Easy Zero-Waste-Switches (Week 2)
Let’s switch it up!
Part 2 of 4
Here we are, heading into the second week of the new year!
How's everyone feeling?
There are so many things going on around us right now that we can't control. At times like this, we find it can be really helpful to focus on the things we can.
Hopefully this week's Easy Zero-Waste Switches help turn our focus towards small, manageable things we can do that bring about feelings of accomplishment and joy. 😊
Here it is!
🌿 Walk or bike somewhere: Not only does this cut down on pollution created from driving, it's a great feel-good activity! It's also a wonderful way to feel more connected to the earth. By slowing down, we see nature changing with the seasons. Every outing is just a little bit different! Granted, we've had some pretty blustery days lately (which can also feel quite exhilarating to go out into), but when you get that sweet spot of sunshine... there's nothing better.
🌿 Search for package-free prepared food options: Food packaging waste makes up about 1/3 of all household waste in Canada... and only about 20% is recovered for reuse and recycling. Buying bulk dried goods has been around since the beginning of time (at least pretty darn close). Prepared foods, however, are harder to find without a plastic coating... but not impossible! It's a new territory, and we are so incredibly fortunate to find these vendors, who are willing to make the leap with us: Very Good Butcher (burgers, taco stuffer), Adriana's (corn chips, tortillas, salsas), and Green Cuisine (tofu, sauerkraut). We also have Tree Island Yogurt, Natural Pastures Cheeses, and Cultured Nut for the plant-based folk. All of these companies are part of our island community. 😍
🌿 Buy second-hand and/or opt for slow fashion: This is a big subject that's hard to put into a few sentences. But to sum it up, from the fabric's beginning of life to end of life, fast fashion is one of the biggest polluters on the planet - and it's only getting worse as the industry grows. Not only that, those who make these garments do so in some pretty terrible conditions. Thrift/consignment stores are a great alternative. There are so many gently loved items waiting to brighten up your wardrobe! Another option is slow fashion: long-lasting clothing, made with sustainably sourced fabrics, and created in good working conditions by people who get paid fairly. Slow fashion costs more, but it's easy to balance things out by combining slow fashion with second-hand. This way, you're supporting ethical practices and helping keep items out of the landfill. The best of both worlds!
🌿 Pack a lunch: Fast food chains make the top 5 list of garbage contributors during beach cleanups every year in Canada, and to-go options from restaurants add to this waste. Canadians use almost 57 million straws daily, along with millions of plastic forks, knives, and spoons. These single use plastics, which are usually only used for half an hour, are creating a lot of waste, and a lot of harm for marine life. One option is to pack a lunch. It takes just a bit more time for planning and prep, but is better for your health, and the earth. Another option is to ask if you can bring your own container. We were starting to make headway with this pre-pandemic, and some places may be ready to get back to it!
🌿 Create a travel kit: Why not create a little travel kit of your own, to go with your packed lunch/takeout, so you're never without when you're out and about? Thankfully, Canada plans to ban plastic straws and cutlery by the end of this year, but there's still a lot of waste generated between now and then. Plus, even with the new products they use, it's nice to move away from single-use anything. Reusable cutlery, a glass/metal straw, and cloth napkin are all you need!
🌿 Refill your toothpaste: At least 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are thrown away globally each year. They're often made with a thin layer of aluminum, covered with various plastics, making them impossible to recycle. And while some toothpaste companies are working towards making recyclable tubes, getting people to clean them properly so they can be recycled is another challenge. An easy solution is to buy refillable toothpaste or toothpaste tablets. Simply bring in a clean jar, pick a flavour you like, and try a little or try a lot! That's one of the many beauties of a refillery!
🌿 Invest in reusable menstrual/hygiene products: Menstrual/hygiene products, such as pads and tampons, are made from and wrapped in plastic. And considering an average woman uses upwards of 11,000 pads and tampons during their lifetime, reusable items just make sense. Reusable pads and menstrual cups are the most popular options. They are a bit of an initial investment, but save so much money in the long-run. They may seem like a daunting switch, but they're actually easy, effective, and comfortable!
That's our list for this week! Again, try one, try them all, or save the list for later! Remember to be kind to yourself in your efforts to be kind to the earth. 💚🌎