This is not rocket science. If we want to move toward zero-waste, we have to address our own waste. We need to look at our own trash. Reading about zero-waste online can be so inspiring, but it can also make us feel like there is a list of things we need in order to get started. Nope. We just need to go through our own trash.
There are a few ways to go about this...take inventory + address one...a few...or all of what's in there. Consider:
-Do I need to purchase this? First things first...often doing without is healthiest, cheapest, + knocks the waste out in one step. Now there are three reasons to stop buying french fries from the drive through. ;)
-Freebies are often just garbage in disguise. Don't accept them. The charity shop doesn't want that key chain with your bank logo on it either. Accepting the goody bag just signals the "generous" party to make more.
-Brainstorm alternatives. Too many disposable coffee cups? Get in the habit of making coffee at home. Too many granola bar wrappers? Grab some bulk nuts + a clementine. Feta cheese wrapper? Try scooping some from the salad bar into a container from home or using a different cheese that can be put into your container at the cheese counter.
-Reconsider...could I do without? Because this always produces the least waste. :) Rather than coming up with less wasteful alternatives for nail polish, nail polish remover + cotton balls, consider loving naked, natural nails.
Simply begin. Don't get hung up on the things that seem impossible...get going on the things that can be changed more easily. Celebrate along the way! Think about how making one or two or three habit shifts right now have a cumulative effect over a month or a year or a lifetime!
And then look through the trash again. And make another change.
What's in your trash?
Love,
Jane