Talking trash may not seem like a constructive approach to addressing climate change, but, for a New York City-based not-for-profit, it is huge part of the solution. Talk Trash City, is breathing new life into the old mantra, “reuse, reduce, recycle”. The group is employing a fun and creative approach to address one of the city’s biggest climate-related problems: waste management.
Throughout the year, Talk Trash City holds local competitions; inviting presenters to pitch innovative ideas on how to keep New York City clean and reduce the amounts of trash that ends up in landfills.
During the competitions, after hearing pitches from trash innovators, witnessing live commentary from judges, and participating in discussions, audience members get to cast their ballot for the project they think will help reimagine New York City’s trash as resources.
The presenter that best exemplifies an idea that will reduce waste in the city takes home a cash prize to help promote or produce their idea. Talk Trash City is finding environmentally responsible solutions to urban waste management problems while helping ambitious goals become real, sustainable progress.
“Talk Trash City supports innovators looking to solve NYC’s trash issues; reclaiming the value in what we throw away; improving social justice; boosting the economy; and helping to combat climate change,”
said Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli, Co-Founder of Trash Talk City. “We welcome anyone interested in participating in or attending our open pitch competitions.”
While drawing attention to how an abundance of trash contributes to climate change, Talk Trash City’s events create dialogue between industry experts, innovators, and audience members.
“Talk Trash City’s is educating and engaging communities about how trash contributes to climate change in a way that complements OSI’s work to protect land for climate protection,” said Jessica Watson, the director of OSI’s Citizen Action Program.
According to Watson, OSI is providing the group with mentorship and fiscal sponsorship, providing the group official not-for-profit status that allows donations to Talk Trash City to be tax deductible.