Take Action: Help stop the shopping waste cycle

Here is your chance to let Amazon know that we are tired of there plastic packaging! The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) is gathering signatures to let them know we want Amazon to pick a date to stop its plastic packaging. While they have made some commitments to sustainability it's not enough. Use the link below to tell Amazon to turn off the tap on plastic!

Sign Here

Recycle: Wild Lights for Wildlife

The Milwaukee County Zoo invites everyone to recycle old or unused light strands and cables. Bring your lights to the Zoo during open hours now through Sunday, January 5th. Zoo guests can place lights in the yellow collection bin in the US Bank Gathering Place, or lights can be left with staff at the main Zoo entrance gates. Why Recycle Lights? Recycling lights keeps them out of landfills and less space for landfills means more space for wildlife!

Wild Lights 

Listen: Plastic Free MKE on The Indisposable Podcast

Earlier this year, we were a recipient of Upstream's Reusies Award for 2024 Community of the Year. One of our rewards was to be featured on their podcast, The Indisposable Podcast! Hear from Leah Holloway (Milwaukee Riverkeeper) and Meenal Atre (Urban Ecology Center) discuss all things Plastic-Free MKE, the importance of community building, and what we have accomplished here in Milwaukee!

Listen Here

UN Plastics Treaty Talks in Busan (INC-5) End With No Agreement, But Plan For INC-5.2

"...progress at INC-5 was obstructed by fossil fuel and plastics industry influence, compounded by the exclusion of rightsholders disproportionately impacted by plastic pollution."

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Microplastics are in many of your body’s organs and tissues. Why they’re so bad and what you can do to stay healthier

"Microplastics and nanoplastics — incredibly tiny bits of plastic that break off and shed from larger products — have made their way into many of the tissues of our bodies..."

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Reduce, Reuse And Recycle Waste This Holiday Season

"...'there are some basic tips people can use to make tackling holiday waste less overwhelming. Knowing the right thing to do with things like batteries and light strings can prevent damage to recycling facilities and keep workers safe.'"

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New report exposes retailers’ failure to protect consumers from toxic chemicals and plastics

"The 2024 Retailer Report Card finds that the average grade for retailers is a D+, with 17 retailers earning failing F grades, placing them in the report’s Toxic Hall of Shame."

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Crafty Cow

Crafty Cow has been a prominent food destination since it opened its doors in Oconomowoc in 2014. Since then, Crafty Cow owner, Devin Eichler, has opened two additional locations in Wauwatosa and Milwaukee curating a delicious, savory menu rooted in fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and locally sourced produce. Not only is Crafty Cow unique, award-winning, and delicious but it’s also focused on sustainability. Devin committed Crafty Cow to our Lake Friendly guidelines and was verified in 2022. Crafty Cow has made many eco-friendly choices, using all compostable and recyclable containers and bags to help reduce plastic pollution in addition to using all reusable tableware for guests dining in. This year, Devin supported Plastic-Free MKE by joining a panel on plastic and sharing his experience as a Lake Friendly business owner. Learn more about Crafty Cow and discover their award-winning chicken sandwiches and burgers at craftycowwi.com.