That drawer full of dead batteries has somewhere to go. So do the worn-out jeans, the broken toaster and the half bag of spinach wilting in the fridge.
Bellevue Utilities is running seven free Greener Living classes this fall. Each one lasts an hour. Each one focuses on small, budget-friendly changes at home. Some are in person at local libraries and community centers. Others are on Zoom.
For birders, the connection is simple. Less waste means less trash in streams and on shorelines. Fewer harsh chemicals under the sink means fewer washing into Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington, where herons, grebes and bald eagles feed.
Several classes send participants home with something. The Castile Soap class includes a sample bottle and recipes. Dare to Repair includes a repair device and materials. Mason Jar Magic ends with a jar to keep.
The fall lineup
Castile Soap 101 – Sunday, Oct. 4, 1–2 p.m., Bellevue Library. Uses for plant-based soap in cleaning and personal care.
Dare to Repair – Wednesday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.–noon, North Bellevue Community Center. Simple fixes and local repair resources.
How to Get Rid of Anything (Almost) – Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6–7 p.m., Zoom. Where batteries, textiles, electronics and other hard-to-toss items belong.
Mason Jar Magic – Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6–7 p.m., Lake Hills Library. Ways to use jars to cut waste.
Make Safer Products to Keep or Gift – Thursday, Nov. 12, 6–7 p.m., Zoom. Do-it-yourself cleaning and body products from household ingredients.
Reduce Wasted Food: Holiday Edition – Monday, Nov. 16, 6–7 p.m., Zoom. Shopping and storage tips, plus recipes for scraps that usually get thrown out.
Craft and Learn: Waste-Free Gift Giving – Tuesday, Nov. 24, 6–7 p.m., Newport Way Library. A hands-on upcycling workshop. Participants keep what they make.
How to sign up
All classes are free, but space is limited and registration is first come, first served. Sign up by 5 p.m. the day before the class at bellevuewa.gov/greenerlivingclasses. All ages are welcome, but children must come with an adult.
Questions? Email recycle@bellevuewa.gov or call 206-949-1787.