besides editing and letting a few things go, i wanted to figure out where i could do better with my zero-waste efforts during this summer check-in. lots of efforts have become habit... a few habits need a renewed commitment... and a few new improvements need to be investigated.
i'm looking back at my list of things that i buy in packaging and the places where i mentioned habits that could use some work. some of those things i buy in packaging such as baking powder and salt can not really be improved upon at the moment (my area does not offer either of these in bulk)... but many of them can. keeping those 5 r's in mind helps too: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot... and only in that order.
renew commitment:
-#1: no plastic cups or straws. i find this easy enough when it is just me, but putting three mason jars on the counter (when i'm with my girls) makes me feel embarrassed. mason jars are not a common site where i live. i don't think i've ever seen anyone else ask for a drink in a mason jar or even a reusable bottle to be honest. guts, girl!
-just don't buy coconut oil. i mostly use olive oil anyway.
-do without ketchup. we don't use it much.
-depend less on take-out pizza. at least recycle the tops of the boxes and compost the bottoms.
-continue to encourage a certain family member to bring less packaged food home. :)
-only bulk candy + cookies (or homemade)
-only ice-cream out (in a cone) or made from unpackaged fruit at home
-when autumn comes, buy yeast in glass instead of individual packets. i use it more in the cooler months.
-reevaluate and brainstorm really tasty, quick, zero-waste meals and snacks, so that we don't have to be tempted to buy packaged ingredients as "treats".
to investigate:
-try making mustard. i don't like mustard, but two here do and we aren't quitting it.
-request that my store buy bulk pasta again. muster the confidence.
-explore pretzel alternatives... that is, a cheap snack alternative.
-try making vinegar.
-only buy bulk tea. research + look for teas with medicinal tea ingredients.
-ask dentist/hygeinist about diy toothpaste.
-get silk for floss, when ours runs out.
-look for recyclable hairspray bottle.
-get back to crystal deodorant.
-make a little screw top jar of lip balm to take in my purse.
one by one, i feel like this is a doable list. i've said that i don't necessarily strive for perfection, but i do strive for progress. well, to progress then. :)
love,
jane
i'm looking back at my list of things that i buy in packaging and the places where i mentioned habits that could use some work. some of those things i buy in packaging such as baking powder and salt can not really be improved upon at the moment (my area does not offer either of these in bulk)... but many of them can. keeping those 5 r's in mind helps too: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot... and only in that order.
renew commitment:
-#1: no plastic cups or straws. i find this easy enough when it is just me, but putting three mason jars on the counter (when i'm with my girls) makes me feel embarrassed. mason jars are not a common site where i live. i don't think i've ever seen anyone else ask for a drink in a mason jar or even a reusable bottle to be honest. guts, girl!
-just don't buy coconut oil. i mostly use olive oil anyway.
-do without ketchup. we don't use it much.
-depend less on take-out pizza. at least recycle the tops of the boxes and compost the bottoms.
-continue to encourage a certain family member to bring less packaged food home. :)
-only bulk candy + cookies (or homemade)
-only ice-cream out (in a cone) or made from unpackaged fruit at home
-when autumn comes, buy yeast in glass instead of individual packets. i use it more in the cooler months.
-reevaluate and brainstorm really tasty, quick, zero-waste meals and snacks, so that we don't have to be tempted to buy packaged ingredients as "treats".
to investigate:
-try making mustard. i don't like mustard, but two here do and we aren't quitting it.
-request that my store buy bulk pasta again. muster the confidence.
-explore pretzel alternatives... that is, a cheap snack alternative.
-try making vinegar.
-only buy bulk tea. research + look for teas with medicinal tea ingredients.
-ask dentist/hygeinist about diy toothpaste.
-get silk for floss, when ours runs out.
-look for recyclable hairspray bottle.
-get back to crystal deodorant.
-make a little screw top jar of lip balm to take in my purse.
one by one, i feel like this is a doable list. i've said that i don't necessarily strive for perfection, but i do strive for progress. well, to progress then. :)
love,
jane
