Emerging program supports living green
by Kristan Dael
50plus Magazine
Tina Carlone of Portland has always been concerned about the planet and the amount of waste created in our culture.
“I’ve always tried really hard to recycle and repurpose things,” she says, adding that plastic has always been
a challenge.
“I try to find ways to give things longer lives,” Tina says, “and I just heard about Ridwell.”
Based in Seattle, Ridwell began servicing the Portland area December 2020. The service provides subscribers with bins and bags to fill with items not accepted by curbside recycling services. The company picks up every other week, delivering the goods to partner organizations that reuse, repurpose and recycle, keeping waste out of landfills.
Items accepted fall into four categories: thin plastics such as newspaper and produce bags, bubble wrap, air pillows and plastic envelopes, clothing, shoes, small batteries, lightbulbs and textiles.
“Yes, it’s another monthly fee,” says Tina, “but it’s super worth it to not throw things away.”
Upon discovering Ridwell, Tina says, “They seemed to know what they were doing, and I was able to see what happens to the items they collect.”
“What I didn’t know when I joined was, they have bi-monthly categories. They just picked up kids’ clothing and toys.”
Other special categories include pet food, supplies and toys and electronics items such as power cords. “Things we all have everywhere in our houses,” says Tina. “If you have a source of repurposing, reusing and recycling, it helps make things a little bit better.”
Some weeks Tina, her husband and two children have a large load to be picked up while other weeks are light. Either way, “It just feels good to contribute,” she says. Occasionally when the load is light, a friend or family will add items.
“For individuals to recycle is a small thing,” Tina admits. “It’s really the big businesses that can make a substantial impact.” Still, she says, participating just feels like doing the right thing, and that feels good.
“I love it. It’s great. It’s just the right way to be.”
Learn more at ridwell.com.