If this is your first move to Chittenden County, welcome to town! If you’re returning after a summer (or longer)…welcome home.

Vermont is a special place. It’s the birthplace of many very cool things, including Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Burton Snowboards, ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center, to name only a few (a drop in the bucket). Here you’ll find the best maple syrup in the world, some inspiring local restaurants, and more microbrews per capita than any other state. But ultimately it’s not things that make Vermont unique – it’s the people. Being a Vermonter is an attitude. Among other things, it’s supporting your neighbors, taking care of our lakes & rivers, and being a steward of all of the resources that we enjoy in our great state.

Here are 7 tips to help you dive into the local scene head-first—while reducing your “landfill footprint.”

So grab your friends for a mini road trip, hop on your bike, or head out on foot—and get exploring!

1. CHECK OUT BURLINGTON’S COOL REUSE STORES TO DECORATE/FURNISH YOUR NEW DIGS

   Around here, living the high life doesn’t necessarily mean buying brand new. Often, snagging a great deal on the perfect recliner at a reuse shop, scoring a set of silverware at a CSWD ReUse Zone, or picking up an eclectic print from an antique store can be a thrill. And if you’re into DIY, check out the ReSource Building Materials Store on Pine Street (next to the CSWD Burlington Drop-Off Center). They’ve got a wide selection of old barn boards, miscellaneous hardware, local recycled paint, and plenty of other stuff to keep your creative building juices flowing.

2. FIND OUT WHAT DAY YOUR RECYCLING IS COLLECTED

   If your apartment or house is in Burlington, check out this pickup schedule from the Department of Public Works, or ask your landlord for details. If you don’t have recycling pickup, there are 7 CSWD Drop-Off Centers around Chittenden County, where you can bring your blue bin recyclables for free.

3. LEARN WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED IN YOUR BLUE BIN—AND WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED OUTSIDE OF IT!

   Print out a flyer and post it on your fridge. We can even mail you some stickers or posters to put up in common spaces or at events—just ask! Note that blue bin recyclables in Chittenden County may be different from what you recycled in your hometown. But just because it doesn’t go in your blue bin, doesn’t mean it can’t be recycled! Many things you might consider “trash” actually have more life in them.Check out this poster! CSWD works with lots of partners to recycle items that don’t go in your blue bin, like appliances and electronics. Just bring them to any CSWD Drop-Off Center! (Fees may apply.) Other things, like plastic bags, can be recycled for free at many local grocery stores or big box retailers.

4. CONSIDER DROPPING OFF YOUR FOOD SCRAPS AT A CSWD DROP-OFF CENTER

   It’s free! PLUS we’ll give you a free kitchen pail, a drop-off bucket, and all the info you need to get started. You could also ask your landlord if he or she contracts for food scrap collection. If you prefer to create compost in your own backyard, we can help! Green Mountain Compost sells a backyard compost bin and a food scrap digester to manage your food scraps and/or yard waste at your home (though check with your landlord first!).

5. BUY “LIKE NEW” THREADS FROM AREA THRIFT STORES

   You’re probably familiar with Goodwill (with locations in South Burlington & Williston) and The Salvation Army—both great spots for uncovering some pretty sweet deals. Another popular spot is Plato’s Closet in Williston, where you can pick up the latest pair of jeans AND sell your gently used clothes back to them. There are plenty more –check out the list here! Got a favorite? Let us know.

6. SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

   It’s better for the Vermont economy, and it’s always delicious. And since they require less shipping, local products often mean less packaging—which means less to recycle or throw away when you get home!

7. BUY REUSABLE

   Recycling is great, but reusing is better! Think about all the resources you use and throw away in a day, and pick up reusable options you can carry instead! Most grocery stores sell rugged shopping bags that won’t break on the walk or bike ride home – and other things like coffee mugs, lunch boxes, water bottles, washable food containers, etc. go a long way to reducing unnecessary waste.

MARGE KEOUGH

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR AT CSWD

Marge has been part of the CSWD Waste Reduction team since 1998, finding ways to share her love of conserving resources with the greater community in Chittenden County. Marge tries her best to abide by the Yankee ethic of “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”