five of my favorite zero-waste switches

I was using my deodorant the other day + it hit me just how happy I am that I finally made the switch. It took me years to find the right deodorant (for me)...through trial + stinky error + fear of trying again. Now I love my deodorant...weird as that sounds.  :) (I'm currently using up this one that my partner tried + abandoned.)  :(

Honestly, the same feelings apply to pretty much all of my zero-waste switches. Not only do they save plastic from being produced + discarded + polluting + sticking around...but they generally are better in many other ways as well. My deodorant lasts SO long, doesn't contain harmful ingredients, doesn't discolor my clothing + really works.

Another favorite zero-waste switch is cleaning supplies. We're still using the same bottle + rags years later. I resisted switching from paper towels to cloth rags + from chemical cleaners to vinegar + baking soda. But now, I love that I don't feel like I'm inhaling toxic fumes when I clean. Nothing gets dumped "away" + everything comes out sparkly clean. Vinegar + baking soda are cheap too. I've never understood the effects of advertising more clearly than in the case of cleaning supplies. Swaying consumers away from these simple, effective solutions was pure evil genius.

Favorite zero-waste switch number three is ​staying out of the middle aisles at the grocery store. Pursuing zero-waste has really changed the way we eat for the better. We eat mostly whole foods that we can find without packaging...vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, spices, tea, dairy, + eggs. Not only are we avoiding packaging...but most junk food too. I still find it quite intriguing that the relationship between healthy eating + zero-waste is so closely linked.

I also love composting. When we stay out of the middle aisles at the grocery store, most of our waste can be turned into soil. We no longer need garbage bags, because there is nothing gooey to go in the trash. Not only does this save biodegradable matter from being entombed + preserved in the landfill...but it creates the richest dirt in which to grow our own organic fruits + vegetables. Pure magic!

Finally the most ubiquitous zero-waste switch of all (+ also one of my very tippy-top favorites) is my water bottle. I just love it so much. It's almost always with me. I love the way it feels...that it keeps things hot or cold (insulated)...that it's easy to clean (wide top)...+ that it reminds me to stay hydrated. I'm pretty sure it's saved hundreds of cups from the landfill...so far.

In writing this, I noticed that there were some fears that I had to overcome regarding each of these switches. I feared that I would smell if I wore deodorant without antiperspirant. I feared that my washing machine would be filthy if I washed cleaning rags in it + that vinegar + baking soda would not work. I didn't really know how we'd get full or how expensive it would be to stay out of the middle aisles. I didn't know if composting would work or if it would attract rats to our yard. After letting our reusable plastic water bottles go because BPA was found to be harmful, I resisted the cost of the stainless steel alternative + feared I'd have a hard time cleaning them.

It's also interesting to notice that all but the last switch don't really costs much money to try out (+ the water bottle is an extremely good investment).  :)  So...maybe it's worth giving one of these switches a go (if you haven't already)...just to see how it goes. It's possible that you might find that the benefits aren't limited to the decrease in waste. They just might exceed your expectations, like they did mine! The new year is a great time to make a commitment to send less to the landfill!  :)

Love,
Jane