Reduce
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Reducing our waste can come in many forms. We might already have something that will meet the need; other times, we may determine we don’t really need the item, such as:
- Opting not to use a straw.
- Declining a bag at check-out after purchasing only a single (few) item(s).
- Avoiding produce bags for fruits and veggies, such as oranges, onions, and avocados.
There are countless opportunities in our daily lives to avoid waste. Small actions can make a big difference. Let’s challenge ourselves to find ways, however small, to reduce our impact.
Refill
Refill to avoid new and single-use packaging—whether it be food, body care, cleaning supplies, or beverages—with containers you already own! Many local stores around the county carry items in bulk and allow you to bring your own container/bag to refill! Reuse old plastic/zip-seal, cloth, and paper bags, or bring in bottles/jars (when allowed).
Find locations on our interactive map for refilling of:
- Food
- Beverages
- Soaps, Cleaning Products/Supplies, and Body Care
Repair
Repair to keep items from going to waste unnecessarily, save money, and reduce demand for new products.
Attend a Repair Fair in Clackamas County. They are free community events were volunteer fixers help repair broken items. Learn more about upcoming Repair Fairs.
There are many repair shops, tailors, cobblers, mechanics, etc. around the region! While we work to compile a list in Clackamas County, visit Portland Repair Finder for regional options.
Visit iFixIt to learn how to fix your stuff with step-by-step videos, purchase quality parts and tools to get the job done, and read or post solutions from the fix-it community.
Share
Share books, seeds, and things with your local community. Clackamas County libraries (and some businesses) help reduce the amount of things you need to own by lending books and more. From shovels to games, kitchenware, karaoke machines and more, you have access to more than you may ever need.
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Libraries in Clackamas County offer books, media, and more!
Libraries of Things provide an opportunity to try out an item before you purchase your own – make sure you enjoy the ukulele before investing in your own. Instead of buying and storing an item year-round for the one or two times you use it a year, check out a bubble machine for your kid’s birthday party, and then return it for someone else to enjoy.
Seed Libraries encourage a culture of sharing and sustainability. By providing good quality, local seeds, seed libraries make growing your own food easy and accessible.
Rental shops to access music, indoor and outdoor tools, a wide variety of equipment, trucks and vans, and more. Fees apply.
Find locations on our interactive map for refilling of:
- Local libraries
- Rental shops (e.g. music, tools, and equipment)
View/download PDF flyers in English & Spanish: