The Unwaste Shop

10/28/2026

One Easy Swap: Bamboo Toothbrush

One of the simplest sustainable swaps is replacing your plastic toothbrush with a bamboo one. It works just like the toothbrush you’re used to, but with a plastic-free handle.

Already have a plastic toothbrush? Don’t toss it.
Bring your used toothbrushes and other oral care waste to our West Loop location, and we’ll recycle them through our TerraCycle collection program.

10/25/2026

Kate ✂️artist and teacher 🌸 is so kind and decorated the Beverly location with ghosts and pumpkins made from second hand and upcycled materials.

As you think about holiday decor this season think about how you can upcycle and make your own decor!

What's something you'd like to DIY for the holiday season?

Check out Kate's workshop schedule, she does really amazing botanical art classes!

10/23/2026

Before you buy new shipping supplies in Chicago, check out EcoShip!

Wondering what that green box at The Unwaste Shop is for? 💚

We’re a collection site for EcoShip, a nonprofit that gives gently used shipping materials a second life by redistributing them to individuals and businesses.

But their Avondale headquarters takes reuse to another level!

🚚Shop affordable boxes, bubble wrap, moving supplies, reusable gel ice packs, and more. Many items are FREE, and others cost just cents

🎁Get ready for the holidays with new and gently used gift wrap, gift bags, ribbon, and gift tags.

📦 Need to ship a package? Pack it up at their Packies Packing Station and send it right from EcoShip!

♻️They also collect select items for Reduce Waste Chicago, including egg cartons, Brita filters, plastic bread tags, and empty toothpaste tubes.

📍EcoShip | 3248 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago

Can’t make it to Avondale? Drop off accepted shipping materials at a collection site, including The Unwaste Shop!

💚 You can also support EcoShip by grabbing a donation card at our register for a suggested $2 donation or rounding up your purchase or use the donation link in our bio.

Save this Reel for your next shipping run or holiday gift-wrapping session, and share it with a Chicago friend who loves a good reuse find!

10/21/2026

Next week! We still have a few more spots available at the Beverly Fall Floral Arrangement class! October 29th from 6-8pm!

Join Maru l Flower Cultivation l Floral Design for a hands-on floral design workshop. At the end of the evening, you'll take home your custom floral arrangement, along with the skills and inspiration to continue designing floral art at home throughout the holidays.

$85 per person, includes all florals, materials and expertise!

Get tickets at the events page in our bio!

10/20/2026

10/17/2026

You already know we love supporting local. These two organizations are some of our favorites and their fresh and dried blooms are just breathtaking!

Maru l Flower Cultivation l Floral Design has dried bouquets for sale in West Loop (and we've got workshops coming up you absolutely sign up for!)

Edna White Community Garden has gorgeous dahlias lighting up the Beverly space today. They won't last long!
We have honey and berry pots too available and 100% of proceeds go to support the garden!

10/16/2026

We are running low on bags and could use your help!

Drop off your reusable totes or brown paper bags off to either location and we will reuse them at check out!

Please make sure they're clean, don't have personal items, and don't have holes or tears :)

We take these donations year round, but both stores are low right now.

Thanks, friends!

10/13/2026

Great news! The polystyrene foam procurement ordinance has passed out of the City Council's Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy and is now headed to the full Chicago City Council for a final vote tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14, at 10:00 a.m.

Chicago Coalition for Plastic Reduction needs your help to get it across the finish line! We are calling on all Chicago residents to contact their alderperson TODAY and urge them to vote YES on the ordinance.

The ordinance is an important step toward reducing unnecessary plastic waste by changing how the City of Chicago purchases disposable foodware. If approved, beginning January 1, 2027, the ordinance would prohibit City departments from purchasing disposable food service containers made of polystyrene foam.

How You Can Help
Find your alderperson: Chicago Ward Lookup
Call or email their office today and ask them to vote YES at Wednesday's City Council meeting.

Spread the word! Encourage friends, neighbors, and other Chicago residents to contact their alderpeople as well.

Suggested Message to Your Alderperson
My name is [Name], and I am a resident of the [Ward Number] Ward. I am writing to urge you to vote YES on the polystyrene foam procurement ban at the October 14 City Council meeting. Plastic pollution harms our waterways, communities, public health, and environment. By eliminating polystyrene foam from City purchases and establishing stronger standards for disposable foodware, Chicago can take a meaningful step toward reducing plastic waste before it is created. I encourage you to support this ordinance and help Chicago lead by example in reducing unnecessary single-use plastics. Thank you for your consideration!

The vote is tomorrow, so please take a few minutes to reach out today!

Send a message to learn more

10/09/2026

✨We are SO excited about this workshop. ✨

In this workshop, we will explore the rich tradition and basics of natural incense-making, using all natural aromatic ingredients such as tree resins, wood barks and select botanicals. Following a guided recipe structure, we will craft unique incense cones with space for guests to riff and explore.

All making, learning and writing materials are provided. Guests should expect to make about 2-3 batches of incense cones (~12-25 depending on the size). A take-home drying box will be provided at the end of the workshop.

Join us next week at our Beverly location!

09/23/2026

Mark your calendars and gather your puzzles! This weekend we're partnering with our West Loop neighbors Ann Kienzle for an awesome community puzzle swap!

Come on by from 11am-2pm this Saturday!