As we continue our look at the six R’s of zero waste, remember, zero waste isn’t really possible yet but that doesn’t mean we stop working towards it as best we can. Once we spend time RETHINKING our lifestyle and habits and REFUSING to bring home throwaway or low value items which don’t enhance our quality of life and the environment, we can look for ways to REDUCE what we do buy. Consider quality vs quantity when you shop. Every purchase can make a difference.
*Groceries–How much food do you throw away at week’s end? Try planning meals that use ingredients you have on hand, or that you anticipate needing to use up. By creating a menu and shopping list, you can buy just what you need, in the quantity needed, instead of randomly buying items and quantities you MIGHT need, with some of it going to waste.
*Clothes–Do you impulsively buy clothes even though you don’t need them? Buy fewer, better quality pieces and ignore the trendy “fast fashion” items you’ll dispose of in a few months. Challenge yourself to pick a color palette of clothes and accessories you can mix and match for a season’s worth of outfits. Resist clothes that don’t fit with your plan. Google 333 Wardrobe for ideas!
*Décor–Do you change an entire color scheme or “theme” every few years, discarding perfectly good furnishings and decorative items? Instead, choose basic, timeless pieces with “good bones” and change a few small items like pillows or lampshades to change looks. Rearrange or borrow items from other parts of the house to refresh a room.
Practice asking what matches your values (rethink)? Is it something you can say “no” to (refuse)? Can you buy fewer, better quality goods, with less packaging (reduce)? You are making a difference!
Terra