A million pounds of food waste enters Central Ohio's landfill every single day. Let that sink in. Beyond the environmental impact, this waste represents a staggering economic drain - the average family of four tosses away $2,000 worth of uneaten food annually.

When Joe and Hanna sat down with Sara Gallaugher, SWACO's Food Waste Program Administrator, we knew we needed to address the hidden crisis of wasted food but what you'll find in this conversation is a remarkable opportunity, too. Local restaurants like Bud Dairy Food Hall, Kittie's Cakes, and Joya's have joined our Food Waste Champion program with stunning results - diverting 20,000 pounds of food waste from landfills in just six months through simple but effective composting practices.

The beauty of this initiative lies in its accessibility. SWACO provides comprehensive support including free containers, signage, education, and covers six months of hauling costs for businesses ready to take the leap. Sara emphasizes that solutions aren't one-size-fits-all - whether it's a food hall managing ten chef partners or a neighborhood bakery - successful food waste diversion can be customized to fit any operation.

This episode doesn't stop at restaurants though. We explore practical strategies for homes (shop your fridge first!), schools (set up smart cafeteria systems), and businesses (host zero-waste events). The goal isn't perfection, as progress can start small: with simple changes like properly dating leftovers and freezing foods before they spoil. Ready to join the movement? Visit SaveMoreThanFood.org for resources and connect with SWACO to learn how you can turn your food waste into opportunity.

Sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it's good for our economy too. Step into the world of Central Ohio's circular economy champions who prove that small changes create meaningful impact for both our environment and community.

Meet Sam White, founder of Rewash Refillery, whose pandemic pivot transformed an LA-inspired mobile refill concept into a thriving brick-and-mortar business in Clintonville. Sam shares how customers bring their own containers to refill with concentrates like shampoo, conditioner, and cleaning products—dramatically reducing single-use plastic while supporting local sustainable brands. Her arts and crafts swap event exemplifies the joy of reuse, where treasure-hunters excitedly found the perfect blue buttons or yarn they needed without buying new.

Then discover Goodwill Columbus beyond the thrift store with Marketing Director Simone Attles. This 85-year community institution employs 1,200 people across thrift operations, business services, and programs supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Follow the fascinating journey of donated items—from color-coded tagging through five weeks on the sales floor to their Second Chance Outlet where artists and designers buy by the pound.

The economic impact of sustainability is staggering: Central Ohio's recycling and reuse industries employ thousands across nearly 400 businesses, generating a billion dollars in regional revenue. SWACO's new 'Choose to Reuse' initiative highlights this powerful connection between environmental and economic sustainability.

Hanna, Joe and both of our guests emphasize starting small with sustainability efforts. As Sam notes, "One change is one change and that's tangible." Use what you have, make gradual shifts, and remember sustainability isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Visit SWACO.org to learn more about Choose to Reuse and connect with us on social media to suggest future podcast topics.

Tackling that overflowing garage or cluttered attic this season? Before you start filling trash bags, SWACO's latest podcast episode delivers an eye-opening guide to spring cleaning the right way. Executive Director Joe Lombardi and Communications Director Hanna Greer-Brown welcome Education Specialist Kim Chapman and Outreach Administrator Amy Densborn to share lesser-known disposal options that keep valuable materials out of our landfill.

What's truly astonishing? Our research reveals that 76% of materials arriving at the landfill could have been recycled, reused, or composted. This podcast dives deep into solutions that make proper disposal convenient while supporting environmental sustainability. Learn about SWACO's two specialized facilities: the Household Hazardous Waste site near the fairgrounds and the newer Recycling Convenience Center that accepts hard-to-recycle items like electronics, appliances, and even food waste.

The conversation covers practical advice on safely disposing of batteries, motor oil, and grass clippings, along with creative disposal solutions you might never have considered. Did you know your donated latex paint helps rebuild communities after natural disasters? Or that shredded paper makes excellent compost material? From separating lithium-ion batteries to finding new homes for gently used textiles, these small actions make an enormous impact.

Beyond disposal tips, discover SWACO's educational opportunities including public landfill tours (next one May 31st) and upcoming community events throughout spring. Our experts emphasize looking beyond kitchen recycling to capture items from every room in your home. Ready to transform your spring cleaning from wasteful to wonderful? Visit RecycleRight.org for location-specific guidance on where to take those tricky materials, or attend one of SWACO's many spring events to learn more in person.