The best sustainability resources and groups in Shanghai

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Since the introduction of the city's compulsory rubbish-sorting policy last year, ‘What kind of rubbish are you?’ has become a question we mutter to ourselves daily. Going zero waste can seem daunting – if you’re doing it alone, that is. But this is Shanghai, and there are always amazing workshops and community gatherings for you to learn about environmental protection and the zero-waste lifestyle. From summits and screenings to workshops and fairs, here are five of the best resources.

Boomi

Helping individuals change their plastic consumption habits, the Shanghai-based startup not only produces eco-friendly and zero-waste products but also has been passionate about education and community building. It organises regular summits, bringing together environmentally conscious companies and organisations together. For its monthly screening series, Boomi selects documentaries spanning topics such as climate change and plastic consumption, followed by networking and discussion.

Search Wechat ID ‘Boomi Official’ for more.

ZER’0 Waste Shanghai

Founded by Belgian national Alizée Buysschaert, this is the go-to community to join if you want a comprehensive introduction to the zero-waste lifestyle. It offers workshops and corporate trainings on zero waste principles and home composting techniques, and also works closely with international schools here to help them set up composting systems and get students involved in the waste reduction process.

Search WeChat ID ‘zerowasteshanghai’ for more.

Green Initiatives

Founded in 2009 as a part of a global network that includes Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Hangzhou and Chengdu, Green Initiatives writes arguably the most interesting and informative English-language articles on sustainable living via WeChat. It also organises screenings that are usually followed by panel discussions. Its monthly sustainable forums cover topics including the design and planning of eco-cities and the impact of childcare products on the environment.

Search WeChat ID ‘greeninitiatives’ for more.

Eco Design Fair

Eco Design Fair is Shanghai’s first grass-roots community fair that specifically features environmentally conscious companies and consumers. Taking place in various locations around town, this 11-year-old eco fair encourages a lifestyle of reusing and recycling. Bring your used clothes and toys and see them passed down to the next owner in person or get zero waste products from its producers directly. Its events are also kid-friendly.

Search WeChat ID ‘EcoDesignFairCN’ for more.

Savvy Exchanger

Savvy Exchanger is a fashion-forward community that hosts regular clothes swaps from high-end fashion to more casual wear, second-hand markets selling sustainable products, talks and workshops aiming to forge waste-free habits and raising environmental awareness. It’s all about providing shoppers with waste-free consumption choices while looking fabulous.

Search WeChat ID ‘the_savvy_exchanger’ for more.