My first steps towards zero waste

The zero waste movement has been in the news a lot lately, and this way of life is reflected in the resolutions of many people. You have to be ready to make changes, minor and major, while taking it one step at a time. I wanted to take the one month plastic free challenge only to find that it's hard to make the leap overnight. It takes preparation and patience. Here is a list of my first steps towards a waste-free lifestyle.

1. Evaluate our consumption

When we are thinking of going green, it is important to assess our consumption one room in the house at a time, for example taking an inventory of the products used in the bathroom. Once the overview is done, we must take action to move towards our goal of zero waste. We can therefore substitute our plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one (just break the head of the brush and compost the handle).

With children, I favor Quebec products made with simple ingredients. The Dulce Bee Toddler Kit is ideal for the family; the company also has a nice zero waste selection on its site. The Diligences soap factory also offers a full range of zero waste products. Their lip balm making kit is a great way to get younger kids involved in the waste reduction process.

2. Think about reusing before buying

As consumers, we are constantly pressured to buy the newest version of everything: cars, cellphones, fashionable clothes, etc. Now is the time to think differently. With our old t-shirt, we can make a bag or a tawashi , for example. Pinterest is full of inspiring ideas. An object that is still intact and no longer in use can be donated to an organization or a thrift store for the benefit of another person. The important thing is to apply the 4RVs: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and recover.

3. Buy in bulk and local

It is increasingly easy to buy in bulk and to be able to use our own containers. We buy only what we need, thus avoiding the waste of the large format. More and more companies are offering bulk fill options. This is the case of The Unscented company, which offers products for the home (laundry, hand soap, dish soap, etc.) and whose refill is offered at the Signé Local boutique.

In addition, citizen initiatives like NousRire allow you to order online and pick up your purchases at a sorting point. Buying local is also a way to maintain local services in our neighborhoods and promote a better local economy. Then, it's frankly more pleasant to know where our products come from!

4. Compost

Composting reduces the amount of organic waste in our garbage cans and turns it into fertilizer for our plants and gardens. If this option interests you, know that each year, the Eco-IGA Fund offers composters and rainwater collectors at a reduced rate. A great way to start composting your table scraps. Also, several municipalities in Quebec have a municipal composting system. If yours is not, why not leave a comment for your chosen one?

5. Zero waste lunch box

An easy habit to adopt if you prepare lunches for the children or for yourself: washable containers, thermos, reusable water bottle, wooden or metal utensils, etc. We prioritize cooked meals and snacks to reduce unnecessary packaging. La Fabrik Éco offers eco-responsible and reusable products made in Quebec ( lunch bag , fruit bag , dish covers ).

6. Have a survival kit on hand

The ideal is to have a kit accessible at all times; we keep it in our purse or in the car. This kit includes a spoon-fork, a cloth napkin and a stainless steel, bamboo or silicone straw, all well kept in a reusable bag. We can even add a serving dish, in case we want to buy a take-out meal. This avoids having to come home with plastic utensils and Styrofoam containers. Since it is not yet common, some places do not dare to accept containers. On the other hand, the more we will be to make the request, the more it will become usual.

7. Use biodegradable and natural products to maintain the house

Home maintenance often requires the use of many disposable products. We therefore try to remedy the situation by preferring washable options. I love Kliin's compostable, washable and natural fiber paper towel . Several Quebec companies offer superb products for cleaning ( Pure , Planette , etc.), for feminine hygiene, for babies or children ( Oko Créations , Castor et cie , etc.) and for the body ( Mon paradis bio , Karisoins , Bäum , etc.).

After evaluating our waste production and implementing concrete actions to reduce it, we can, if we wish, design our own soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. With my extended family (7 in total, including 1 year old baby, 15 year old, unconverted spouse), I do what I can to reduce my consumption and educate the rest of the family on follow this path. I would like to reach a level where my waste would be minimal (or 4 kg for a family of 3, like Lauraki ). The important thing is to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and to congratulate yourself on continued effort.

They say it takes 21 days to develop a new habit, you have to give yourself time to make the changes! The planet and its resources will thank you! An interesting read is L'utopia du bocal , which explains this way of life well and which allows you to better understand the reasons for embarking on it.

Reviewed By Melanie