Regular readers know that I’ve made dozens, if not hundreds, of small changes in my quest to reduce waste and live more sustainably. But there are some zero-waste swaps that I refuse to make. This might seem like an odd thing for someone who writes about eco-friendly living to say, but there’s a good reason why I draw the line at some changes.
It’s time to say no to travel toiletries
June’s goal in our Year of monthly waste reduction goals challenge is to eliminate travel toiletries. As post-pandemic travel continues to ramp up, it’s a good time to develop some new habits. With a little planning, you can easily pack everything you need, and avoid sending tiny plastic bottles of shampoo, body wash and conditioner to landfill.
Why aren’t all bottles and containers refundable?
The privatization of Ontario’s recycling programs shifts responsibility for recycling programs back to the manufacturers who create the waste. As I think about this, there’s a question I’ve been asking more and more. Why aren’t all bottles and containers refundable? Let’s explore that a little further.
Mom’s life lessons on simple living
Happy Mother’s Day. Today we celebrate our mothers and everything they have done for us. To honour my mum, today I’m sharing mom’s life lessons on simple living and sustainable living.
Why gardening is good for us all
Are you an avid gardener? Do you enjoy the feel of the earth between your fingers? If you are, then you already know that gardening is good for us. If not, read on to find out how gardening is good for our health and our communities.
May goal – say no to disposable plastic cutlery
The May goal in our Year of monthly waste reduction goals is to eliminate disposable plastic cutlery. Unlike other single-use plastic, most municipal recycling programs don’t accept plastic cutlery, meaning it goes straight from your plate to the landfill. But, there are alternatives!
Earth day turns 50 – Join the celebration!
Tomorrow is Earth Day and it’s a milestone – Happy 50th Birthday Earth Day!
Our current social distancing requirements mean many of the usual events are going virtual. With that in mind, I put together this list of 15 ways you can celebrate Earth Day 2020 – from the comfort of your home.
February goal: no single-use beverage containers
Reducing waste and living more sustainable starts with one easy swap at a time. This month’s goal in the Year of monthly waste reduction goals challenge is getting rid of single use beverage containers. It’s an easy change that will make a big difference.
January goal – no more disposable shopping bags
January’s waste reduction goal is to eliminate disposable shopping bags. This simple change can reduce a lot of waste. Think about it. If you make two trips to the store each week and use an average of five disposable bags on each visit, that’s over 500 bags a year.
1 year, 1 household, 3600 items
Like many people, I have been reflecting over the last few days on the year that is ending and what I want to accomplish next year.
I did a quick inventory of the changes that I made this year and how much waste I’ve reduced. I was shocked when it added up to over 3,600 items.