 Two years ago I switched my trash cans and started using the large one for recycling and the small one for landfill waste. |  About a year after switching them, I moved both of them to the back deck for recycling. |
Yes, ditch your trash cans. No, it won't happen overnight. I think it took me about a year to work my way down to not having trash cans in my kitchen. The first thing I did was switch the trash and recycling cans. I started using the larger can for recycling and the smaller one for landfill waste. As I started making less and less recycling waste, I moved the recycling can out onto the back deck. As I started making less and less landfill waste, I moved that can onto the back deck, too. Now both of them are used for recycling, but it takes me quite a while to fill them up. I keep a small bag inside for whatever landfill waste is made. No, I'm still not completely zero waste, and don't think I ever will be, which is part of the reason the term zero waste is a little problematic. I think it could sound overwhelming and unattainable to newbies. I find it to be a fun challenge, kind of like a game, but not everyone is like me. If zero waste sounds daunting, just think of it as less waste. No, I have not done a jar challenge and don't have any plans to do one in the near future. The jar challenge for those not familiar, is keeping all landfill waste in a glass mason jar and seeing how long you can go before filling it up. I enjoy watching other people's posts about jar challenges, but haven't felt the urge to participate. Also, I will mention here that I've recently taken on a new housemate, so there has been an increase in overall household waste, both recycling and landfill, since December 1. It's been a perfect way for me to practice not being a judgmental asshole and letting my actions speak for themselves. Just today he went shopping at the local health food store and purchased himself a reusable bag and milk in a returnable glass bottle!
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