Landfill Diversion with Trash and Stash CEO Cameron Ungar Ep 209

Nothing makes me happier than a conversation that goes deep unexpectedly... and Cameron Ungar delivered! Trash and Stash is a cleanout and downsizing service based in North Carolina. They are the first B-Corp Certified Junk Removal business in the US, and Cameron takes that certification very seriously. He talks about being thrifty - not like cheap, but about putting value on the effort made. He talks about simplifying our lives and homes being an act of rebellion (love that word!), and says that small, consistent actions have big results.Cameron offers an efficiency bonus for his employees, because just filling a dumpster is not preferred; he prefers repurposing or reusing, to keep things in circulation. In fact, his whole office is thrifted - he said he spent maybe $1000 for everything in the office. He also trains his employees in patience and encourages them to listen to their clients, knowing that some people will struggle with letting go of things.And his company gives back. Started during Covid, this still young company is giving a percentage of all profits to the International Cancer Foundation. They also have a space where they store some of the stuff they've taken from homes/offices to resale or donate to people who need it.A phrase Cameron said has stuck with me is " Junk is a verb, not a noun." Just think on that for a moment. I love the heart behind Trash and Stash so much - a desperately needed service, and offered with a kindness that is often lacking in that field.Find Trash and Stash here: https://www.trashandstash.com/They're on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/trashandstash And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/yourlocaltrashandstash/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at [email protected] Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects. Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/Grounded in Maine is curr...