The Plastic Problem
Turning the Tide on Plastic Waste: Why We’re Committed to Waste Diversion
This past month I spent traveling through Bolivia for two weeks and it was an unforgettable experience — breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and incredible people. But amidst all the beauty, I couldn’t help noticing something that weighed heavily on me: plastic waste. From busy city streets to remote rural areas, I saw plastic bags caught in tree limbs, bottles clogging gutters, plastic piled high in burn pits and trash lining riverbanks and roadsides. It was a stark reminder that plastic pollution is a global issue, one that crosses borders, cultures, and ecosystems.
It made me think even more deeply about the urgency of what we’re working toward here at home.
A Global Problem, A Local Responsibility
Plastic waste has become one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. Every year, more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally, and shockingly, less than 10% of it is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerators, or worse — polluting our oceans, landscapes, and communities.
In the United States alone, we generate more plastic waste per capita than any other country. According to a 2020 report, the U.S. produces about 42 million metric tons of plastic waste each year — that’s nearly 287 pounds per person. Despite efforts to increase recycling rates, the majority of our plastic still ends up in landfills, often after being used just once.
These numbers are staggering, but they also serve as a wake-up call.
Why Waste Diversion Matters
At its core, waste diversion is about keeping materials out of landfills and giving them a second (or third) life through reuse, recycling, or repurposing. It’s not just about cleaning up — it’s about rethinking how we consume and what we throw away.
That’s where we come in.
Our Role in Reducing Waste
At Berryfine Goods, we believe that beautiful, functional, and meaningful items shouldn’t be destined for the dump. That’s why we’ve built our mission around circular living — helping people downsize, declutter, and redistribute their belongings in ways that benefit both the planet and the community.
Our newly launched local furniture sales section is one example of how we’re putting waste diversion into action. Instead of letting well-made, quality furniture end up at the curb, we work with consignment clients across Northern Virginia to find new homes for vintage, antique, and contemporary pieces. Not only does this reduce waste — it also preserves craftsmanship, honors history, and supports more sustainable choices in interior design.
But our efforts don’t stop at furniture.
We actively:
Divert usable materials from landfills by partnering with artists, educators, and nonprofits.
Incorporate salvaged items into creative projects and installations that tell a story and inspire others to reuse.
Educate communities on how to responsibly part with belongings, whether through donation, resale, or artistic transformation.
Support local giving by facilitating item redistribution to families and individuals in need.
Every chair, table, lamp, or art supply that’s given a new life is one less item contributing to our global waste crisis.
Small Shifts, Big Impact
We know that solving the plastic problem — or any waste issue — isn’t about one solution. It’s about millions of small, meaningful changes that add up over time. Buying secondhand. Donating instead of dumping. Saying no to single-use plastic. Supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability.
When we talk about plastic waste, we’re also talking about consumer habits and the systems that support throwaway culture. The U.S. has the capacity to lead the world in waste reduction — not just by producing less, but by thinking differently about what we already have.
We’re proud to be a small part of that movement.
Join Us in the Effort
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your environmental impact, consider supporting your local circular economy. Whether you’re shopping for pre-loved furniture, passing along family treasures, or simply rethinking what “waste” means — you’re helping to create a more sustainable future.
Let’s shift from a mindset of disposal to one of rediscovery.
Because when we give things a second chance, we also give the planet one.
Ready to shop sustainably?
Check out our NEW Northern Virginia furniture listings and follow us on social media for more updates on waste diversion, creative reuse, and conscious living.
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