Circular Economy
The way we buy, use, and dispose of materials has impacts beyond the trash or recycling bin. Every time something is thrown away, we end the life cycle of the natural resources and energy used to create that product, whether those are trees, oil, water, metal, or construction debris, resulting in the release of embodied carbon. By transforming how we consume products and manage waste we can reduce emissions, save families money, keep our environment clean, and empower our local economy
BY THE NUMBERS
Our economy is largely based on using finite resources in a linear process. We use—then dispose of—materials that ultimately pollute our environment and account for 7% of Yarmouth’s total emissions. We acknowledge that the 2019 emissions baseline does not include the upstream impacts of waste: emissions created when products are made, transported, and stored18. To tackle these emissions, we can transform our “throw away” culture and change consumption habits, keep products such as clothing, furniture, packaging, building parts, and household products in use for longer, and foster economic innovation that doesn’t depend on the consumption of limited resources.
To effectively respond to the urgency of the climate crisis, Yarmouth must move beyond a primary emphasis on recycling to place even greater emphasis on reducing and reusing all materials. If we move quickly to create an effective circular economy, we will reduce direct emissions from town waste and also minimize emissions from the lifecycle of everyday items we use.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
In 2022, Yarmouth high school student Maya Faulstich recognized the need to help reduce waste generated at events. She founded the Yarmouth High School Environmental Action Club’s ‘Dishes on Demand’ program which provides reusable plates, cups, and utensils for school and community events and dinners. The program earned a finalist award in National Geographic’s Global Slingshot Challenge and has prevented nearly 5,000 plates, cups, and utensils from being thrown away over one year.
RECENT PROGRESS
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The Town added dropoff bins for donating clothing and shoes
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In 2023 Town implemented a Pay As You Throw Program to incentivize reducing waste
Be part of the solution.
Recycle your old clothes, shoes for a new life at Transfer Station. See accepted items.