Zero waste is sort of what it sounds like, a philosophy and lifestyle to reduce the amount of waste created and sent to the landfill. I don't think I'll ever get down to zero, but looking back over the past two years it's easy to see how all the small changes have added up. This year, in addition to continuing to reduce my own waste, I'm attempting to share one tip a day for the entire year. No promises! Follow along as I travel further down the zero waste road. I'll share my experiences, my challenges, and simple ways you can start to make less waste, too. Save time, save money, and get healthier!
1.31.16
The more I travel down the road to zero waste, the more I realize I've been on this road for quite some time...way before zero waste was a catchy phrase on the interwebs. It's been a process that I didn't notice, because the changes were small and organic. I didn't wake up one day and make a huge declaration about my lifestyle change. I let one change naturally move me toward the next one. Now looking back, it's rewarding to see how much progress I've made.
The changes have been more rapid in the last year for two main reasons. One, I have been spending way more time picking up other people's trash which serves as an instant and constant eye opener to my own buying habits. Two, there is now a strong zero waste community on-line. Connecting with that community has provided endless inspiration and encouragement. I feel like it's time for me to add to that group energy! If you've stumbled upon this page and zero waste is a new term for you, WELCOME!!
I am by no means at zero waste myself. I'm not even to the point of trying to fit all of my landfill trash in a mason jar (maybe soon!). Below you'll find all the simple changes I've made over the years. I'll also share my stumbles and failures, in the hopes of letting you know you are not alone and to maybe save you some time. I'll also highlight the habits I'm currently working on changing. Thanks for being here!
The more I travel down the road to zero waste, the more I realize I've been on this road for quite some time...way before zero waste was a catchy phrase on the interwebs. It's been a process that I didn't notice, because the changes were small and organic. I didn't wake up one day and make a huge declaration about my lifestyle change. I let one change naturally move me toward the next one. Now looking back, it's rewarding to see how much progress I've made.
The changes have been more rapid in the last year for two main reasons. One, I have been spending way more time picking up other people's trash which serves as an instant and constant eye opener to my own buying habits. Two, there is now a strong zero waste community on-line. Connecting with that community has provided endless inspiration and encouragement. I feel like it's time for me to add to that group energy! If you've stumbled upon this page and zero waste is a new term for you, WELCOME!!
I am by no means at zero waste myself. I'm not even to the point of trying to fit all of my landfill trash in a mason jar (maybe soon!). Below you'll find all the simple changes I've made over the years. I'll also share my stumbles and failures, in the hopes of letting you know you are not alone and to maybe save you some time. I'll also highlight the habits I'm currently working on changing. Thanks for being here!
Easy Zero Waste switches!
To-Go Ware, Bamboo Utensils
Was trying to think back to my first zero waste switch. I think purchasing a set of To-Go Ware might've been it. Way back before the term zero waste was a thing.
To-Go Ware has been creating bamboo utensils and stainless steel food carriers since 2004. I opted for the full size set, but they do make a really cute, slightly smaller set that is great to toss in your purse or backpack, desk drawer at work or glove box of your car. They do arrive with a set of chopsticks, too, which I never use so I choose to leave them at home.
Was trying to think back to my first zero waste switch. I think purchasing a set of To-Go Ware might've been it. Way back before the term zero waste was a thing.
To-Go Ware has been creating bamboo utensils and stainless steel food carriers since 2004. I opted for the full size set, but they do make a really cute, slightly smaller set that is great to toss in your purse or backpack, desk drawer at work or glove box of your car. They do arrive with a set of chopsticks, too, which I never use so I choose to leave them at home.
To-Go Ware, Stainless Steel Food Carrier
Right around the same time, probably at the same time actually, I purchased a stainless steel food carrier. I love this thing. I used to use it to bring my lunch to work. This year I finally stopped caring what people think and I bring it with me to pack up leftovers when I am out to eat instead of getting them packaged in plastic or styrofoam. This is a new habit that I am working on. It is not 100% yet, but it's getting there. I remember more than I forget, soon it will be a solid habit. Watching wait staff reactions has been fun and is an opportunity to educate.
Right around the same time, probably at the same time actually, I purchased a stainless steel food carrier. I love this thing. I used to use it to bring my lunch to work. This year I finally stopped caring what people think and I bring it with me to pack up leftovers when I am out to eat instead of getting them packaged in plastic or styrofoam. This is a new habit that I am working on. It is not 100% yet, but it's getting there. I remember more than I forget, soon it will be a solid habit. Watching wait staff reactions has been fun and is an opportunity to educate.
Reusable Water Bottle
Now that I think about it, this may have been my first zero waste switch. I don't know why the need figure this out is bugging me, but I need to let it go! It's disturbing how many water bottles I pick up on my trash walks, but if you do nothing else, I beg you to switch to a reusable water bottle! The photo on the right is my current, complete set up. The green cloth bag holds my stainless steel food carrier. I'm not sure if To-Go Ware sells them anymore, but I love mine. It fits the container perfectly and there is a spot on the side for the utensils. Two stainless steel water bottles. Used to have a fancy SIGG, but it got crushed and then lost. These two plain, no frills guys from Coleman have been holding up well.
Now that I think about it, this may have been my first zero waste switch. I don't know why the need figure this out is bugging me, but I need to let it go! It's disturbing how many water bottles I pick up on my trash walks, but if you do nothing else, I beg you to switch to a reusable water bottle! The photo on the right is my current, complete set up. The green cloth bag holds my stainless steel food carrier. I'm not sure if To-Go Ware sells them anymore, but I love mine. It fits the container perfectly and there is a spot on the side for the utensils. Two stainless steel water bottles. Used to have a fancy SIGG, but it got crushed and then lost. These two plain, no frills guys from Coleman have been holding up well.
Reusable Bags
Wait, wait, wait, this might actually have been my first zero waste switch!!! Hahaha!
Just kidding, I obviously have no idea. I do remember how long it took this habit to take hold when going to the grocery store, probably a good six months. Now I don't leave home without a reusable bag no matter where I'm going. I have some really super cute ones that my mom made me. Will have to post a photo of them. I use them mostly for the grocery store and the farmer's market. This purple one from Patagonia has been getting used daily for everything and anything for the past four or five years. Very durable and lightweight. I like that it packs down into it's own pocket when not being used.
Wait, wait, wait, this might actually have been my first zero waste switch!!! Hahaha!
Just kidding, I obviously have no idea. I do remember how long it took this habit to take hold when going to the grocery store, probably a good six months. Now I don't leave home without a reusable bag no matter where I'm going. I have some really super cute ones that my mom made me. Will have to post a photo of them. I use them mostly for the grocery store and the farmer's market. This purple one from Patagonia has been getting used daily for everything and anything for the past four or five years. Very durable and lightweight. I like that it packs down into it's own pocket when not being used.
Straws Suck!
Refusing plastic straws is a habit I am currently working on. It would be lovely if restaurants did not automatically assume that a straw is needed or wanted. Some places bring it on the side and others already have it in your drink so instead of trying to remember which restaurant does what, I'm learning to simply add "no straw please" to my request. I felt a bit douchy at first, but figured if I can ask for lemon or no ice, then I can ask for no straw. Some people I follow on Instagram have purchased glass or stainless steel straws. I'm just using what God gave me, my lips, they seem to do the job well.
Refusing plastic straws is a habit I am currently working on. It would be lovely if restaurants did not automatically assume that a straw is needed or wanted. Some places bring it on the side and others already have it in your drink so instead of trying to remember which restaurant does what, I'm learning to simply add "no straw please" to my request. I felt a bit douchy at first, but figured if I can ask for lemon or no ice, then I can ask for no straw. Some people I follow on Instagram have purchased glass or stainless steel straws. I'm just using what God gave me, my lips, they seem to do the job well.
Brush With Bamboo
Last year thanks to the Zero Waste crew, I learned about a new company, Brush with Bamboo. I ordered a four pack to get me through the year. The packaging is all compostable and the bamboo handle is, too. The bristles are not, they are made of nylon and have to be removed before composting the handle. I think the company is in the process of making the bristles compostable as well. This product goes against my Made in the USA mission, which I did not realize until after I ordered. I wrote to them to let them know I wish the product had been made in the USA and they wrote back thanking me for my feedback and explaining their position. Win some, lose some. I still feel good knowing I won't be adding to the millions of plastic toothbrushes filling up landfills and the oceans.
Last year thanks to the Zero Waste crew, I learned about a new company, Brush with Bamboo. I ordered a four pack to get me through the year. The packaging is all compostable and the bamboo handle is, too. The bristles are not, they are made of nylon and have to be removed before composting the handle. I think the company is in the process of making the bristles compostable as well. This product goes against my Made in the USA mission, which I did not realize until after I ordered. I wrote to them to let them know I wish the product had been made in the USA and they wrote back thanking me for my feedback and explaining their position. Win some, lose some. I still feel good knowing I won't be adding to the millions of plastic toothbrushes filling up landfills and the oceans.
Zero Waste Toothpaste
I'm sure at some point I will wish these zero waste suggestions were in a certain order. For now I'm just listing them as they pop into my brain, but it makes sense that after switching to a bamboo toothbrush, I also switched over to zero waste toothpaste after I used up what I already had in the house. My first attempt was a simple recipe, read this and this, if you want the details. I did not care for the coconut oil or the peppermint oil. I am simply using baking soda these days.
I'm sure at some point I will wish these zero waste suggestions were in a certain order. For now I'm just listing them as they pop into my brain, but it makes sense that after switching to a bamboo toothbrush, I also switched over to zero waste toothpaste after I used up what I already had in the house. My first attempt was a simple recipe, read this and this, if you want the details. I did not care for the coconut oil or the peppermint oil. I am simply using baking soda these days.
No Poo (Poo = Shampoo)
I understand this one may not be for everyone, but I took to it easily and haven't looked back. Basically, I've stopped using shampoo and conditioner. I believe I'm about to hit the one year mark. When I first stopped, I had about a two week adjustment period. This will vary from person to person depending on factors such as length of hair, health of hair and scalp, how often you wash your hair etc. A lot of no poo peeps will use baking soda in place of shampoo and an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse in place of conditioner. When I was first making the switch, I used baking soda every couple of days, but lately I haven't been using it much at all and I haven't tried the ACV. My hair is thicker, shinier and wavier. If this is too extreme for you, I have read many rave reviews about Lush shampoo bars.
I understand this one may not be for everyone, but I took to it easily and haven't looked back. Basically, I've stopped using shampoo and conditioner. I believe I'm about to hit the one year mark. When I first stopped, I had about a two week adjustment period. This will vary from person to person depending on factors such as length of hair, health of hair and scalp, how often you wash your hair etc. A lot of no poo peeps will use baking soda in place of shampoo and an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse in place of conditioner. When I was first making the switch, I used baking soda every couple of days, but lately I haven't been using it much at all and I haven't tried the ACV. My hair is thicker, shinier and wavier. If this is too extreme for you, I have read many rave reviews about Lush shampoo bars.
Body Scrub
I quit the obsession with bath & body products a long time ago, but I do have some serious dry skin. I'm certain part of the reason is because I do not drink enough water, but even if your skin is perfect, it's nice to pamper yourself. This body scrub smells delicious, is simple to make and works wonders on my skin. The first time I made it, I had everything I needed in the kitchen! Read all about it here. Plus, making your own will ensure there are no microbeads in it!
I quit the obsession with bath & body products a long time ago, but I do have some serious dry skin. I'm certain part of the reason is because I do not drink enough water, but even if your skin is perfect, it's nice to pamper yourself. This body scrub smells delicious, is simple to make and works wonders on my skin. The first time I made it, I had everything I needed in the kitchen! Read all about it here. Plus, making your own will ensure there are no microbeads in it!