Detroit sustainability and “green” initiatives in Detroit are making rapid progress. There are so many regular activities, organizations, shops, and events that are proudly at the helm of reducing the city’s waste. Urban farming & agriculture in Detroit is making itself popular with plenty more decentralized gardening efforts that are physically changing the landscape of this city. These actions trickle down to better land access as well as more natural water & water systems/sources.
Compost agriculture along with their pilot programs are another gift that keeps on giving, which is becoming more supported in urban cities like Detroit. Read more below about how The City of Detroit has made history with the launch of its first municipal food scrap drop-off program. Recycle food scraps through the help of Detroit organizations and reuse/resell items like books too. Planting more trees and donating money towards tree-planting is a simple way to sprout a better future for the city.
September can be a good month for sustainability as we near the end of the year and think about how to better our communities as well as our immediate surroundings. It’s also “back to school” season and there are several ways to get smarter about the current items, such as clothing and supplies that people need for school/every day.
Detroitisit rounded up a hip list of sustainability efforts in Detroit that are not only for this month, but good to know about in general as you share the knowledge. Don’t let the wisdom go to waste. Keep learning and donate if you can!
THE DETROIT COMPOST PROGRAM PHOTO GALLERY, PHOTO CITY OF DETROIT GOVERNMENT
RECYCLE FOOD SCRAPS IN DETROIT
Detroit urban sustainability has a good head on its shoulders, thanks to the different ways of recycling. Recycle food scraps in Detroit through the few emerging non-profit organizations. Get involved and help donate when you can. According to a 2026 article for Planted Detroit, “advocates call for food scrap drop-off sites in every city council district, mandatory composting in city buildings, and clearer regulations for composting operations.”
- Detroit Dirt-Check out how Detroit Dirt is “turning Detroit’s waste into wealth”. Established in 2010, they’ve been able to turn materials into resources that results in more knowledge and opportunities for everyone. They specifically connect materials management, soil health, biomass market development, research, education and technology. Click HERE to view the website to learn more about how they’re building a more circular future. Click HERE to learn about visiting their “Learning Lab”.
- Scrap Soils-Scrap soils is “composting food waste for a sustainable Detroit”. This composting non-profit is dedicated to diverting food waste for a more sustainable Detroit. Check out their weekly food waste pickup service for residents and businesses around the city. Take ownership and use your inner power to make outer action now while we have this essential resource available. Click HERE to view the website for more information. Their services include residential and commercial memberships. Click HERE to learn more about ways to volunteer, including helping with compost making, youth education, scrap collection, and more
- The Detroit Compost Program-Launched by the Office of Sustainability, this initiative focuses on creating a decentralized composting system that benefits both residents and urban farms in Detroit. Click HERE to discover more about how The Detroit Compost Program aims to reduce food waste and enhance soil health.
REUSE ITEMS & RESELL WHAT YOU DON’T NEED
Detroit urban sustainability may often start with small, thoughtful changes. Used books can be resold or donated locally. Pass them along the friendly neighborhood way with the known “free library” bookshelf units that often stand in convenient locations around the neighborhood or near some other public areas.
- Shop for your next great find at the classic, John K. King Used & Rare Books, which can be found near downtown Corktown (you can also shop John K. King Books North in Ferndale). It has been around since 1965. The entire collection holds in stock more than 1,000,000 books on over 1,000 subjects.
GARAGE SALE ON OCTOBER 3, PHOTO @ARTSANDSCRAPS ON INSTAGRAM
GET CRAFTY & GET INVOLVED WITH ALL THAT “ARTS & SCRAPS” HAS TO OFFER
Detroit urban sustainability efforts include the wonderful world of Arts & Scraps. Arts & Scraps Detroit provides reused materials & reused educational resources focused on sustainable living with creativity. Discover their programs, scholarships, volunteer opportunities, work options, and more. They’re currently investing in a permanent purchase of their Eastside home, which could use your funds. Click HERE for more details. Click HERE to view the website for more information. Shop at their upcoming Garage Sale on Saturday, October 3 from 11am-4pm.
Location: 16135 Harper, Detroit
THRIFT TOUR CAFE IN DETROIT EXTERIOR, PHOTO @THRIFTTOURCAFE ON INSTAGRAM
SHOP AND SELL/RESELL AT LOCAL VINTAGE STORES AND THRIFT SHOPS
Detroit and Metro Detroit have plenty of options for reused clothing finds, whether it’s in an actual shop or a pop-up/thrift market put together in the neighborhoods or individually/group-wise. Check out our previous lists of articles that highlight great options to shop local thrift stores in Detroit and similar spots nearby. Click HERE for some sustainable shops and brands we’ve featured in previous years as well. Thrift Store Cafe gives you the best of both worlds and is a unique spin on thrift stores in Detroit.
REUSE MATERIALS
Detroit urban sustainability includes reusing materials, which is more handy when there are actual places/warehouse-type environments to do so. Check out Detroit’s premier prover of deconstruction services. Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit (ASW Detroit) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and the premier provider of deconstruction services in SE Michigan. This includes salvaged building materials. Click HERE to view the website for more information. Shop Salvage at their downtown Detroit location.
- Woodward Throwbacks (location: 11500 Joseph Campau Ave. Hamtramck)
is a great option for handcrafted furniture, home décor and antiques. Each has been designed and built with reclaimed materials salvaged in and from Detroit. Click HERE to view the website for more information.
As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all things Detroit and more.
