Plastic Free MKE

05/19/2026

Check out 's Summer Community Learning Series: Rooted in Pride!

Fair Future Movement is a dedicated Plastic-Free MKE partner. You can learn more about their work here! https://fairfuturemovement.org/

05/13/2026

✨Stuff Swap Time✨

Plastic-Free MKE’s next Stuff Swap will be held in partnership with Milwaukee Riverkeeper and the Sherman Park Community Association's Earth Day in May event on Sunday, May 17th from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm in Sherman Park, 3000 N Sherman Blvd.

Collect gently used clothing, household goods, and any items you no longer need or use and swap them for new items for free. Instead of tossing out these items, bring them here to find a new home! Items should be clean and in working condition. Let's minimize waste and maximize the life of our unwanted or unused stuff in a fun, creative, and sustainable way!

All remaining items will be freecycled back into the community with For Martha, a local consignment and freecycle shop located on Center Street (825 East Center St.). Learn more about For Martha on their page.

⚠️ Please do not bring large items like furniture to the swap, they are difficult to transport and we have limited space! Thank you⚠️

If you are unsure about bringing a certain item please email [email protected].

🌧️ The Swap will be CANCELLED in the event of rain 🌧️
The Earth Day in May event (from 12-4) will run rain or shine!

➡️Register using the link🔗 https://forms.gle/3Y1UZJkrrkRzDsVv7
Registration is not required, but you'll receive notification if the event is cancelled due to the weather.

05/08/2026

⭐ Save the Date for our next Stuff Swap! ⭐

On Sunday, May 17th, we're teaming up with our friends at for our annual Earth Day in May Stuff Swap, Plant Sale and Eco Resource Fair!

Collect gently used clothing👕, household goods🖼️, and any items you no longer need or use, and swap them for new items. Instead of tossing out these items, bring them here to find a new home! Items should be clean and in working condition. Let's minimize waste and maximize the life of our unwanted or unused stuff in a fun, creative, and sustainable way🌎!

05/04/2026

With so many types of packaging available, how do we choose the best one to use or look for when buying products? 🤔🤔

If you're as confused as we are, we've got good news! 🤩 Join us *this Wednesday* for the Plastic-Free MKE 🌷Spring Community Gathering🌷where we'll hear from PFMKE volunteer and local packaging expert, Georgia Rockwell, on the pros and cons of various packaging materials and discuss best practices for wading through the options.

Plastic-Free MKE hosts in-person gatherings bringing together community members, individuals, coalition partners, and everyone who wants to learn, connect, and take action on reducing unnecessary plastics in Milwaukee! At these events, we focus on a specific topic, break out into fun, engaging activities, and share our resources on how to take steps toward a plastic-free community. All are welcome!

Here is a peek at this exciting event…
🌟 Boost your knowledge of packaging materials
🍎 Learn about the pros and cons of each and what to look for
👋 Meet other plastic-conscious people
❤️ Send gratitude to our Lake Friendly Businesses

📅Let’s get together on Wednesday, May 6th from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Urban Ecology Center - Riverside Park Branch, 1500 E Park Place

▶️Use the link or scan the QR code to register! Registration is encouraged but not required. https://forms.gle/XFL7sLVmvy7w1FQx9

04/17/2026

🌷Spring Community Gathering🌷

Plastic-Free MKE hosts in-person gatherings bringing together community members, individuals, coalition partners, and everyone who wants to learn, connect, and take action on reducing unnecessary plastics in Milwaukee! At these events, we focus on a specific topic, break out into fun, engaging activities, and share our resources on how to take steps toward a plastic-free community. All are welcome!

This spring, join us for a deep dive into packaging, and become a Packaging Pro! With so many options available, how do we choose the best type of packaging to use or look for when buying products? Hear from PFMKE volunteer and local packaging expert, Georgia Rockwell, on the pros and cons of various packaging materials and discuss best practices for wading through the options.

Here is a peek at this exciting event…
🌟 Boost your knowledge of packaging materials
🍎 Learn about the pros and cons of each and what to look for
👋 Meet other plastic-conscious people
❤️ Send gratitude to our Lake Friendly Businesses

📅Let’s get together on Wednesday, May 6th from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Urban Ecology Center - Riverside Park Branch, 1500 E Park Place

▶️Use the link to register! Registration is encouraged but not required. https://forms.gle/XFL7sLVmvy7w1FQx9

04/08/2026

Vist (⭐a Lake Friendly Business!⭐) this month to see artist Kim Lamers's Eco Rubbish Art display! Kim is a dedicated Plastic-Free MKE volunteer and a passionate advocate for reducing plastic and taking care of our planet. Her pieces are created from littered materials she collects during bike rides through Milwaukee's parks.

Kim's art will also be on display at Gallery Night on Friday, April 17th from 5-7pm at the Renaissance Building (301 N Water St). This event is free and open to the public.

03/26/2026

📣 Remember, our next Swap is just FIVE days away! 📣

We'll see you next Tuesday, from noon-3pm (bring your stuff by 2!) at Mount Mary University!

03/17/2026

Plastic-Free MKE, Wisconsin Sea Grant, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, and the City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office are teaming up to showcase the many resources available to Milwaukee businesses wanting to add more sustainability to their practices! This event is focused on resources for food-service businesses, but all are welcome. You'll be able to network with like-minded business owners, managers, staff, and partners; hear success stories from other local businesses; and gain valuable resources and information to help you cut costs and waste.

When: April 2nd, from 11:30 am - 1 pm
Where: Kuumba Juice & Coffee (274 E Keefe Ave.)

Registration is required. Light snacks and beverages provided. Participants will receive a stipend after the event. Networking begins at 11:30; program and discussion begin at noon.

Please feel free to invite other like-minded businesses to join us! Everyone must register in advance to attend.

➡️Register Now! https://forms.gle/xumsRyfQGtzn8aWC6

03/14/2026

Plastic-Free MKE’s next Stuff Swap will be held in partnership with the Mount Mary University Fashion Department, Wisconsin Sea Grant, and NOAA on Tuesday, March 31st from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Mount Mary University Helfaer Hall (2900 Menomonee River Pkwy).

Everyone is welcome to bring any clothing and small household items that no longer serve them to swap them for items they will use. Instead of tossing out these items, bring them here to find a new home! Items should be clean and in working condition. Let's minimize waste and maximize the life of our unwanted or unused stuff in a fun, creative, and sustainable way. The Mount Mary Fashion Department’s students will be collecting a variety of materials to use in their spring fashion show!

⏰Bring items to swap before 2pm so they have time to find new homes before the end of the event! No additional items will be accepted after 2.

⚠️ Please do not bring large items like furniture to the swap, they are difficult to transport and we have limited space! Thank you.

➡️Register Now! https://forms.gle/gasKHdPvWdSPVjoDA

03/04/2026

Check out the The Story of Stuff Project's Reuse Bootcamp!

Tired of throwaway culture? Let’s change it.

Join our March 2026 Reuse Changemaker Bootcamp—a free virtual training designed to help you understand the plastics crisis, learn organizing skills, and build real reuse solutions in your community.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or already organizing, this is your chance to connect, learn, and help shape a future beyond throwaway culture.

👉 Sign up now: https://action.storyofstuff.org/signup/Reuse-Bootcamp-March-2026/