What does being Zero Waste really mean?
Do you think that you have an impact on the world? On your community?
“Human potential is infinite. Quantum mechanics shows us that our individual psychology affects how the world behaves. Scientists found that electrons performed differently depending on who was looking at them—meaning if you change the way you look at the world, the world actually changes. We each have limiting beliefs that hold us back, but when we step away from the stories we’ve created, there are no limitations—only a vast sea of energy waiting for us to form it.”
So, what does being zero waste really mean?
“The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” - Zero Waste International Alliance
I have been doing a great amount of research these past few months about ZW Kits and products that may be cute and attractive… but when I thought about what the true meaning of zero waste is, I began to wonder… Is buying all of these cute bamboo cutlery, and tin containers “Zero waste”… Maybe in the long run.. And also maybe if you have a shop nearby you then you can buy it… but if you are buying it online from Amazon or Etsy, it’s coming in packaging, shipped from China or Australia, and then branded.. do you still feel as though it’s creating the least footprint for our planet?
What if you used what you already have?
How many of you have an extra fork and knife that you could pack in your bag?
Maybe a mason jar that you have stored in the back of your cupboard or a super large glass jar for pickles?
How many reusable water bottles do you have or how many plastic water bottles have you already used this year? Save one of them, and use it for your trips! What’s great about these bottles is you can take out the air inside them and shrink them into your bag (super handy when you have so much in your bag!)
Did you know: It takes about 450 years for a plastic bottle to break down!?
What about kitchen towels? Do you have any cute ones or any old linen t-shirts that you want to get rid of? What if you cut up the fabric and used that as a cloth napkin… think of all the paper you could be saving!
Lastly, for now, what about a canvas bag? Cloth bag? Have you gotten one at your grocery store yet? Or were you given one at an event?
Did you know: 3 days ago, Coca Cola and Pepsi have both Abandoned the plastics lobby?!
What can you do Right now?
Take an extra cloth bag to the grocery and put your lettuce and veggies there instead of the single use plastic ones… you already know you are going to throw it out when you get home!
The average adult uses 20,000 plastic bags in his lifetime.
Do you really need the pre-packaged lemons? Or the plastic container tomatoes? Can you also pick them yourself?
What about the plastic laminated cucumber? How much plastic do we need?
Ever heard of picking the “ugly ones” ?
This is a great point… How many of you will choose the pretty apples instead of the ugly ones? Maybe the color isn’t as nice, or they look a little ripe? Look for the deals! In places like Aldi, Edeka, Trader Joes, even Fresh Market (wherever you are in the world) you will find sections that are fruits and veggies about to be thrown out. Go for those! Cook them that night! Get inspired by “googling” a recipe with a specific veggie!
For example, have you ever avoided the older looking bananas? Maybe you won’t have time to eat them now… What is you make your own Banana bread? What if you spent 1-2 minutes peeling them and freezing them for your morning smoothies? OR Some ready to go tomatoes? Could you make a really nice tomato sauce for your cauliflower pizza?
All I am saying is… with Zero Waste there is a lot of creativity and mindfulness involved. It’s definitely not the easiest at times, but there is something special about planning and making the time to cook or pack a lunch for work.
While some of us don’t have a lot of time.. this can be a great practice for people that may need grounding or a reminder to be present (guilty as charged).
These are just a few thoughts of mine.. Let me know in the comments below how you are bringing sustainability into your life?
Have a great Tuesday!
Quote I have been pondering this week:
“Human potential is infinite. Quantum mechanics shows us that our individual psychology affects how the world behaves. Scientists found that electrons performed differently depending on who was looking at them—meaning if you change the way you look at the world, the world actually changes. We each have limiting beliefs that hold us back, but when we step away from the stories we’ve created, there are no limitations—only a vast sea of energy waiting for us to form it.”
