The Deliberate Consumer

It's Saturday and the end of the Zero Waste Challenge. Seven days of putting my garbage in a 750mL glass jar. So, how'd it go? The answer: Not at all bad! Here's what I have taken away from participating in the Zero Waste Challenge. It's easier with each challenge  My Zero Waste jar at beginning, middle, and challenge end Partaking in Plastic Free July meant that, when the time came for the Zero Waste Challenge, I had already adopted some of the habits necessary for success. I had already experienced the discomfort and growth that comes with reflecting on our existing ways and changing our habits for the better. This challenge was a welcome check-in on where I am at in persisting with those new and improved habits, as well as a welcome reminder that there are still ways in which I can do even more for our planet. The items that still get me: Q-tips (I'm no longer waiting on this box to empty and will be moving to a reusable ASAP) Produce stickers Bottle

October 20, 2019. This date marks the beginning of the seven day Zero Waste Challenge Waterloo Region (check it out here:  https://reepgreen.ca/zerowaste/ ). Beginning tomorrow, anything that would usually go in the garbage in my house (with the exception of pet waste) will go in a 1L glass jar. Well, "what could be compost" will have its own jar. But more on the reasons for that later in the week. Why take the challenge?  The short answer, of course, is why not? When I signed on to the Plastic Free July challenge earlier this year, I had to answer to myself for the decisions I make regarding how I spend my time, and uncovered the value in priorities I had shoved aside. Accepting the Zero Waste Challenge seemed a wonderful way to revisit these and further challenge myself. However, if reasons such as adopting positive habits and hearing oneself are a little too close to the self-help section for you, do it for your children. Or for your grandchildren. Or for your grandch