My Sustainability Resolutions

I first started researching how to go low waste after watching some videos from Alli Cherry. Because of research I was doing about the fast-fashion industry, I discovered a lot of shocking information about sustainability and individual consumer’s environmental impact. I’ve acknowledged I can make more of an effort to be low waste, and I’ve set some goals.

First off, the quick basics of low and zero waste. I read on Be Zero’s blog:

“Zero waste doesn’t mean producing or consuming nothing. It’s about carefully and intentionally designing, producing, and consuming without waste as an end product.”

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a zero waste economy. A zero waste economy would be where companies produce things with the goal in mind that no waste is produced. Currently, our economy is linear. We assume our consumer goods will create waste. And we don’t hold companies responsible for the waste they produce when they make these goods; we (the consumers) are the ones responsible for properly disposing of our consumer waste.

Even though our economy and our systems are not set up to support zero waste, it’s still very possible to make a difference. And it’s important:

The average American person produces 4.4 pounds of trash per day.

The E.P.A estimates 3.8 billion pounds of textile waste is created each year. The average American throws away 70 pounds of textiles per year.

The USDA estimates 31% of food, and 50% of produce available in America is wasted.

Our biggest roadblock to consuming ethically or sustainably is that we consume thoughtlessly. We buy cheap things quickly without thinking about how they’re produced. I don’t want to make people feel bad or say this is anyone’s fault — like I said, this is the consumer economy we live in.

But could we all do a little better if we just paid more attention?

How to Go Low Waste — Making Your Sustainability Resolutions:

While doing my research about how to go low waste, I jotted down a list of potential sustainability strategies. Below you’ll find that very list from my journal, but I’ve stated these strategies as “resolutions,” for you. These resolutions are all specific, achievable, and actionable– you can do it, I promise! And I’ll be doing it right along with you.

I will use a reusable coffee cup, or make coffee at home in a French press.
I will eat less meat — cutting back to 1-2 times/week will help us be able to afford high-quality, sustainable meat when we do choose to eat it.
I will carry a water bottle everywhere.
I will start an at-home compost bin.
I will bring re-usable bags and food containers to grocery stores, farmers markets, and restaurants.
I will plant a vegetable and herb garden in my backyard.
I won’t ever waste food! By keeping the fridge fairly empty and actually eating everything we buy, our wallets and the environment benefit.
I will shop locally to support small business and sustainability.
I will drive less. Every time I leave the house, I will ask myself if I can walk or bike the route I’m going, and only if there’s a good reason why I can’t do I drive.
I will air-dry as much of my clothing as possible.
I will switch to eco-friendly cleaning products, or make my own.
I will use eco-friendly toiletries and personal care products, or make my own.
I will reduce plastic wherever possible.
I will stop using paper towels and supplement with cloth towels and rags.
I will avoid fast fashion (like the plague!), purchasing all my clothing from vintage or resale stores, or made in America items produced by small, artisan creators.
Promote sustainability among your friends and on your social media platforms.

What I’ve Done So Far

The good news is, after learning about how to go low waste, I incorporated some low-hanging solutions into my daily life, and I’ve already seen a big difference. That’s what I want for you, too, if you’re interested in taking this journey.

Now, I make my coffee at home, carry a water bottle, and use my re-usable bags at the store (thanks, Aldi for pushing me this direction!). I limit my intake of meat and grow fresh vegetables and herbs in my backyard. We completely stopped buying paper towels and use cloth towels and rags in the kitchen. And we never, ever waste food.

I have been fast-fashion free since May 2017, and instead I direct my money to local or small businesses. I buy most things second-hand, and if I purchase something new I always ask if they can provide information on their product’s sustainability and ethical-production.

We’re very fortunate we don’t have to drive much where we live. Most days we walk or ride our bike to work. My goal is to ask myself if I could walk or bike somewhere every time before I hop in the car. We’re doing pretty well — it looks like we filled up on gas 26 times in 2017. Can we top that? I’m motivated!

Goals for Six Months from Now

There are definitely areas where I can improve. By looking at all these strategies for how to go low waste, I’ve been able to figure out where my problem areas lie because I know where most of my waste lies: food and product packaging. So after giving myself a little pat on the back for all the steps I took in 2017, here are my goals for 2018:

I will start an at-home compost bin.
I will buy or bake more fresh bread. Swapping out the usual sandwich bread, even a few times a month, will help cut back on buying bread wrapped in plastic bags.
I will grow more fruit at home. Plastic produce bags and small plastic containers for berries are the worst! And I can grow fruit that tastes really yummy here in Iowa.
I will switch to plastic-free shampoo bars and a plastic-free toothbrush.
I will make my own plastic-free personal care and cleaning products.
I will wrap presents in reused or recyclable materials.
I will participate in environmental events in my community.

And I hope you’ll join me! Please let me know where you are on your low waste journey, and if you have any sustainability goals for 2018. I plan to check back on in these goals in six months and I’ll give you an update on how I’m doing. Remember, progress is what matters, not perfection. Let’s take steps forward, together. Peace & love, Emily

Some more great resources: