The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
— Robert Swan
350 Petaluma: Zero Waste Action Group
We are a group of concerned residents who are committed to making a difference in our community. Working under the auspices of 350 Petaluma, our action group is specifically focused on zero waste. We are also an affiliate of Beyond Plastics, a national organization.
Our mission is to educate and engage the community to reduce consumption and waste, share resources, and advocate for zero waste policies that will help our city reach its climate goals and create a healthier world.
Read on to learn about upcoming events and how you can join this group or support our efforts.
Upcoming Events
Whether you have a little time or a lot, JOIN US! Our new zero waste action group is hosting educational events and promoting actions you can take to reduce consumption and waste at home and in the community. To volunteer or subscribe to our newsletter, scroll to the bottom of this page. Here is a list of upcoming events you can participate in or help support:
Cool Petaluma Expo
Location: Lucchesi Park
320 N. McDowell Blvd.
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 5pm-8pm
Look for 350 Petaluma’s zero waste table where we’ll highlight ways you can take steps to reduce waste – whether by preserving or sharing food, repurposing products, or buying fewer packaged goods. Meet our team and get involved!
Plastic Packaging Take-Back Event
Location: Trader Joe’s
169 N. McDowell Blvd.
Date: Sunday, July 30
Time: 11 am
You may be taking some great steps to reduce your personal use of plastic, and we congratulate you for that. But food retailers must do so much more to curb their reliance on single-use plastic.
During North Bay Zero Waste Week, we’re taking this message to Trader Joe’s by taking back our plastic packaging. Although the store has made some progress in reducing its use of plastic, it could do so much more. We are asking the store to:
Sell most fruits and vegetables without clamshells, bags, wrappers, and trays.
Offer dry goods in bulk.
Allow customers to fill reusable containers with personal care items sold in bulk.
Switch store brand products to cardboard, paper, glass, or aluminum packaging if bulk sales are not possible.
Here’s how you can help:
Collect used plastic packaging from products you buy at Trader Joe’s. START NOW.
Bring your collection of plastic to the store on Sunday, July 30, at 11 am. Look for our information table outside, where we will peacefully gather.
Sign our letter to the CEO of Trader Joe’s.
Spread the word! The greater the participation, the larger the visual impact and the stronger the message.
RSVP or send an email to annie@350Petaluma.org.
Produce & Pantry Food Share
Location: Petaluma Library
100 Fairgrounds Drive
3rd Saturday of the month, July - October
10 am to noon
Co-sponsored by the Petaluma Regional Library
Wanted! Your surplus homegrown produce or unexpired pantry goods to share. Help eliminate food waste and support our community. Feel free to trade for items you don’t have or simply take what you will eat.
We’ll be at the library on the third Saturday of the month from July through October. If you can, drop off your food by 10 am. However, we will accept your donations any time before noon since we will donate any leftovers to local food recovery organizations.
Learn More
Want to learn more about how to reduce consumption and waste? We have so many great resources, right here in Petaluma and Sonoma County. To begin, go to our Climate Action Checklist and then check out the resources below:
Recology Sonoma Marin: Sorting Guides & Resources
Cool Petaluma Action Plans: Rethink Consumption
Join us
Join our monthly committee meeting and take direct action to create a positive impact on our community.
Write letters to the editor or governmental bodies.
Speak at City and County meetings.
Share information through social media.
Let us know about local climate issues we can promote.
Attend 350 Petaluma meetings and give input.