So sometime 2 years ago I discovered the zero* waste lifestyle. I started researching slowly but surely and found that it's a lot easier to begin making changes in my life than I originally thought and feared. I also learned a lot about plastic pollution and just how severe it is. What affected me even more is the affect of plastic pollution on animals. The thought that a straw I used and threw out could end up in a turtle's nose or something is absolutely abhorrent to me. It is unthinkable; I truly cannot handle that idea.
As I was learning this information including just how much garbage/waste is made by humans every year I actually became quite despondent. I couldn't freaking believe just how much garbage humans made. How many items could be re-purposed (old socks can turn into cleaning rags; t-shirts can be made into bags and pillow cases, etc), how much could be donated to the needy and/or thrift stores, how much food waste (seriously do you know just how much food waste the U.S. makes?? It's absolutely disgusting. Shameful. Horrible.) could be composted or donated to soup kitchens? I mean .... what is wrong with us????
At any rate. As I was learning this stuff I was going about my regular life which included cleaning out our shed one day and I found our recycling boxes the city wants us to use. So I began recycling (which is extremely problematic on it's own but as a lot does actually get recycled it's better than just throwing it out) and I saw just how much of our "garbage" was just recyclables. I also discovered places where I could take my plastic bags (when I have to get them) to be recycled. Seriously plastic bag pollution is just the worst. The. Worst.
Anyway so I very slowly started making changes. I think a lot of what deters people is that you watch these videos about families who live completely zero waste and you feel like your measly two or three item switch is pointless. And not gonna lie, it affected me too. But it's important to remember that you also need to take care of yourself; you need to make choices and changes based on your own needs, your own lifestyle, your own morals, etc. What's right and acceptable for one person might not be for you and that is perfectly okay! It's also extremely important to remember that one little change you make saves that one item from going into the garbage. It is one less item that can hurt an animal.
There are thousands and thousands of people making these changes, so much so that governments are listening and beginning to make changes in laws. The EU is banning single use plastics. California has banned single use plastic bags. Single use items are exactly that; you are literally purchasing an item you plan to throw away. What sense does that make????
I am not completely zero waste but I am very low waste. In my house we generate approximately 3/4 a standard "tall kitchen" garbage bag a week, not counting our biodegradable cat litter. So I'm going to list the main changes/swaps I have made and include non-affiliated links for anyone interested. And as a quick note, a really nice thing is that as you make a change here or there, you are typically going to save yourself money. The reason is because most of these take the place of disposable items. (Remember? There's too much garbage being made.) And also many of these items are close to the same price you'd pay anyway. I guess it's kind of a two-fer LOL
- Wool dryer balls - These are nice 'cuz they're chemical free, scent free, and actually do a much better job keeping your clothes static free.
- Silicone baggies - My boyfriend and I love these; not only are they freezer safe but they don't rip and they keep your food so much fresher than plastic!
- Rechargeable batteries - Let me tell you, not constantly buying batteries is a gods-send, not to mention how horrible throwing out batteries is for the environment.
- Bar shampoo - I honestly love this; there's no plastic waste, it lasts so much longer as there's no over-use and my hair isn't greasy from weird waxy ingredients in bottled shampoo.
- Bamboo toothbrush - I like these too! They're nice and soft and again; biodegradable.
- Bar soap - I couldn't find a link for the one I'm currently using in place of bodywash, but again; no plastic and it lasts so much longer than liquid bodywash.
- Metal and silicone straws - So straws are a horrible pollutant. Getting the straws was one of the first things I did and it's so nice to know that I will not be throwing out any straws that could hurt animals. I personally prefer silicone straws, but the metal ones are easier to wash and keep clean, so it's a personal choice.
Additionally other changes I have made that aren't directly related to purchasing a special item...
- Using cloth napkins instead of disposable ones or paper towels.
- Using wash cloths instead of bath puffs.
- I make my own laundry detergent; not only is it way cheaper but there's no plastic, no added chemicals, no weird dyes or fragrances or anything like that. I don't know about you but I like my clothes to smell like clothes. Not rain or morning sun or some other weird thing.
- I went to as many websites as possible and got us taken off of the mailing lists for catalogs, coupons, and all of that. Not only does it save the paper, ink and such but it saves us the headache of junkmail.
- Whenever I can I make sure to decline receipts or get it via email. Thermal paper is not recyclable and many stores (like CVS) have digital or no receipt options. Plus often it's saving the store the use of that receipt paper and as a retail manager, anything to ease my budget is a good thing!
- I bring my own silverware. I have a little pouch I keep in my purse with straws, silverware, chopsticks and cloth napkins. Plastic cutlery is a huge pollutant and another one that is so easy to critically harm wildlife. Plus then you don't need to grab one from a bucket with a bunch of others that people may have coughed on, touched, etc.
- I use cloth bags for shopping as well as for purchasing produce. I plan on getting some for bulk beans, flours and such as well.
- When I still menstruated I used cloth pads. These were actually very comfortable, didn't leak at all and were super easy to clean. Not at all gross, disgusting, etc.
I know there are other changes I've made but this is long enough LOL I am always willing and wanting to talk about this subject to formulate ideas, share stories and suggestions, etc.
So that's it for now! :)
*I actually don't like using "zero" waste because it's completely unrealistic in the modern world for most people. Even if you're going to a bulk store, there is waste created from that store receiving delivery of the product for you to purchase. This is why I prefer "low" waste. This is much more realistic and won't give you impossible expectations.*
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