Towards a Zero Waste Lifestyle: Out of the Home

Changing your habits to achieve a zero waste lifestyle is a long-term job. We must see each reflection and each use of a reusable object as an active participation in a concrete movement for intelligent consumption. In an ideal world, we would like to see a complete society, its multinationals and its government really doing its part. On the other hand, we must not forget that our individual actions also have an impact on a daily basis and can improve the fate of our planet. We've already told you about incorporating this lifestyle into your home; kitchen , bathroom and personal hygiene . Now we'll help you transfer your good habits from home to outside.

Daily

It is essential to observe what we transport and consume on a daily basis. A good way to start the process is to get into the habit of making lunches for work. Although it seems obvious, preparing meals not only forces us to eat better, but also to keep an eye on the quality of the products we eat while maximizing the use of reusable objects. The use of waterproof containers is already a well-established habit. The next step is to start carrying your utensils and cloth napkins. These gestures considerably reduce waste at each dinner.

Observe your workplace. Is there recycling? Is there compost? If some of the items you will have to consume will end up in the trash, you could assess whether there is an alternative. You could take these items home and put them in their place at that time. Organic waste will remain in your lidded containers during transport before being composted, no worries about odors or damage. Transporting the waste we produce is a good way to assess the quantity.

Hassle-free dining

Although cooking is an important choice, a little "take-out" on occasion can lighten your daily life. The use of the reusable cup is increasingly established in our daily lives. Several cafes offer a discount to those who own them and others charge for the use of disposable cups. The objective is to create a reflex with customers and thus promote responsible consumption. Moreover, the La Tasse project offers a left-luggage service in a dozen Montreal cafes and will be in more than 190 establishments throughout Quebec as of June.

A simple option for meals is to leave home with empty reusable containers with lids. Now, a growing number of restaurants are encouraging their customers to bring their reusable tableware. This choice is an effective waste-free alternative.

Outdoor Routine

Create a set of objects according to your needs for the day before leaving the house. My perfect little everyday essential is the water bottle. I always keep it in my bag. Summer or winter, keep in mind that it is essential to stay hydrated, but preferably without using single-use bottles. Then, I always keep a quantity of tissue handkerchiefs. They are essential both during colds and when we need an option for small napkins.

Thereafter, I keep a few options depending on my planned activities. Being a camping enthusiast, I have a bank of a few handy little tools that make things easier. First, a reusable cup if I plan to go outside. There are also foldable silicone ones. During the summer, this is what I use to get me ice cream! For meals out or last-minute groceries, I bring either a waterproof bag, waxed wrap or a light waterproof dish. I always keep a multifunction utensil or a knife/fork duo just in case. All of this can also very well apply during travel or outdoor getaways.

General reflection

Others around you may not have the same habits. The important thing is to always keep in mind that each individual effort can make a difference. Everyone can bring a reflection and open the discussion. Change and difference arouse a lot of interest in the other. The important thing is to constantly want to improve in order to, little by little, improve the fate of the planet.

“We don't need a handful of people practicing Zero Waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly. »

Reviewed by Sandrine