I have hit the benchmark of making zero waste changes AND blogging for 2 months!!!!
Not to toot my own horn, but I’m ridiculously happy because I didn’t know if zero waste would just be a “phase” I would go through. Even more so, I was worried about maintaining a blog for this long!
And who knows, perhaps it will only be a 2 month phase, but I’m still proud of accomplishing 2 months.
I like to think that others are getting on board too (I really like the Facebook group for this reason – it’s giving other people the opportunity to chime in – let me know if you want an invite!), and I keep reminding myself that even if NO ONE else does anything, every little change I make makes a difference.
That actually reminds me of the book by a woman named Julia Butterfly Hill, called “One Makes the Difference”. She also wrote another book called “The Legacy of Luna” – she lived in a giant redwood tree for 2 years to prevent it from being torn down for lumber. It’s fascinating and a good read – but anyhow, in “One Makes the Difference”, she talks about all the little changes that one person can make to make a positive impact on the environment. I have both if anyone is interested in borrowing them – or you can check them out at your local library. I think I ordered them used off Amazon or half.com.
I made a lot of changes after reading them about 10 years ago, but 2 months ago I realized there was SO MUCH MORE that I could be doing.
It’s so true though – ONE makes the Difference.
My husband and I were reflecting on this recently because our trash has seriously decreased. Oh, we still have trash – but it’s been a lot less in these 2 months. We also have seen a decrease in the plastic in our recycling which also means we don’t have to transport our recycling as often.
I said I’d be honest though as I do all of this…so here is my honest confession.
I’ve regressed in some areas.
Well, for starters, I’m pressing ‘pause’ on using my Lush shampoo and conditioner bars. Now, I don’t necessarily consider this a regression, because I told myself I’d use them for a month to see if they’re a viable new product, but then I’d use up my massive bottles of shampoo & conditioner.
I was nervous that going back to my old shampoo & conditioner would make me miss them. That my hair would be so obviously more amazing with a commercial product that I would be left wondering what I was ever thinking going zero waste.
Thankfully, it was the opposite.
I actually miss using my Lush bars! I’m a little disappointed that I’m going to finish off these bottles!
Now, in full disclosure, while I really like my shampoo bar – I am interested in maybe finding a different zero waste conditioner. Like maybe a once-a-week deep conditioner or doing a DIY liquid conditioner…I haven’t settled on anything yet.
That’s kind of a theme with me right now. Slow but steady, wins the race. And I’m taking this slow.
Right now, my goal is to power through my commercial shampoo & conditioner, recycle the bottles, and move on with my life.
This week, I also took a step back with my deodorant. Ugh.
I’m at the tail-end of my zero waste deodorant and it just hasn’t been cutting it while I’m at work. It’s been GREAT on the weekends when I’m relaxed!!!
But going through the daily trials that is today’s public education system…it just doesn’t last.
I was smelly and super self-conscious about it, even with a second application mid-day. It’s been bad. So, I went back to my old stuff and forgave myself.
I ordered two new zero waste deodorants that I got on Etsy and I’m wearing one of them for the first time today. It’s Lemongrass and Peppermint and is working BEAUTIFULLY. But once again, it’s the weekend and I’m relaxed.
They’re from Hammond Herbs on Etsy (based out of Oregon). Beautifully wrapped and packaged with NO PLASTIC! They had quite an array of scents – I got a 2 pack of Lemongrass & Peppermint and Tea Tree & Lavender.
And I still had no issues with my deodorant from FreeWheelin’ Market on Etsy (other than it not lasting through a school day, but I don’t think it’s the deodorant’s fault; that’s my stress). I was ready to order it again, but figured I would try something new, for the sake of Science.
Also, going to the meat market has been challenging with my schedule lately, so we’ve been buying meat at the grocery store. In some “bad for the environment” packaging. I would like to start making more of an effort there. Although, I noticed that the flash frozen chicken from Aldi comes in a recyclable bag, so I’ve been washing the bag afterwards and throwing it in my plastic bag recycling.
Last confession: there have been some food items that I have not been able to find in bulk or in recyclable packaging, but I bought them anyways. Like cheddar puffs and other snacks for my kids. And cheese.
Slow change and progress over perfection.
But let’s try to end on a positive note. First, these two pictures were shared with me from someone via my father-in-law who is also really into recycling:
I just love this! It’s so freakin’ true! We have developed some serious bad habits on this planet (but I still think that serious change needs to come from the top down – and maybe that’s just me transferring blame to others!).
He also shared this picture on non-plastic food storage. I think I’m going to post it again on the Facebook group as well:
My sister shared an Earth Day 2 mile run in Chardon, Ohio in April that is doing lots of things to encourage environmentally friendly habits. I haven’t signed up (yet), but I had wanted to do something for Earth Day to get my kids involved – like take them somewhere to pick up trash and then bribe them with ice cream afterwards – so I’m thinking of maybe doing this race and following it up with a trash clean-up somewhere. Still just mulling it over, no definitive plans.
I had also asked my husband if he would make a compost tumbler for me in March. So on Friday (March 1st), I began the not-so-subtle sweet nagging of, “Sweetie?? Do you think that this month you can make a compost tumbler?? Pleeeease?” I’m excited. I really want to work on composting more this year.
So, if you’re reading – Thank you! If you’re making eco-friendly changes – Thank you! And keep sharing those eco-positive articles and ideas – I love hearing them!
The Beck Trek 