Local “Lend Me a Plate” group seeks volunteers

by Bob Alturas for SOMRA

A few years back, a number of master recyclers came together in a group called Southern Oregon Master Recyclers in Action.

Their mission is simply to promote projects that support the concept of Zero Waste.  One of their first projects is called Lend Me A Plate.

They have filled a small shed at the Ashland Recycle Center with durable plates, cups, glasses, bowls, silverware, bus bins, tablecloths and napkins, all available to be borrowed at no charge for your next fundraiser, graduation, memorial, party, etc.  During the 2019-2020 year, the program loaned out over 50,000 items, which translates to almost 50,000 disposable items kept out of the landfill. 

Since landfills produce almost a fifth of all the methane released to the atmosphere, reducing what we throw in the garbage is more important than ever.  Borrowers have included the City of Ashland, the Ashland Fire Dept, OSF, Science Works, Ashland Food Coop, Jackson County Libraries, Peace House and practically all the public and private school foundations, most of the non profits in our community and hundreds of individuals.  The LMAP program is operated entirely by volunteers.

If you support the concept of a “circular economy” where everything we produce can be reused, repurposed, refilled, repaired, recycled or composted, please consider becoming a Lend Me A Plate volunteer. 

For more information go to SOMRA.org or call 541-535-9055.