We’re working to reduce plastic pollution at the source by advancing smart policies, partnering with businesses, and building a culture of reuse. From statewide legislation to local implementation, our Zero Waste initiatives helps communities cut single-use plastic foodware trash, save money, and protect clean water.
Explore our initiatives below.
Taking on Plastic Pollution: Monmouth County Activist Marta Young Expands Efforts
Local leadership making a big impact.
Marta Young, Clean Water Action's Zero Waste Specialist, is leading efforts in local towns, statewide and beyond to tackle single-use plastic pollution. From advancing policy to working directly with businesses and communities, her work demonstrates how grassroots leadership drives real change.
- Read the feature in Asbury Park Press on Marta’s work and impact
- Read the blog post on Marta's trip to a global Break Free From Plastic Meeting in Malaysia (link to blog post when ready)
Sustainability & Zero Waste
Building a future without waste.
Our Zero Waste campaign advances policies that reduce single-use plastic foodware, expand reuse systems, and hold polluters accountable.
We work with advocates, businesses, schools, and decision-makers across New Jersey to move practical, commonsense solutions that protect our environment and public health.
ReThink Disposable
Helping businesses reduce single-use trash and save money.
ReThink Disposable provides free technical assistance to food service businesses to reduce single-use items and transition to cost-effective reusable alternatives. We conduct waste assessments, identify savings opportunities, and support implementation every step of the way.
Skip the Stuff
Single-use items only by request.
Skip the Stuff policies stop the automatic distribution of single-use utensils, straws, napkins, and condiment packets—reducing waste and cutting unnecessary costs for businesses. We help municipalities and the state implement and strengthen these smart waste-reduction laws.
ReThink Disposable at National Parks
Reducing waste where nature matters most.
Through partnerships with park concessionaires and environmental leaders, ReThink Disposable supports reuse and refill initiatives in national parks, reducing single-use plastics in some of our most treasured public spaces.
Learn more about our National Parks initiative:
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Learn more about Marta Young, Clean Water Action Zero Waste Specialist
Marta was raised in the Washington DC area but has lived in a variety of places, now calling the Jersey Shore home. After college, she traveled the country as a math and science teacher, including beautiful places such as the Navajo Reservation in Arizona and Puerto Rico.
Later, she became a project manager for a large engineering firm as an environmental geologist, investigating and remediating contaminated sites. These experiences bring a wealth of knowledge and passion as the NJ Zero Waste Specialist. From her work with ReThink Disposable, she was named 2024 Honorable Mention Activist of the Year for Upstream Solutions and in 2025, was asked to be on Break Free from Plastic’s Movement Support Team.
In Marta’s spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, taking long walks, gardening, cooking for large groups, and wood/rock working. She also works with a school and orphanage in the Dominican Republic where she provided the technical support to install two wells, allowing readily access to drinking water. Contact Marta here.
