Reflections after 6 months Zero Waste-ish Living
Happy Canada Day and 6 month Zero Waste Anniversary! We have made it to the half way point of our zero waste-ish experiment. For me, it has been a life changing yet enriching experience. Thank you to everyone who has given me positive feedback on this project and encouraged me to continue.
While I routinely provide my perspective on this blog, I thought it would be interesting to share that of my family. I decided to interview them to get their views on this experiment.
My wonderful hubby
How has zero waste changed your life?
How much time do you have? Well it has changed the way I look at everything, my consumption and the impact on the environment.
What the challenges of the zero waste lifestyle?
Buying groceries is one as everything is overpackaged. I cannot buy off the shelf at the grocery store. It is also more work for you since you have to make a lot of food that was previously bought pre-packaged. It takes additional time on the weekend. It’s more effort and if anyone says it’s not, they are not being completely honest. It is getting easier but it is extra effort.
What are the benefits of zero waste lifestyle?
Are there any? Ha ha! I think in terms of food consumption, it is less packaged, therefore healthier. It provides a good message to our children. It also makes you realize that your decisions affect others and our world.
Daughter 1
How has zero waste changed your life?
I think the biggest thing is that I have become is that I have become much more conscious of my consumption and that of others. In addition, it has opened my eyes to the fact that there are small changes that can make a big difference. For example, like bringing your own cups and containers when eating or drinking when you are not at home, buying in bulk and saying no to straws and single use plastics.
When you move out what will you continue to do?
I would like to continue to composting as that is good way to reduce garbage and limit my single use plastics as much as I can. I would also continue to use the reusable sandwich bags and reusable food wrap (beeswax coated plastic). I really like using them.
What do share if anything about zero waste with your friends?
I try to lead by example by bringing my own reusable containers but I don’t like having a holier than thou attitude so I don’t say anything. Eventually I think zero waste will become commonplace, like bringing reusable bags to the grocery store.
Daughter 2 (Author’s Note: Interviewee shows aggressive tendencies.)
How has zero waste changed your life?
It has made it worse. It is difficult. I feel judged whenever I do something that is not zero waste. I even cut myself with my compostable razor.
What is positive about the experience?
It is good for the environment and we save money. We also get more candy from the bulk store.
Would you recommend this to others?
Yes and no. I would recommend it to people I don’t like. I wouldn’t do everything that we do. I know that recycling is not as good as bringing your own containers but I like taking the container from the restaurant.
I don’t like the glass bottle milk container that we use. I would like to be be able to use my regular razors and use Q tips. The compost also stinks (authors note: this is untrue).
When you move out, what will you continue to do?
Not use straws but I won’t go to the bulk store. I’m not zero waste.
What do share if anything about zero waste with your friends?
I tell my friends not to use straws and not to take styrofoam containers. It’s really bad for the environment.
Do you think zero waste is a good idea?
Yes, but it is not commonplace and it can be really inconvenient.
These candid and open interviews tell me that:
(1) While my family is not on board with the project (that message was clear), zero waste is something that “regular” people can embrace
(2) small changes can make a difference
(3) leading by example is better than preaching.
(4) While living zero waste is not always easy and is more work, it is worthwhile.
Thank you to my wonderful family for embarking on this journey with me and keeping the zero waste ship afloat, in spite of choppy waters.
Garden Update
Much to my surprise, my garden has grown! It is very rewarding to see my fruits and vegetables grow, albeit slowly. Yellow zucchini are my prize: six collected and eaten with more to come. Two plants can definitely feed a family.
The cauliflower is growing nicely but earwigs like them too:
Before the earwigs got them, I decided to harvest my cauliflower, along with my gorgeous yellow zucchini:
In spite of weekly fertilization, the strawberries are growing very slowly and I am disappointed with my yield:
Overall, the garden has been an interesting and satisfying adventure. I definitely plan to repeat this next year.
Challenge for the Week: Stay cool in the July heat!