Zero Waste – 90s California Runner Mom

Over the past few years, I have slowly started doing things to be more low waste. I realize that I could never be truly zero waste, but I am making a conscious effort to reduce my waste. Here are some thing in 2021 that I plan to do to reduce my waste even more. Check out my list and maybe there’s some things in there that you can do too!

1. Stop using paper towels. Instead use cloth towels or old towels.

2. Stop using plastic sandwich bags. Use silicone reusable bags or sandwich bags that you can find on Etsy.

3. No more single use plastic utensils or straws. There are so many options available now. You can use silicone, bamboo, or silverware that you have from home. It can be weird at first to carry your things around with you when you go out, but eventually, it will feel normal and you will be helping the environment.

4. Wear reusable cloth masks rather than wearing disposable masks. In 2020, we started wearing face masks. I quickly went on Esty to see if I can find sustainable reusable masks. I found some many with cute prints. I have about 7 now and wear a different one every day and wash them all once a week.

Here are some things I have been doing for years!

1. No longer using plastic bags at the market, I take my reusable cloth bags and then wash them when I get home.

2. Not using plastic toothbrushes, instead, I use a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush.

3. Using cloth diapers. I admit that I haven’t used these 100% of the time, mainly because other people who took care of my daughter weren’t fans. But every little bit helps. These can be reused for years and come in many cute prints. The upfront costs might be pricey, but in the end you save money and create less trash.

4. Bar soaps and shampoo bars. These are better for the environment and your wallet. These last longer and create less waste.

5. Cloth pads and period panties. These are much better for the environment because you create less waste. I have been using cloth pads for about 2 years and just recently started using period panties about 6 months. If you are not a fan of pads in general, then I recommend the period panties from Thinx. They have so many different styles. They are comfortable, it feels like you have regular underwear on.

6. Use silicone reusable mat instead of aluminum foil when baking things like cookies

Over the past few months, I have learned so much about the zero waste lifestyle. While I am not in any way perfect, I have made many changes to my life to try to reduce my waste as much as possible. Here are some thing that I have changed in my life and some things I plan to change in the future.

Cloth Diapers/Cloth Menstrual Pads
When I first found out that I was pregnant, I started doing my research on cloth diapers. At first I was grossed out by the fact that I would have to wash diapers with poop in them. However, the benefits of using cloth diapers which include saving money and saving the environment, outweighed the ickiness of having to wash diapers with waste. Once the baby started using those, I decided to do my part and use cloth reusable pads. At first it felt weird, but it’s not that bad. Plus I also save money with those. I paid about $25 for 12 of them. These will last me years as long as I take proper care of them.

Garden
A few months ago, I started my own garden. I bought space in a community garden hosted by the YMCA and couldn’t wait to get started. However, this was much more difficult than I expected. I can do many things well, but gardening is not one of them. I just don’t have the green thumb. However, later on in the future when I have more time, I would like to give this a try again.

Reusable grocery bags
A few years ago, California made it against the law for grocery stores to give out single use bags. Many Californians, including myself, started using reusable cloth bags instead of buying the multi use plastic bags. This is one of the easiest ways to help the environment, by not using plastic bags.

Mesh produce bags
Even though plastic grocery bags were made illegal in California, produce bags are not illegal. Personally, it doesn’t make sense to me to waste plastic bags on produce. Most produce don’t needs bag. For the ones that do need bags, I prefer using mesh bags. They are light, reusable and easy to clean. I got mine on Amazon.

Reusable straws
This one is a little bit harder for me to do. I have reusable steel straws, but I am constantly forgetting them at home. I can definitely improve in this area.

Cloth napkins
This was an easy change for me. I got some cloth napkins on Amazon and reuse those every day. I wash them twice a week and they are so easy to clean, just throw it in with the rest of your clothes. If you don’t want to spend any money on cloth napkins, you can always reuse any old cotton shirts and make them into napkins.

Glass jars
One of the grocery stores that I go to, Sprouts, has a bulk area. Whenever I go there, I always make sure to use glass jars to store my items instead of using plastic bags. You can buy mason jars or reuse old spaghetti sauce jars, coffee jars, any jars rally. Just make sure you wash them well so the smell doesn’t linger. The only jars I don’t like to reuse are the alfredo sauce jars because they usually stay oily.

One thing I really want to do is throw a zero waste or at least low waste birthday party for my baby girl. If you have any tips on how to make a party zero or low waste, comment down below!

Tag: Zero Waste

My Journey to be More Low Waste

Zero Waste Lifestyle