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The Struggle that is "Going" Zero Waste

That is just it, we are “going”… and quite frankly I don’t think we will ever truly “get” there! Don’t get me wrong, I am an internal optimist but I am also a realist and I don’t like to set myself up for failure. And to be honest, sometimes life just happens, shit happens and well, you miss the mark. For example, my husband and I have been “going” zero waste for a few years now and we are so far from a mason jar of trash per year but we have made some huge steps for our lifestyle. I am both proud and yet constantly feeling like a failure… if you feel me, here are some heart felt reminders for when you feel stuck on this shared epic journey:

  1. First and foremost- finish what you already have- nothing is more wasteful than throwing out a product in order to replace with something less wasteful. Set a reminder to make the zero or minimal waste switch just before you run out!

  2. Baby steps are key- We are attempting a room by room or a different room a month type of thing- not a single room is zero waste yet all of them have significantly reduced waste.

  3. Be patient with yourself, each other and your options. Not everything that your lifestyle requires is offered in a zero/ minimal waste option, but by slowly asking for such things and noting changes you can make, it all makes a difference.

  4. Get creative with how you run your errands since one stop might have bulk hygiene products while another one offers bulk foods- its a balancing act and an art. Enjoy the journey.

  5. Offset your trash by picking up other people’s like when you are out walking in the park. Trash thrown away is better than trash washed into our water systems via the city’s storm drains.

  6. Offset your carbon emissions by buying climate credits. You can buy yours now through one of our favorite brands, Reformation!

  7. Have you switched to renewable energy yet? Wind or solar might be available in your area through Arcadia Power- if you switch via Reformation you will get a $100 shopping credit with them- talk about a new green deal!

  8. Appreciate your efforts and enjoy the small victories! Nobody is perfect, but the fact that you care enough to even read this blog is huge! And we + mother earth appreciate you!

We are in this together and would love to chat more about your zero waste journey- leave us a comment below or reach out via our contact options!