Perspectives: Local Resources for Lower-Waste Family Living

As a mom of a toddler, I am keenly aware of the waste even a small family produces. Although books such as Bea Johnson’s Zero-Waste Home and Stephanie Marie Seferian’s Sustainable Minimalism offer great practical guidance on sustainable living, they’re written for a pretty broad audience, so I looked into some local resources that would help us reduce our household waste.

One of my favorite resources for free household items and kids’ gear is the Swap Shop at Acton’s Transfer Station & Recycling Center. This community treasure trove has provided us with everything from a ride-on suitcase to Razor scooters and Lincoln Logs. Not only have we found useful items, but also, we’ve been able to donate toys and gear that my son has outgrown, helping to declutter our home while giving these items a second life.

When it comes to clothing, especially for babies and toddlers who outgrow their clothes so quickly, I’ve encountered a challenge finding local children’s consignment shops. Although there aren’t any permanent shops in our area, I’ve turned to online resources like ThredUp.com for second-hand children’s clothing. In addition, the Acton-Boxborough Family Network hosts two children’s clothing swaps each year, providing another opportunity to exchange clothes and support other families in the community.

In addition, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and Acton-Boxborough United Way operate the Acton-Boxborough Resource Center, which accepts donations and provides free clothing, personal care products, and student gear and supplies for families in need.

I’ve discovered a few women’s clothing consignment boutiques nearby, such as Raspberry Beret in Maynard, Reflections in West Concord, and Options in Littleton. The first two are conveniently accessible via local rail trails, making them a great option for sustainable shopping. For refilling everyday household products, Debra’s Natural Gourmet in West Concord has been an amazing find. There, we can refill essentials like cleaning supplies and personal care items, cutting down on single-use plastics. Similarly, the Assabet Co-op Market offers a variety of refillable spices and staples, which also helps us minimize packaging waste.

Incorporating these local resources into our routine has helped reduce our waste production, but we still have more that we can do. What resources have you encountered that have helped you in your journey to reduce waste? Share your ideas via “Comment on this post,” below.