Get Started – Start a BYO Program for Your Local Area
Here are the basic 1-2-3 steps to get started with the BYO Reduces movement in your area. This guide builds on the original model created by Canada Reduces, whose detailed resources inspired many local groups.
While their original website is no longer live, an archived version is available via the Wayback Machine for reference.
Below is a condensed version to help jump-start your group.
STEP1: Connect with Your Neighbors
To kick off your local BYO Reduces group, start by connecting with like-minded people in your community:
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Post on social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor
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Create a private Facebook or Google group for discussions
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Post on neighborhood email lists or community forums
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Talk with your neighbors face-to-face
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Pin flyers on local bulletin boards
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Hold regular coffee meetups—and stick to a schedule
STEP 2: Get a Sticker & Contact Businesses
Once a few people are on board, it’s time to take your group public.
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Design a BYO Reduces sticker for your group—or adapt one using templates and vector files from Canada Reduces and local volunteers
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Use our flyer templates or create your own based on our sticker design guidelines
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Print your materials and get them ready to distribute
To help with printing costs, consider fundraising through small grants, crowdfunding, or a simple bake sale.
Now you’re ready to hit the streets. Visit businesses during slower hours, take photos, and document your progress for social media or a group website.
And stay connected. Register your local BYO program by filling out this form. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter for meeting announcements and updates, and join our bimonthly US Reduces meetings for support, friendship, and strategy sharing.
STEP 3: Spread the Word
Putting stickers on storefronts is just the beginning. The real impact comes from making it visible—so others are inspired to bring their own containers and join in.
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Create social media accounts for your group.
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Launch a simple website to showcase your effort.
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Examples: Silicon Valley Reduces, Ithaca Reduces aka Zero Waste Ithaca, DC Reduces aka Zero Waste in DC
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Include a map (most groups use Google’s My Maps)
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List participating businesses
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We’ll link your local program website to our national site
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Highlight and celebrate each participating business online—tag them when you post!
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Share your progress on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, or wherever your community is active. Business owners will appreciate it, and your neighbors will love seeing who’s involved.
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Go at your own pace. This work builds over time. The key is to continue!
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Publish op-eds or press releases in your local news outlets.