To decide to reduce waste in my own life, while living with family, and being a teacher, is a difficult hurdle. Some family members (and coworkers) are all for it, and follow my lead, while others…not so much. I am learning to be true to my word, to model the behavior I want to see in others, and to not get offended when others aren’t as active as you are.
That last part is pretty difficult, especially when you’re leading a school program that is trying to recycle and reduce waste, and you see other colleagues (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.) not doing what you asked. It just hurts when I see recycling in the trash, or a banana peel and Dunkin Donuts cup in with plastic recycling. How can I not get frustrated? Is it too much to just ask people to be aware of what they do? To look at labels and CARE about the planet? What is even more disappointing is that my kids actually get it – they are the ones who look, who point to the labels, who show me that they use the compost and the recycling bins correctly. It’s the adults that are the ones that aren’t properly recycling.
But I have to go back to the root – knowing that I can only control my actions, model good behavior, and speak up, and say with love, “Hey, you know that can be recycled?” when I see someone tossing a water bottle into the trash. Or asking someone at school or my spiritual center to save something for my classroom, that they would usually just throw away.
It is hard to not get frustrated, but then I remind myself – I am a teacher, and the best way to create any change is through education.
I attend The Center for Spiritual Living North Jersey, which believes in empowerment through education. On June 11, I did a 5 minute “Power Talk” that educated my congregation about embracing the DOING part of being the change we wish to see in the world. In doing so, I showed them my Zero Waste bag, and shared an affirmation I say when I throw away trash (see video above).
A ‘Zero Waste Bag’ is basically the essentials you carry when making the change toward the zero-waste lifestyle. Basically, it is the bag that enables us to avoid single use anything. All the single use utensils, bottles, napkins, all end up in a landfill or polluted somewhere, and just avoiding these items will benefit the planet immensely.
Some things that are in a ‘Zero Waste Bag’
- Mason jar – this can be used for liquids (smoothies, soup, water, etc.) or solid food. Mason jar can be used for so many different things, it is an easy addition to your toolkit in avoiding single use things.
- Reusable straws – I personally like stainless steel straws instead of glass, but it doesn’t really matter what kind of reusable straw you get, as long as you don’t add to straw waste you are doing your part. Did you know that the USA uses so many disposable straws that we could fill Yankee Stadium 90 times per year with just our disgusting disposable straws?!
- Reusable utensils – My personal favorite for utensils (and toothbrushes) is bamboo, because it is durable (the knife cuts meat – legit) and bamboo is good for the environment (it is compost-able if it breaks). But again, whatever reusable utensils you decide to use, as long as it isn’t contributing to a landfill, you’re doing great!
- Reusable containers – Styrofoam is the devil. I hate styrofoam so much, and there is so much of it. Bringing reusable containers with you will help you avoid the styrofoam to-go containers, and you will have the power to
Along with my Zero Waste Pinterest Board, I have a few favorite sites that I use for all Zero Waste questions and tips.
- Earth911 – this is an amazing site that is dedicated to reducing the amount of recyclables that get thrown into landfills. All you have to do is just put in what you want to recycle (plastic packaging, car parts, clothes, even underwear!) and your zip code, and this site will provide you with a list of local businesses that collect and upcycle your items for the benefit of the environment.
- Change My Footprint – this site not only will calculate your carbon footprint, but it will also give you tips on how to easily change your lifestyle to more Earth-friendly habits. From cleaning, working, traveling, and everything in between, this site can help you change your footprint and take those baby steps toward having a positive affect in the world.
- Zero Waste Nerd – this blogger is helping me take the baby steps and providing sound advice on stepping into the Zero Waste lifestyle. She provides easy 30-day steps to zero waste, vents about real frustrations and difficulties while going zero waste, and gives great DIY projects and recipes that will help anyone who even remotely wants to get their feet wet in the Zero Waste Lifestyle.
- Zero Waste Christian – this is another inspirational blogger that puts a spiritual emphasis on living a simple, waste-less lifestyle. She blogs about reducing debt, what she uses and reuses to minimize their purchases, and the amazing things she is creating with the power of God and a sewing machine. Another great place to look for advice on going Zero Waste.
- Terracycle – I have spoken in previous videos about how amazing Terracycle is. You can literally send them anything you want, and they will find a way to reuse it, or melt it/make it into something else. Although buying a Zero Waste Box does cost money, some programs, like tobacco products, or air care items are free. Again, do as much as you can, for the benefit of the environment.
- Niki Roberts – This woman is the master of frugal living. She gives you tips on e-couponing, throwing minimal-waste parties, promotional deals, and being beautiful on a budget. I also follow her (and Zero Waste Nerd, Zero Waste Christian, and Terracycle) on Instagram, and on certain days she provides a story or tidbit on saving, such as “Sustainable Saturdays” and “Happy, Healthy Thursdays” and “Zero-Waste Tuesdays.”
I hope this post helps empower you to CHOOSE to be the change you with to be for this planet. If you would like to share other ways you are reducing waste in your life, or want more information, please do not hesitate to contact me!
