How Family Gatherings Inspired Our Mission for Change
There’s something special about family gatherings—the laughter, the memories, the
endless plates of food. But behind the joy of these moments, there’s often a pile of
single-use plastics destined for the trash. From plastic utensils to disposable plates,
the convenience comes at a cost to the planet. For me, family gatherings weren’t just
moments of connection; they were the spark that inspired Dirtbag Goods.
The Problem with Plastic at Gatherings
Let’s be real: when you’re hosting a party or family event, single-use products make life easier. They save time, reduce cleanup, and keep the focus on what matters—quality time with loved ones. But here’s the thing: every plastic plate, cup, and straw used during those moments doesn’t just disappear. Instead, it ends up in a landfill, in our oceans, or worse, burned, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.At one particular gathering, I looked at the overflowing trash bags filled with plastic and thought, “There has to be a better way.” That was the moment I knew I wanted to create something different—something that didn’t sacrifice convenience but also didn’t harm the planet.
The Problem with Plastic at Gatherings
In my family, hosting is our love language. Whether it’s Sunday dinners, birthday celebrations, or impromptu cookouts, we know how to gather. But as someone who’s always been passionate about sustainability, seeing the waste these events produced left me frustrated. Every time I saw trash bags full of disposable items, I couldn’t help but think about their journey—the hundreds of years it would take for those plastics to decompose, if they ever did.
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A Global Perspective on Waste
Traveling to over 35 countries has only deepened my resolve to fight against plastic waste. I’ve seen rice fields smothered with discarded plastics, beaches littered with debris, and roadsides where trash is burned, polluting the air and poisoning communities. These experiences reminded me that the plastic waste we generate at home doesn’t just stay local—it has a global impact.
Even in Baltimore, a city full of innovative programs and people committed to
sustainability, waste from single-use plastics remains a challenge. While composting
programs are growing, the infrastructure isn’t yet widespread, leaving many products
labeled “compostable” without a clear path to decomposition.
How Dirtbag Goods Was Born
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Traveling to over 35 countries has only deepened my resolve to fight against plastic waste. I’ve seen rice fields smothered with discarded plastics, beaches littered with debris, and roadsides where trash is burned, polluting the air and poisoning communities. These experiences reminded me that the plastic waste we generate at home doesn’t just stay local—it has a global impact.
Even in Baltimore, a city full of innovative programs and people committed to
sustainability, waste from single-use plastics remains a challenge. While composting
programs are growing, the infrastructure isn’t yet widespread, leaving many products
labeled “compostable” without a clear path to decomposition.
Why Family Matters to Our Mission
At Dirtbag Goods, everything we create is designed with real-life moments in mind—those shared meals, big celebrations, and everyday joys. Because sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about preserving the planet for the people we care about most.
Family gatherings taught me that convenience and care for the planet don’t have to be at odds. With Dirtbag Goods, I’m on a mission to create products that let you focus on the moments that matter while giving back to the earth.
Ready to host sustainably? Join our waitlist and be the first to know when Dirtbag Goods launches. Let’s make gatherings meaningful for both your family and the planet.
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