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  2. Research

Conducting research to help craft compelling and sound zero waste policy

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

Our independent research and analysis leads to evidence-based policy.

We conduct research to identify and document urgent problems of waste reduction, waste management, and product toxicity problems. For example, recently, we assessed the state of composting in Washington, interviewing experts and crunching the numbers. We develop raw research into published informational materials, such as concrete recommendations and maps, therefore giving us tools and evidence to pass strong zero waste policy. This research leads to legislation and informational materials and guides we publish to help policy decision-making process. 

INITIATIVES

Our Research Initiatives

All our research initiatives are geared toward making policy designed to make a real impact. Here are some of our past and current research initiatives.

Study Toxic Chemicals in Products

Unfortunately, many consumer products contain toxic chemicals. Research finds that food packaging alone has around 4,000 industrial chemicals in it, at least 148 of which are highly hazardous. We want to know what these chemicals do to the health of people and the planet. To investigate, we do studies to test the products for chemicals such as PFAs and phthalates. We use this research to advocate for toxics reduction policy changes at the state level. Read our publications on the Resources page.

Assess “State Of” for Recycling, Composting, and Waste Management

Knowing the state of Washington’s recycling, composting, and waste management system is an important baseline to understand what improvements need to be made, why they need to be improved, and how we can do it. We researched and compiled data on the recycling, composting, and garbage programs in all cities and counties in Washington to assess their status. This led to legislative bills targeting problems we identified, such as the major gaps in access to curbside recycling. Read more about our “state of” reports on the Resources page .

Determine Impact of our Repair Economy

Our Repair Economy Washington program provides statewide community education and increases access to repair across Washington State by supporting the entire ecosystem of repair, from repair businesses to free community repair events. As a part of our work with the movement, we assessed our state’s repair economy sector to show its real-world positive environmental, social, and economic impact. Read more or our Repair Economy publications on the Resources page.

Conduct Litter Assessments

According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, each year over 12 million pounds of litter is tossed and blown onto roadways and 6 million pounds ends up in parks and recreation areas, including waterways. To learn more about those predominant waste materials—often plastic—and where they come from, we support litter clean-up events with community partners. At these events we gather data about litter which helps us enact targeted policies such as bag bans. Sign up for our newsletter to learn about future  litter clean-up volunteer opportunities and check out our past litter studies at the Resources page.

Want to find out more about our legislative work?

During each legislative session, we work to support strong zero waste policy in partnership with other organizations and agencies. During each session we rely on these partnerships as well as voices of the concerned public who contact their legislators. Check out our legislative work page for up-to-date information on what we’re working on, what we’ve done in the past, and how you can support strong zero waste legislation.

Join our Email List

To stay up-to-date on current legislation, news about Washington State’s zero waste movement, and information on how to get involved in our work, sign up for our email list today.

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