, wooden toys and sustainable bath products. The shop is located in the back of 329B East Gregory Blvd. and is open on Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m, and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. It also offers free delivery in Kansas City.
Top Off Refillery: This refill soap store is located in a private residence in Parkville, so you have to make a free appointment to shop there in person. The shop sells bulk bath and cleaning products like shampoo, bar soap, laundry detergent and dishcloths. It also offers weekly refill delivery around Kansas City. Customers can use their own containers or purchase reusable ones for a $1 deposit.
COMPOSTING SERVICES
Food waste that ends up compressed in a landfill is a huge source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that’s even worse for the planet than excess CO2. Luckily, it’s easy to turn your unwanted food scraps and lawn clippings back into rich, organic soil. Whether you’re an eco-enthusiast or a total novice, support is available in Kansas City to make composting clean, easy, and fun
Curbside composting services:
Compost Collective KC: Food waste, food soiled paper, & lawn clippings.
Food Cycle KC: Food waste & food soiled paper, no lawn clippings, Kansas only.
Compost Connection: Lawn waste including wood only. Drop-off composting services:
KC Can Compost: 5 drop-off locations, monthly fee with unlimited drop-offs.
Compost Collective Bin Swap: 12 drop-off locations, pay per drop-off.
Urbavore Urban Farm: Free compost drop-off, food waste only.
Missouri Organic Recycling: Lawn waste only.
SPECIALTY RECYCLING
You may know about Kansas City’s curbside recycling program from our recent recycling guide. But there are even more places to take items that this citywide service doesn’t accept.
Here are just a few:
Glass: The local organization Ripple Glass accepts all types of glass at its purple bins located around the city. There are also a number of private curbside glass pickup services you can sign up for. Glass isn’t accepted by Kansas City’s curbside recycling program.
Plastic film: Many grocery stores and other large retailers accept plastic bags for recycling. Avoid putting filmy plastic items in your curbside recycling at all costs, as it can damage the processing equipment at local facilities. Electronics: You can drop off unwanted electronics in any condition at the Midwest Recycling Center. The center’s public drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. It’s located at 2000 E. 19th St.
Arts & crafts supplies: Arts & crafts supplies, including raw materials like fabric, can be donated to Scraps KC. This is also a great place to find materials for your own creative projects. The shop is located at 3269 Roanoke Road and is open from noon until 5 p.m. every day except Monday.
Styrofoam: Atlas Molded Products in Kansas City, Kansas accepts bricks of the type of styrofoam used for packing large appliances. Food-grade styrofoam, such as takeout containers and disposable coffee cups, is not recyclable and should be thrown in the trash. Scrap metal: Some local recycling centers, including those in the city of Kansas City, accept scrap metal. If your local recycling center doesn’t, you may be able to sell or donate it to a scrap yard.
Clothing: Donate used clothing in good condition to Goodwill or your local thrift shop. Unwearable clothing can be sent to some large chain thrift shops for recycling. You can also subscribe to a textile recycling service like Retold Recycling.
Read more at: https://www.kansascity.com/news/your-kcq/article257111352.html#storylink=cpy
