I feel like im always in a state of restarting my journey with sustainability. I will start good habits, then fall back into old ones then start again. I just keep reminding myself to do my best and that it's a marathon, not a sprint
Thanks for bringing up the problem with just throwing out things you own to buy new stuff that is made of different, non-plastic materials. This is appealing when you are still in the consumerist & impatient mindset, but is terrible for the planet and pocketbook. Reusing items you already own also allows for more deliberation when you do need to buy something new, since you can take the time to check out options. BTW, I just use a reusable K cup so I can have my one cup of coffee a day without the waste of either dumping extra coffee or throwing away a plastic pod.
I used to get and still get looks at the farmers market when I buy things and don't put it in a plastic bag. OR reactions when I would tell people that I am vegan.
When I am able to go to farmers market I always bring my own bags and produce bags. If I buy strawberries I ask them to put the berries in my bag so they can keep the basket. It's never been a problem so far. I'm in CA (SLO area)
Everyone is on a different sustainability journey. With inflation I've been doing more cost comparing at the grocery store and buying the bulk item instead of filling my jar in the bulk section. I've created more "waste" with the packaging, but I've been able to save more money which is the priority at the moment. Some things I will spend more money on the more environmentally friendly product while other times I'll buy the generic store brand.
I wish I was told when starting my zero waste journey that it's okay to not be perfect. I felt intimated looking at all the RU-vidrs back then. I still never did the collect your trash in a jar thing because I knew it just wasn't for me. For some they might get joy from that but I relate to you, it just seems like a lot of energy on something that I truly don't want to look at. I might~ might someday thrift a hole punch unit and might save one punch for each single use plastic I let into my my home and place those round pieces in a jar as a reminder of my choices but.. well see. Also wish I learned about.. R e d d i t and the Zero waste forum sooner, that was a huge help for me.
It's so cool that you're re-starting this just as I'm considering doing so myself! Life moves so fast here in NY and it seemed so impossible post-quarantine to keep up with low-waste (for many reasons). But not living with my values has taken a toll Some of the conclusions I've reached are actually counter to yours, which I think really speaks to how important it is to adjust to each individual. For example, I've decided to focus on easy (and non-medical) ways to cut down on single-use plastics. This decision was born of overwhelm- there are SO MANY flaws in capitalism that trying to address them all was making me just give up trying. But focusing on re-using bread bags and trying to get to the farmer's market is working for me as a first step
I am trying to get back on the sustainability band wagon. I was really good for a while then my living situation changed and I am trying to get back to my sustainable habits while living with someone else and in a new state!
I feel you! Moving has thrown me for a loop. Between that and covid and everything being shut down it's just completely annihilated so many of my systems.
I have some pads and tampons (not full packs just a few in a zippered bag) from 15 years ago. Do they expire? What do I do with them? I have no idea - something to research.
@@GoingZeroWaste I don't know if they expire but the pads might lose stickiness. Tho if they are good you hold onto if a guest has an unexpected cycle. If they are still good maybe look up locally where you can donate, if there isn't a local initiative there might be a free food pantry you could put them in. I know of one person Salty.stella on TT makes period poverty kits to give away who might have some helpful videos.
