Chalkboard on front lawn advertising a zero waste lecture

Beginner’s Zero Waste Check List + My Lecture Recap

Happy New Year everyone!  I’m starting 2018 off with a recap from warmer times to hopefully remind you warmer weather is likely on the way (eventually) wherever you live.  If you’ve made a new year resolution to be more sustainable, continue reading or scroll to the bottom to download my beginner’s zero waste check list to help you get started.

Zero Waste Lecture Recap

I had a great deal of fun during my zero waste lecture back in August hosted by Green Summit. I shared reusable products and tips that are helpful to start your zero waste journey. We had a small group of ladies that attended in hopes to find out ways to run their households more efficiently through simpler practices.

Curious about what zero waste is and how you can get started? Find a beginner’s check list at Leafygreen.info!

The biggest interest of the attendees was how to food shop with reusable produce bags and bulk food containers.  Another big interest was in plastic-free food wraps such as Abeego and Stasher Bags.  Alternative kitchen sponge options were also a big hit to learn about!  Each attendee received a thank-you gift of a wide-mouth reusable mason jar with a custom dry erase lid, plus dry erase marker.

For those who could not attend, I wanted to share the list I handed out to the lecture attendees.These suggestions are products or methods that have worked for me. Each have been incorporated into my lifestyle over time, so don’t feel you have to change the way you do things instantly. Use the guide below to get you started on your zero waste journey.

For those who could not attend, I wanted to share the list I handed out to the lecture attendees.These suggestions are products or methods that have worked for me. Each have been incorporated into my lifestyle over time, so don’t feel you have to change the way you do things instantly. Use the guide below to get you started on your zero waste journey.

For those who could not attend, I wanted to share the list I handed out to the lecture attendees.These suggestions are products or methods that have worked for me. Each have been incorporated into my lifestyle over time, so don’t feel you have to change the way you do things instantly.  Use the guide below to get you started on your zero waste journey.  Want the list ‘to-go’ download a PDF of it HERE.

For those who could not attend, I wanted to share the list I handed out to the lecture attendees.These suggestions are products or methods that have worked for me. Each have been incorporated into my lifestyle over time, so don’t feel you have to change the way you do things instantly. Use the guide below to get you started on your zero waste journey.

Beginner’s Zero Waste Checklist

Kitchen:

  • Plastics Wrap Alternatives: Abeego or Bees Wrap
  • Plastic Bag/Ziploc Alternatives: Stasher Bag, ChicoBag, Snack Taxi
  • Sponge Alternatives: Skoy Cloths or Clean Sponge
  • Reusable Bag Sealer: Clothes Pins for a plastic-free option
  • Reusable Napkins
  • Reusable To Go Containers, Straws and Utensils: Made of metal and glass

 

Food Shopping:

  • Mason Jars and Tares for Weight: Don’t pay for container weight!
  • Reusable Produce and Bread Bags: Buy or make your own
  • Reuse Jars from Non-Zero Waste Shopping: Use what you have already, pasta sauce jars are great!
  • Bulk Food and Spice: Buy what you need in your container, no packaging = cheaper priced food.  Grinding your peanut butter in your own jar is fresher and try new flavors easily.  Purchase whole peanuts and make at home with food processor or blender.
  • Bulk Coffee: Whole bean or grind your own coffee in store. Use your own container or store paper bag, which you can reuse or recycle.
  • Bulk Tea: Teavana (all locations closing 2018)
  • Milk in Glass Bottles: Cow milk in glass with bottle deposit
  • Opt for Paper/Cardboard in Packaged Foods: Avoid plastic wrapped

 

Bathroom:

  • Safety Razor: All metal razor holder plus paper wrapped razors
  • Create Your Own Shaving Lotion: Aloe Vera and liquid coconut oil
  • Nearly Plastic Free Floss: Glass or paper container for floss
  • Bamboo Toothbrush: Beware of plastic wrapped sustainable products
  • Reusable Tissues: Make your own from any material or thrift store
  • Make Your Own Bathroom Spray: Your favorite essential oils + water
  • Lunette Menstrual Cup: Reusable for years with proper care

 

Office:

  • Return Address Rubber Stamper or Embosser: Avoid sticker labels
  • Staple-less Stapler: Punches up to 3 pages together without metal staples
  • Traditional or Little Free Library:
  • Unsubscribe from Direct Mail Lists: Contact solicitor directly or request from Data and Marketing Association (www.dmachoice.org)
  • Opt for Digital Versions: Newspapers, magazines, and bills available online
January 1, 2018 By
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