I have such a hard time talking about zero waste. Let’s face it, aside from a handful of people who keep their trash in tiny mason jars, it’s a really hard process for everyone else who isn’t obsessed. So people like to say it’s a journey, and it is… a long journey of watching everything that comes into your home. My other issue with this movement is that it can sometimes be an upper middle class struggle, or a movement for the elite. When you have very little money, and resources, you tend to buy what is on sale, what is available and sometimes that food has more plastic. So I’m trying to strike a balance in finding affordable solutions that are open to everyone. Here I go.
BULK
This is the first area I’d like to expand on. I don’t mean go to sprouts or whole foods bulk bin – but if you’re not there yet, please try it. I mean, finding a farmer I can buy bulk grains from, maybe 5lb. bag or so to get me through a few months – this way, all I have to worry about is one container. Take into account quinoa – I buy one small plastic bag at a time. If I buy a 5lb. container and request it in a cloth bag, I may be able to reduce a lot of my personal plastic. Lately I’ve been looking into buying from Kandarian Organics.
Grow Your Own
This is easier for those of us who have the space, but don’t be discouraged. There are a lot of areas that offer community gardens that are easy to rent a raised bed from for a nominal fee.
Less Amazon – More Buy Nothing Group
Recently we got a puppy, and my husband is super responsible and wanted to get a harness and start lessons right away. He purchased an xs dog harness from amazon, and it was too small. I accidentally threw out the box and now we’re stuck with it. I didn’t want to spend another 25 bucks on getting the next size up, so I posted on my local Buy Nothing Group page and had 3 people offer up their dog harness. It was the most wonderful thing to have people who are so kind gift you something. It’s mutually beneficial too, as they’re probably looking to declutter their home too. To find out more about the Buy Nothing Project click here.
I’ll be sure to keep adding to the list, but for now this is what I have going on. Please feel free to comment on anything you think I should try, or add in order to share with others.