WE STOP TRASH WHERE IT STARTS
Activating reuse & circularity for Philly's food, beverage, & events sectors
WE STOP TRASH WHERE IT STARTS
Activating reuse & circularity for Philly's food, beverage, & events sectors
Our Mission
Reducing locally generated single-use waste.
We empower Philly communities with educational resources & technical assistance to increase access to local reuse solutions.
Our mission is to empower communities with educational resources, and technical assistance and increase access to third-party warewashing solutions, fostering a culture of local reuse in collaboration with our partners.
We are committed to positively impacting the environment and promoting equitable access to waste reduction initiatives.
Committed To Inclusivity
Community Benefits Plan
Many Philadelphia businesses face barriers to adopting sustainable practices. Our Community Benefits Plan is designed to help local businesses, organizations, and institutions overcome these challenges.
At ECHO Systems, we believe that sustainability must be inclusive to be truly impactful. Philadelphia’s wealth disparity means that many businesses in low-income neighborhoods may lack the resources needed to adopt sustainable practices. Our Community Benefit Plan is designed to bridge this gap, ensuring that all businesses, especially those in underserved areas, have access to the tools and support they need to adopt climate-sensible practices.
We’re committed to empowering business communities through education, technical assistance, and advocacy. By fostering collaboration and open dialogue, we equip these businesses to navigate regulatory changes and embrace sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their communities.
Incorporating reuse systems into food service is central to our mission and has important implications for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), as well as environmental justice. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive training and support to ensure that these systems are safe, accessible, and equitable for all, including individuals with disabilities.
Our approach is holistic, addressing both environmental and social challenges to build a more equitable and sustainable future for Philadelphia and beyond.
Why the Stakes Are Higher Than Ever Before
Breaking the Plastic Cycle
The pervasive use of single use plastics, and Pennsylvania's role as a major plastic manufacturing state means that the need for change is urgent.
Pervasive Use of Single-Use Plastics: The global reliance on single-use plastics has led to significant environmental and health issues, including climate change, plastic pollution, and chemical exposure.
Pennsylvania’s Plastic Problem: As a major plastic manufacturing state, Pennsylvania faces significant challenges related to plastic waste, particularly in waterways and marginalized communities.
The Urgency of Change: Addressing single-use plastics requires a concerted effort to reduce consumption, promote reusable alternatives, and advocate for systemic change to protect public health and the environment.
Our Mission
Reducing locally generated single-use waste.
We empower Philly communities with educational resources & technical assistance to increase access to local reuse solutions.
Our mission is to empower communities with educational resources, and technical assistance and increase access to third-party warewashing solutions, fostering a culture of local reuse in collaboration with our partners.
We are committed to positively impacting the environment and promoting equitable access to waste reduction initiatives.
Committed to Inclusivity
Community Benefits Plan
Many Philadelphia businesses face barriers to adopting sustainable practices. Our Community Benefits Plan is designed to help local businesses, organizations, and institutions overcome these challenges.
At ECHO Systems, we believe that sustainability must be inclusive to be truly impactful. Philadelphia’s wealth disparity means that many businesses in low-income neighborhoods may lack the resources needed to adopt sustainable practices. Our Community Benefit Plan is designed to bridge this gap, ensuring that all businesses, especially those in underserved areas, have access to the tools and support they need to adopt climate-sensible practices.
We’re committed to empowering business communities through education, technical assistance, and advocacy. By fostering collaboration and open dialogue, we equip these businesses to navigate regulatory changes and embrace sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their communities.
Incorporating reuse systems into food service is central to our mission and has important implications for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), as well as environmental justice. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive training and support to ensure that these systems are safe, accessible, and equitable for all, including individuals with disabilities.
Our approach is holistic, addressing both environmental and social challenges to build a more equitable and sustainable future for Philadelphia and beyond.
Why the Stakes are Higher than Ever Before
Breaking the Plastic Cycle
The pervasive use of single use plastics, and Pennsylvania's role as a major plastic manufacturing state means that the need for change is urgent.
Pervasive Use of Single-Use Plastics: The global reliance on single-use plastics has led to significant environmental and health issues, including climate change, plastic pollution, and chemical exposure.
Pennsylvania’s Plastic Problem: As a major plastic manufacturing state, Pennsylvania faces significant challenges related to plastic waste, particularly in waterways and marginalized communities.
The Urgency of Change: Addressing single-use plastics requires a concerted effort to reduce consumption, promote reusable alternatives, and advocate for systemic change to protect public health and the environment.
Our Current Initiatives
We welcome your skills, experience, and resources
to help us make a greater impact.
Philly Talks Trash
Quarterly newsletter on the latest in sustainable business practices in our community.
Philly Unwrapped
A project to reduce single-use packaging and waste in Greater Philadelphia’s Food, Beverage and Event Sectors.
Rydal Park & Waters
Partnership with Re:Dish to support transition to reusable containers. Serving 12,000+ residents.
Rydal Park Waters
ECHO Systems is proud to support Rydal Park, a premier senior living community, in transitioning to a sustainable, circular food packaging system. Serving over 12,000 residents, Rydal Park’s cafeteria is poised to become a leader in waste reduction by adopting reusable containers, keeping more than 300,000 containers out of the waste stream each year.
In 2025, we will work closely with Rydal Park to plan and implement this shift, providing the education and support necessary for a smooth transition to reusables. Residents will have the option to take containers to their rooms, with staff collecting and sanitizing them. Through ECHO Systems’ partnership with Re:Dish, the containers will be professionally sanitized at their facility, or we’ll explore the possibility of Rydal Park establishing its own in-house warewashing system through case studies.
This initiative not only supports source reduction but also enhances sustainability practices within senior living facilities. Rydal Park’s successful transition could set a precedent for the HumanGood network, which serves over 13,000 residents across 120 communities nationwide. By reducing single-use waste, Rydal Park is setting an example of how senior living facilities can lead the way in sustainability.
Together, ECHO Systems, Re:Dish, and Rydal Park are working to ensure that this initiative serves as a model for other facilities looking to embrace sustainable practices, improve their environmental impact, and offer residents a healthier, greener future.
Join us in supporting Rydal Park Waters and explore how your facility can also reduce waste and make a lasting impact on sustainability.
ECHO Entrepeneurs
A Youth Change Makers Program engaging and empowering 72 HS students.
ECHO Entrepreneurs
At ECHO Systems, we’re building a future led by the next generation of environmental change-makers—and we need your support to make it happen. The ECHO Entrepreneurship: A Youth Change Makers Program will engage and empower 72 Philadelphia high school students annually, guiding them to become passionate leaders who drive sustainable change in their communities.
We’re looking for partners, resources, and support to bring this vision to life. Over the course of three years, we’ll work with students to deliver a comprehensive 32-week curriculum focused on environmental leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. By the end of their senior year, these students will pitch their own sustainability initiatives and be eligible for seed funding from ECHO to launch their projects, creating real-world impact.
What We Need to Make This Happen by 2027:
- Funding and Resources to develop the curriculum, hire a program director, and provide the seed funding for students’ final projects.
- Mentors and Community Partners to provide guidance, expertise, and support for these youth as they work on real-world environmental projects.
- In-kind Contributions such as program materials, spaces for workshops, or access to networks that can help amplify the impact of the program.
The Impact:
- By 2027, we will have established a sustainable and impactful program, engaging 72 youth annually, helping them develop practical environmental leadership skills, and funding senior projects that actively contribute to a healthier, greener Philadelphia.
- Success will be measured through student participation, the success and sustainability of their final projects, and the continued involvement of youth in community-driven environmental initiatives after they graduate.
We are calling on educators, businesses, organizations, and community leaders to join us in making this program a reality. Your partnership and support will help cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders—youth who will create innovative solutions for a sustainable and just future.
Get Involved
Reach out today to discuss how you can contribute to this vital program—whether through funding, mentorship, or in-kind support. Together, we can inspire and equip these young change-makers to shape a better, more sustainable future for Philadelphia and beyond.
Market Partners
If you are a local market or grocer looking to reduce waste and move towards sustainability, we can help!
Market Partners
At ECHO Systems, we specialize in helping local grocers move towards a sustainable, circular economy. With a proven track record of circulating nearly 40,000 reusable containers across Philadelphia’s grocery sector, we’ve helped businesses significantly reduce waste, cut costs, and embrace more environmentally responsible practices.
Now, we’re bringing this expertise to The Community Grocer (TCG), a revolutionary project in West Philadelphia that aims to provide access to healthy, affordable meals while reducing food insecurity. As part of this collaboration, ECHO Systems is ensuring that TCG integrates reuse and circularity into its operations from the ground up. By leveraging our knowledge, we’re helping The Community Grocer implement sustainable waste reduction strategies, including the adoption of reusable container systems, to create a more resilient, sustainable food model for underserved communities.
If you’re a local market or grocer looking to reduce waste and move towards sustainability, ECHO Systems can help you do the same. With our guidance, you can:
- Reduce waste: Implement reusable container systems to significantly cut down on single-use plastics and packaging waste.
- Save costs: Lower your overall packaging expenses while building more efficient operations.
- Strengthen your community: Join a growing movement of businesses committed to sustainability and environmental justice.
- Get expert support: With ECHO Systems’ experience and our active role in the Community Grocer project, we have the knowledge and resources to help you succeed.
ECHO Systems is committed to supporting The Community Grocer as it scales its work, ensuring that circularity is at the heart of this innovative initiative. We are dedicated to attracting the resources and partnerships necessary for this project’s success, and we want to extend that same support to local grocers ready to embrace circular solutions.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn how we can help your market reduce waste, cut costs, and join a network of local grocers leading the way to a circular economy.
Our Current Initiatives
We welcome your skills, experience, and resources to help us make a greater impact.
Philly Talks Trash
Quarterly newsletter on the latest in sustainable business practices in our community.
Philly Unwrapped
A project to reduce single-use packaging and waste in Greater Philadelphia’s Food, Beverage and Event Sectors.
Rydal Park & Waters
Partnership with Re:Dish to support transition to reusable containers. Serving 12,000+ residents.
Rydal Park Waters
ECHO Systems is proud to support Rydal Park, a premier senior living community, in transitioning to a sustainable, circular food packaging system. Serving over 12,000 residents, Rydal Park’s cafeteria is poised to become a leader in waste reduction by adopting reusable containers, keeping more than 300,000 containers out of the waste stream each year.
In 2025, we will work closely with Rydal Park to plan and implement this shift, providing the education and support necessary for a smooth transition to reusables. Residents will have the option to take containers to their rooms, with staff collecting and sanitizing them. Through ECHO Systems’ partnership with Re:Dish, the containers will be professionally sanitized at their facility, or we’ll explore the possibility of Rydal Park establishing its own in-house warewashing system through case studies.
This initiative not only supports source reduction but also enhances sustainability practices within senior living facilities. Rydal Park’s successful transition could set a precedent for the HumanGood network, which serves over 13,000 residents across 120 communities nationwide. By reducing single-use waste, Rydal Park is setting an example of how senior living facilities can lead the way in sustainability.
Together, ECHO Systems, Re:Dish, and Rydal Park are working to ensure that this initiative serves as a model for other facilities looking to embrace sustainable practices, improve their environmental impact, and offer residents a healthier, greener future.
Join us in supporting Rydal Park Waters and explore how your facility can also reduce waste and make a lasting impact on sustainability.
ECHO Entrepeneurs
A Youth Change Makers Program engaging and empowering 72 HS students.
ECHO Entrepreneurs
At ECHO Systems, we’re building a future led by the next generation of environmental change-makers—and we need your support to make it happen. The ECHO Entrepreneurship: A Youth Change Makers Program will engage and empower 72 Philadelphia high school students annually, guiding them to become passionate leaders who drive sustainable change in their communities.
We’re looking for partners, resources, and support to bring this vision to life. Over the course of three years, we’ll work with students to deliver a comprehensive 32-week curriculum focused on environmental leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. By the end of their senior year, these students will pitch their own sustainability initiatives and be eligible for seed funding from ECHO to launch their projects, creating real-world impact.
What We Need to Make This Happen by 2027:
- Funding and Resources to develop the curriculum, hire a program director, and provide the seed funding for students’ final projects.
- Mentors and Community Partners to provide guidance, expertise, and support for these youth as they work on real-world environmental projects.
- In-kind Contributions such as program materials, spaces for workshops, or access to networks that can help amplify the impact of the program.
The Impact:
- By 2027, we will have established a sustainable and impactful program, engaging 72 youth annually, helping them develop practical environmental leadership skills, and funding senior projects that actively contribute to a healthier, greener Philadelphia.
- Success will be measured through student participation, the success and sustainability of their final projects, and the continued involvement of youth in community-driven environmental initiatives after they graduate.
We are calling on educators, businesses, organizations, and community leaders to join us in making this program a reality. Your partnership and support will help cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders—youth who will create innovative solutions for a sustainable and just future.
Get Involved
Reach out today to discuss how you can contribute to this vital program—whether through funding, mentorship, or in-kind support. Together, we can inspire and equip these young change-makers to shape a better, more sustainable future for Philadelphia and beyond.
Market Partners
If you are a local market or grocer looking to reduce waste and move towards sustainability, we can help!
Market Partners
At ECHO Systems, we specialize in helping local grocers move towards a sustainable, circular economy. With a proven track record of circulating nearly 40,000 reusable containers across Philadelphia’s grocery sector, we’ve helped businesses significantly reduce waste, cut costs, and embrace more environmentally responsible practices.
Now, we’re bringing this expertise to The Community Grocer (TCG), a revolutionary project in West Philadelphia that aims to provide access to healthy, affordable meals while reducing food insecurity. As part of this collaboration, ECHO Systems is ensuring that TCG integrates reuse and circularity into its operations from the ground up. By leveraging our knowledge, we’re helping The Community Grocer implement sustainable waste reduction strategies, including the adoption of reusable container systems, to create a more resilient, sustainable food model for underserved communities.
If you’re a local market or grocer looking to reduce waste and move towards sustainability, ECHO Systems can help you do the same. With our guidance, you can:
- Reduce waste: Implement reusable container systems to significantly cut down on single-use plastics and packaging waste.
- Save costs: Lower your overall packaging expenses while building more efficient operations.
- Strengthen your community: Join a growing movement of businesses committed to sustainability and environmental justice.
- Get expert support: With ECHO Systems’ experience and our active role in the Community Grocer project, we have the knowledge and resources to help you succeed.
ECHO Systems is committed to supporting The Community Grocer as it scales its work, ensuring that circularity is at the heart of this innovative initiative. We are dedicated to attracting the resources and partnerships necessary for this project’s success, and we want to extend that same support to local grocers ready to embrace circular solutions.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn how we can help your market reduce waste, cut costs, and join a network of local grocers leading the way to a circular economy.
Our partners trust us
Progressing Sustainability
ECHO Systems has been great in helping Weavers Way progress toward our sustainability and environmental goals via waste reduction. ECHO Systems designed and implemented our re-usable, re-fillable container system to reduce our dependence on single-use plastic packaging.
Norman Weiss
Weavers Way
Inspiring commitment
It was great working with ECHO Systems to make our street fair zero waste! I learned so much, and Alisa was so knowledgeable and practical and really built the team through her own hard work and support.
Alexis Lieberman
Fairmount Pediatrics
Making Reuse Happen
ECHO Systems provided great insight and advice to our team here at Reuse Seattle on what it takes to plan and deploy reusable food ware at a large outdoor event. ECHO Systems has valuable experience and creative ideas for how to make reuse happen!
McKenna Morrigan
Seattle Public Utilities
Our partners trust us
Progressing Sustainability
ECHO Systems has been great in helping Weavers Way progress toward our sustainability and environmental goals via waste reduction. ECHO Systems designed and implemented our re-usable, re-fillable container system to reduce our dependence on single-use plastic packaging.
Norman Weiss
Weavers Way
Inspiring commitment
It was great working with ECHO Systems to make our street fair zero waste! I learned so much, and Alisa was so knowledgeable and practical and really built the team through her own hard work and support.
Alexis Lieberman
Fairmount Pediatrics
Making Reuse Happen
ECHO Systems provided great insight and advice to our team here at Reuse Seattle on what it takes to plan and deploy reusable food ware at a large outdoor event. ECHO Systems has valuable experience and creative ideas for how to make reuse happen!
McKenna Morrigan
Seattle Public Utilities
Meet our team of experts
Our dedicated board members are passionate advocates for environmental justice and sustainability. They bring diverse backgrounds and expertise to ECHO Systems, guiding our mission and initiatives with their vision and commitment.
Alisa Shargorodsky
Director
Hilary Zankel
Board Member
Gulshan Vrobeychik
Board Member
Jasmine Joseph
Board Member
Anastasia Seldinskaya
Board Member
Join our Board
We are always looking for passionate individuals who share our vision of a sustainable future. Click below if you're interested in making a difference and contributing your expertise.
Meet our team of experts
Our dedicated board members are passionate advocates for environmental justice and sustainability. They bring diverse backgrounds and expertise to ECHO Systems, guiding our mission and initiatives with their vision and commitment.
Alisa Shargorodsky
Director
Hilary Zankel
Board Member
Gulshan Vrobeychik
Board Member
Jasmine Joseph
Board Member
Anastasia Seldinskaya
Board Member
Join our Board
We are always looking for passionate individuals who share our vision of a sustainable future. Click below if you're interested in making a difference and contributing your expertise.
Past projects
With a passion for innovation and a dedication to excellence, we bring diverse expertise to every project we undertake.
Reuse & Circular Economy Pilot
Weavers Way
Integrated reusable containers into everyday operations for remarkable results.
At ECHO Systems, we are committed to transforming waste practices. In collaboration with Weavers Way Co-op, our pilot project achieved remarkable results, preventing over 30,000 single-use plastic containers from entering the waste stream. This effort spanned four Weavers Way grocery stores and engaged more than 10,000 member households in adopting sustainable practices. By integrating reusable containers into daily operations, we not only reduced plastic waste but also demonstrated the power of community-driven circular economy solutions.
Our success is a testament to the collective impact of individuals and organizations committed to environmental stewardship.
Reuse & Waste Reduction
School Initiatives & Study
For the past five years, ECHO Systems has worked closely with local private schools to design tailored waste reduction models.
Reuse & Waste Reduction
School Initiatives & Study
For the past five years, ECHO Systems has worked closely with local private schools to design tailored waste reduction models.
Collaboration & Partnership with Philadelphia Dept of Health & Circular Philadelphia
Reusables Quickstart Guide
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Simplified adoption of re-usable containers
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Created educational content & video
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Ensure safety standards are met
Integrated reusable containers into everyday operations for remarkable results.
In partnership with Circular Philadelphia, ECHO Systems has worked to remove red tape and simplify the adoption of reuse systems in Philadelphia. Together, we’ve navigated regulatory hurdles to make it easier for local businesses to implement sustainable practices that reduce waste and support a circular economy.
Additionally, our collaboration with the Philadelphia Department of Health resulted in the creation of comprehensive educational materials and a training video for their entire sanitarian team. This resource helps food safety inspectors understand how to integrate reuse into the inspection process. By outlining necessary actions and ensuring food safety standards are met, we are equipping inspectors with the knowledge to support Philadelphia’s food service establishments in adopting safe and functional reuse systems.
Successfully Implemented Reuse Systems
Local Street Festivals
ECHO Systems has successfully guided local street festivals in adopting sustainable reuse systems.
ECHO Systems has successfully guided local street festivals in adopting sustainable reuse systems, leading to a 90% reduction in total solid waste generated at events. Our work has supported festivals with up to 4,000 attendees, enrolling a variety of stakeholders, food vendors, and volunteers in the process. Through collaboration and education, we’ve demonstrated how reuse systems can significantly reduce waste while engaging the community in sustainable practices. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also sets a new standard for waste management at large public events in Philadelphia.
Successfully Implemented Reuse Systems
Local Street Festivals
ECHO Systems has successfully guided local street festivals in adopting sustainable reuse systems.
ECHO Systems has successfully guided local street festivals in adopting sustainable reuse systems, leading to a 90% reduction in total solid waste generated at events. Our work has supported festivals with up to 4,000 attendees, enrolling a variety of stakeholders, food vendors, and volunteers in the process. Through collaboration and education, we’ve demonstrated how reuse systems can significantly reduce waste while engaging the community in sustainable practices. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also sets a new standard for waste management at large public events in Philadelphia.