Southern Oregon Master Recyclers in Action (SOMRA) is a group of individuals who have completed the eight-week Master Recyclers course offered by the Jackson County Recycling Partnership.
We meet monthly to develop projects and volunteer on issues in our community related to waste reduction and prevention.
We believe achieving Zero Waste requires new approaches to waste management with policies that emphasize waste prevention as opposed to “end of the pipe” waste management. These new approaches require massive changes in the way materials currently flow through society. We’re working to shift the focus from simply recycling to reducing waste at its source.
In addition to implementing the “Lend Me A Plate” (LMAP) project, SOMRA encouraged Recology in Ashland to partner with Klamath Works in Klamath Falls to find a way to divert mattresses from the local landfill. Information about the successful program that was launched in 2022 can be found at https://ashland.news/climate-spotlight-recycle-your-mattress-for-the-environment/.
Other projects we are working on:
-
Bulk purchasing options
-
Reducing food waste
-
Developing Repair Cafes
-
Developing directions on “How To Make Your Event Zero Waste”
-
Conducting waste audits of local organizations and businesses
-
Supporting legislative and other community efforts to reduce waste
-
Teaching the concept of Zero Waste at every educational opportunity
