You have probably heard about the subject that is keeping the world on its toes right now: global warming, climate change, environmental pollution. The problem has many names and at least as many angles to approach it from. Reducing plastic and waste in general can be a step into the right direction. Let us show you how surprisingly easy it is and how implementing some small changes can have a great impact...
"Going zero waste is too hard. I will have to turn my whole life upside down and give up all my comfort. I won't be able to eat good food anymore, everything will be complicated and people will probably look at me weirdly. Also: how can I as one of a billion save the world on my own? It's hopeless anyway..."
SOUNDS FAMILIAR?
Well, let us convince you of the opposite! Reducing waste and plastic is a lot easier and way more fun than you may think. And: you are not alone! There are lots of inspirational websites, instagram profiles and books that will give you all the information you need. Take your time to approach the topic, even the smallest change is a great step into the right direction. Already Neil Armstrong knew that "one small step for a man" can be a "giant leap for mankind". Here are five things you can very easily include into your everyday life:
1) The lucky bag
A lot of shops and supermarkets have already reacted to the current situation. Plastic bags to transport your goods often cost extra or you will get a paper bag right away. It would be even better however, if you would bring your own bag. There are lots of different varieties: long or short handles, with letterings or patterns, to carry in your hand or on the back... I for instance have a personalized version that a friend gave me for my birthday years ago. Not only are those tote bags totally in vogue and almost indestructible, they also fit in any kind of handbag very easily so that you can always have one at hand.
If you want to go one step further, you can try reusable bags for fruits and vegetables to avoid accumulating plastic bags at home. It's a lot of fun to use them and I can assure you that they will be a topic of conversation at the checkout.
2) Cheers!
Are you a coffee person? Does the waitress in the bakery welcome you with the words "Extra sugar, as usual" by now? Well, I have the perfect gift idea for your next birthday: a beautiful, reusable insulated cup! With many different sizes, shapes and colors, they all have something in common: they are way better for the environment than disposable cups and they can even make you save money. Some bakeries and coffee shops offer a small discount if you bring your own mug. Be careful with cups made of bamboo - they can contain synthetic materials that emit harmful substances when heated.
Same goes for water, by the way. Bottles made of glass or stainless steel filled with fresh tap water will help you stay hydrated and prevent you from having to carry and store bulky PET bottles.
3) The chef's hat
Lunchtime, let's go to the salad bar! That's what my colleagues and I used to do and the result were five paper bags with one big plastic bowl each, not to mention cutlery, beverage can and a dessert wrapped in plastic. Unquestionably delicious, but scary projected on the whole year. Don't worry, you don't have to stop eating good food! Some take-away restaurants actually permit customers to bring their own containers. If you don't want to reveal your "zero waste ambitions" to the world just yet, how about preparing your own lunch at home? It's easier than you may think. You can simply cook a bit more the day before when making dinner, or you fall back on the good old cheese sandwich. This might at first sight not be as fancy as the salad bar, but it will for sure increase your anticipation of a nice homemade dinner with friends or a restaurant with your darling.
4) Ready, steady, go!
Are the tires of your bike inflated? Great, then use it! Like this, you can kill two birds with one stone: You let the environment breathe and boost your fitness at the same time. Maybe you're even lucky enough to live within biking distance to your office. If not, there are other tiny changes you can make that have a great effect. Why not take the public transportation to go downtown next time? Not only will you save your nerves because you don't have to get annoyed by other drivers or overcrowded parkings, maybe you will even meet an old neighbor or colleague who coincidentally takes the same bus or tram.
It's probably a lot to ask to travel to the USA on a sailboat, but maybe we can start small by walking to the bakery instead of taking the car...
5) Perfectly imperfect
What's most important is that you don't try to pull off a vertical takeoff. Nobody was born perfect and that is definitely not the aim! Trying to reduce waste should give you a good feeling and be fun in the first place. Attempting anything more than that can easily kill your motivation. Step by step, one thing at a time. When one product is used up, keep your eyes open and try to find a plastic-free alternative. You will learn new things every day and probably be surprised by all the eco-friendly options you have without even slightly having to restrain yourself. You don't have to go from zero to one hundred over night. Find your personal limits and do your best. In the end, it is more effective if many people do a bit than if a handful of people does everything "right".
WANT AN EXAMPLE?
For us, it all started with the reusable vegetable bags. It was fun using them and it gave us the feeling of doing something for the greater good. We then went one step further and tried to buy as many products as possible without packaging. A zero waste store nearby made it easy to reach this goal and we were astonished by the range of products and the low price difference compared to a normal supermarket.
In the bathroom, shampoo bottles had to make room for soap bars and we tried several bamboo toothbrushes and toothpaste tablets until we found a priduct that felt comfortable. We still have our stock of "common" shower gels and cream jars though, but this doesn't keep us from looking for and trying out alternatives. As I said: zero waste is a process. Don't put pressure on yourself or you risk to nip your enthusiasm in the bud.
Our next big construction site will probably be cleaning products. There are DIY recipes for everything, we just have to wait until the chemical bombs we still have in our cupboards are used up. In the meantime, we will continue with other small steps, such as using cloth napkins instead of paper towels or online tickets instead of a printed version.
You see, there are many different starting points, options and solutions, a lot of them actually quite simple to put into practice. So let yourself be inspired and impressed by the fascinating world of zero waste. Enjoy!