The Unwaste Shop

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!

09/21/2026

This Saturday! We have two amazing artists in-store! We can't wait to see all the art this weekend.

Start planning your Beverly Art Walk Day!

09/10/2026

We have so many events coming up!

>>Check out the list of what we have coming up for both our Beverly and West Loop locations!

That's right West Loopers, we have fall and winter workshops scheduled for you! We know you've been missing them!

Check out the link in our bio for all the events we have coming up!

So much to learn, so little time! We hope you come hang out with us and learn some new skills 💚

09/04/2026

As we soak up the last big holiday weekend of summer, be sure to review our weekend schedule! Both locations closed on Sunday for the holiday. Standard hours and closures otherwise!

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend, friends!

08/08/2026

Long week? Go get refreshed and refilled at your favorite local refill shop. Opal rates it a 5-star experience every time!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

08/06/2026

Let's talk about Earth Overshoot Day: the point in the year when humanity has used more natural resources than the Earth can regenerate in one year.

This happened last week. We're only halfway through the year.

That can feel overwhelming, but this isn't about guilt or anxiety. It’s about awareness.

None of us can fix everything on our own, but each of us can make choices that move us all in the right direction. Small choices, big impact.

Refilling instead of rebuying, repairing instead of replacing, reducing waste where we can, and supporting businesses that are trying to do things differently.

At The Unwaste Shop, we get to see those choices happen every day, and it’s a reminder that meaningful change starts with ordinary people making intentional decisions.

What sustainable swap has become a permanent part of your routine?

We’d love to hear it. 💚⬇️