Natural Reset Challenges Week 4: Zero Waste

ZERO WASTE as defined by the Grassroots Recycling Network is as such:

Zero Waste maximizes recycling, minimizes waste, reduces consumption and ensures that products are made to be reused, repaired or recycled back into nature or the marketplace.

Week 4: Zero Waste

March 29th - April 4th

There is no such thing as "away". Remember this as we start our week of "Zero" waste. Now, I'm under no delusion that I am just going to jump into this on week one and have no waste to speak of. But the goal for me, and perhaps for you, is to realistically see how many changes my family can make in a week that will get us closer to that goal.

And the word, family, here is a big one to remember. You are not operating solo. If you were it may be a lot easier to take the deep dive on this issue. But it is not just you we are talking about. You have other people involved here, people that may or may not be 100% on board! So, do what you can to take steps in the right direction but don't turn into a control freak who won't let her poor husband buy a bag of his favorite cookies because they don't come in a recyclable bag. Umm, yeah I tried that and well let's just say that didn't go over very well. Everyone has their vice!

This week I plan to make simple changes that can yield BIG results in the long term.

Here is my Action List. If you tackle one of these things to some degree every day this week, just imagine how good you will feel about your progress on this somewhat overwhelming issue by day 7!!

Here goes...

1. Remove your name from junk mail lists. The less you have coming in the door the less you have to worry about getting out. http://www.directmail.com/mail_preference/

2. Get to know your local bulk bins. If you new to bulk bin shopping then start with locating the stores around you that support this. Either take mason jars and pre-weigh them at the counter (whole foods does this!), bring mesh reusable produce bags, or use their brown bags that at least you can recycle.

3. Shop local and try to find a farmers market near you. This will allow you to get to know the local farms, avoid plastic and pre-packed goods, and throw things into your reusable bags instead!

4. Start a compost bin or increase the amount that you already compost. See my fb group post on composting for more info!

5. Clean out your kitchen and closets. These are great places to start with the mission to reduce the amount of clutter and plastic in your home. Donate and recycle when you can.

6. Swap out Disposables for Reusables. Some ideas to get started on this are:

-- napkins

-- microfiber cloths for cleaning

-- microfiber sponges for dishes

-- cloth shopping bags

7. Get the kids involved with the zero waste mission. (Look for a longer post on this tomorrow!)

-- Get them outside

-- Garden (the pic above is our first radish from our countertop garden!)

-- Donate to Charity

-- Get the in the Kitchen

-- Zero Waste Play

-- Let them Help Recycle

Armed with easy steps and a little motivation I hope that you are as inspired as I am! Good luck with your goals this week and remember every little bit counts. Be the change!

: )

-Jessica