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
INTRODUCING THE NEW
Philly Unwrapped Toolkit
The Philly Unwrapped Toolkit is a practical, business-friendly guide designed to help restaurants, cafés, caterers, hospitality groups, and other business reduce single-use packaging, cut costs, and build stronger community trust.
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
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.
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.
Breaking the Plastic Cycle
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.
INTRODUCING THE NEW
Philly Unwrapped Toolkit
The Philly Unwrapped Toolkit is a practical, business-friendly guide designed to help restaurants, cafés, caterers, hospitality groups, and other business reduce single-use packaging, cut costs, and build stronger community trust.
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.
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.
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.
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
Alisa Shargorodsky
Director
Jasmine Joseph
Copywriter/Marketing Lead
Jasmine Joseph
Copywriter/Marketing Lead
Hilary Zankel
Dir. Development
Hilary Zankel
Dir. Development
Travon Martin
Community Organizer
Travon Martin
Community Organizer
Adrianna Rodriguez
Board Secretary
Adrianna Rodriguez
Board Secretary
Gulshan Vrobeychik
Treasurer
Gulshan Vrobeychik
Treasurer
Harrison Mace
Board Member
Harrison Mace
Board Member
Matt Smedley
Board Member
Matt Smedley
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
Alisa Shargorodsky
Director
Hilary Zankel
Dir. Development
Hilary Zankel
Dir. Development
Gulshan Vrobeychik
Treasurer
Gulshan Vrobeychik
Treasurer
Travon Martin
Community Organizer
Travon Martin
Community Organizer
Jasmine Joseph
Copywriter/Marketing Lead
Jasmine Joseph
Copywriter/Marketing Lead
Adrianna Rodriguez
Board Secretary
Adrianna Rodriguez
Board Secretary
Harrison Mace
Board
Harrison Mace
Board
Matt Smedley
Board
Matt Smedley
Board
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.
