Volunteers wanted for upcoming Zero Waste events!

[tina Lieberman]

Happy Summer Zero Wasters 🌻

Zero Waste Capital District has several upcoming events where we'll need volunteers to help with our information tent and collecting food scraps for composting.  At Jazz Fest, we'll also be helping collect 5 cent redemption cans.

The can collection at Jazz Fest is new!  It's a result of our working with the City of Albany's Office of Cultural Affairs to switch from single-use plastic cups to a more environmentally-friendly alternative at their beer garden.  We are invited to collect the cans and use the redemption funds for our composting and other projects.

We need your help!  Please consider giving a couple of hours of your time at any of the events below.  We particularly need extra help at Jazz Fest and a lead tent organizer for VegFest.  Sign up to help on this spreadsheet. Thank you!!

• Sat August 23 from 11 am to 2 pm: The Sheridan Ave Annual Block Party.  Enjoy good eats while helping us with food scraps collection and the Zero Waste information booth.  The party is at 160 Sheridan Ave (in front of the New Jerusalem Church)

• Saturday Sept 6 from 12-8 pm: Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival.  We will be at Jennings Landing Park in Albany along the river helping collect food scraps and cans, and giving out information at our green tent.  Great music & great people.  Fireworks afterwards at 8 pm.

• Saturday Sept 27 from 11 am to 3 pm: Colonie Harvest Festival.  At The Crossings Park in Colonie. We operate a seasonal food scraps drop off site and give out information.  We are hoping to start a year round community drop off site at a neighborhood church this year.

• Sunday Oct 5 from 11 am to 4 pm: VegFest at the Albany Capital Center.  We provide information and help collect food scraps.  Great vegan food for sale!

• Sat. Oct 25 from 2-6 pm. Helping out at the Trick or Trot 5k Race.  In Washington Park, Albany.  We give out cups of water during the race so we can help the City avoid single use water bottles.  After the race we collect the peels from bananas and other fruit provided to the runners for composting.

Other news:

-Our next Zero Waste Capital District regular meeting will be on Monday August 25 at 6:30 pm via Zoom.  Here's the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83229385629?pwd=WxOGTYJWbW3EfInQrQOdJB0iL5kE8u.1

New Zero Waste T-Shirts and Tanks for Sale: We were able to purchase new sage green Zero Waste Capital District T-Shirts (all sizes) and black tank tops (L & XL).  You can purchase them for $25 on our website under the "Support" tab:   https://www.zerowastecd.org/support

-"Beyond Plastic Pollution" Class with Judith Enck.  Judith Enck, President and Founder of Beyond Plastics, is offering her super popular "Beyond Plastic Pollution' class again this semester via Zoom.  Over 1000 people have participated.  The class starts Wed evening Sept 3 and concludes Oct 15.    Register using this link or by going to  BeyondPlastics.org. The class uses a mix of lectures, guest speakers, films and readings to help you delve into every aspect of the plastic pollution crisis, its causes and its solutions.  Open to anyone, anywhere.  Cost is $100 to audit, $400 for college credit. 

Happy Composting!

Tina Lieberman

Chair, Zero Waste Capital District

Member, City of Albany Sustainability Commission