Sustainability & Zero Waste

Clean Water is engaging businesses, local governments, and individual consumers in minimizing the use of single use products with ReThink Disposable, prioritizing responsible agriculture and food systems, supporting zero waste efforts, and moving towards a sustainable economic and environmental future.

ReThink Disposable

ReThink Disposable, a program of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund, aims to stop waste before it starts. We work with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers of single use food packaging to inspire a cultural shift away from the single-use “throwaway” lifestyle.

Related Publications

New Jersey Plastics Policies — Local and Statewide

Clean Water Action's ReThink Disposable program works to eliminate single-use plastic trash and other harmful chemicals. Plastic contains toxic chemicals linked to reproductive harm, cancer risk, metabolic disease, and other issues. We have spearheaded efforts to pass numerous local and statewide policies to protect our health and communities from harm. Learn more in our New Jersey Plastics Policies Fact Sheet:

ReThink Disposable Case Study: Bedford Public Schools

Bedford Public Schools, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, serve approximately 2,500 students across four schools. Thanks to a generous donation from PlasticFreeRestaurants.org, the schools’ polystyrene (foam) lunch trays were traded for Ahimsa stainless steel reusable trays.

ReThink Disposable Case Study | Borough of Red Bank

In 2024, ten New Jersey municipalities passed Skip the Stuff Ordinances, which has restaurants only provide single-use cutlery and condiments upon request for take-out orders. Red Bank’s Green Team, with the help of Clean Water Action, created educational flyers in English and Spanish and provided outreach to businesses and residents.

Annual Report

2023 was marked by relentless challenges to our environment, but we also celebrated remarkable victories in our campaigns to protect clean water, reduce toxic exposures, and promote efforts to tackle the climate crisis.