Samantha Wittchen, the interim executive director of Circular Philadelphia, is on a mission to promote a more sustainable and renewable world through recycling and low-waste solutions.
She emphasizes the importance of building a low-waste, regenerative economy that prioritizes reuse, repair, and recycling rather than resorting to landfilling or incineration.
However, recycling in Philadelphia presents its challenges, particularly amid a recent trash workers’ strike, which has highlighted the city’s waste generation issues.
Wittchen pointed out the increasing necessity for alternative waste management options, stating that nothing brings the reality of daily waste home like a sanitation worker strike.
In response to this pressing need, resourcePhilly has emerged as a solution. The innovative search engine aims to alleviate challenges related to recycling by providing easier access to vital recycling information.
“This tool will help people find alternatives for unwanted items rather than sending them to incinerators or landfills,” shared Wittchen, highlighting the tool’s purpose.
The development of resourcePhilly is a joint effort between Circular Philadelphia and another nonprofit organization, The Resource Exchange, which initially focused on recycling materials from the film industry.
Karyn Gerred, the executive director of The Resource Exchange, has a background in film and theater scenic painting, which exposed her to the enormous waste generated in those industries.
“There were dumpsters full of perfectly usable materials that were being discarded,” Gerred noted.
Over the years, The Resource Exchange evolved from an all-volunteer organization aimed at repurposing entertainment equipment to an accessible public warehouse and store.
One constant in their mission has been providing information about recycling hard-to-recycle items and donation options for Philadelphia residents, according to Wittchen.
For over a decade, the organization maintained a list on its website to offer solutions for donation and recycling outside of what can be placed in blue bins, a much-needed resource for the community.
Recognizing the potential for improvement, both organizations envisioned a more interactive tool, and their partnership made it possible to create resourcePhilly.
The new search engine is designed to enhance user experience and streamline the process of finding recycling options.
Gerred recognized the difficulty of scrolling through extensive lists to locate specific recycling resources and had envisioned a searchable website for almost 20 years.
The site allows users to search by item name or to sort through categories such as “large appliances” and “arts and crafts.”
Whether users are looking to sell, donate, dispose, compost, recycle, or repair items they own or seeking to buy, rent, or borrow options, the platform offers diverse pathways for engagement.
Moreover, it allows users to specify the condition of the items and if delivery or pickup services are available.
Wittchen emphasized the unique prioritization feature of resourcePhilly, designed to direct users to places where their items can be reused or repurposed first.
“If something can still be of use, it will show you options for donation before suggesting recycling or disposal routes,” she explained.
Gerred referred to the new website as a crucial addition to Philadelphia’s current recycling landscape, which has seen struggles despite the city’s environmental initiatives.
With optimism for resourcePhilly’s impact on the recycling community, Wittchen looks forward to potential future collaborations that can further promote sustainability.
Both Wittchen and Gerred stressed that making recycling more accessible is a fundamental goal of Circular Philadelphia.
Wittchen believes resourcePhilly will empower Philadelphians to make informed decisions that result in reduced waste.
“This tool will enable individuals to better understand their options concerning what they do with their possessions, encouraging a shift away from a throwaway culture,” said Wittchen.
She elaborated that discarded waste never truly disappears, making it critical to find new uses for items rather than merely sending them to landfills.
The platform is aimed at engaging individuals across the spectrum of environmental awareness, catering to both seasoned eco-activists and newcomers to sustainable practices.
Wittchen remarked that resourcePhilly serves as an inclusive gateway for everyone interested in participating in a circular economy.
Gerred highlighted the educational aspect of the site, noting many people feel uncertain about how they can adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
“This is a significant step for residents to learn they can make a real difference, preventing waste from entering landfills and incinerators,” she said.
While the achievements of Circular Philadelphia and The Resource Exchange are commendable, Wittchen expressed that additional resources could be harnessed through partnerships with the city.
She observed that in other cities, similar tools are often city-funded, which contrasts with Philadelphia’s focus on other priorities like enhanced trash pickup services.
It took the collaborative efforts of two small nonprofits to secure a grant from a private foundation to bring resourcePhilly to fruition, showcasing the need for a broader support system for sustainability initiatives in the city.
image source from：billypenn
