So, I know this is what you've all been waiting for - the big reveal. How much trash have I made since starting this journey?
There are lots of stickers stuck together that I could not pull apart. I hope I can upcycle the twist ties. This does not include anything I've had before going zero waste. This is only what I've purchased since starting this lifestyle that can't be recycled or composted.
I have been fortunate with ample bulk stores in my area and excellent farmers markets. We used to make day trips to Berkeley or Napa for bulk foods, but recently we found one only five minutes from our house!
Occasionally, I'd run out of food and run to the grocery store to pick up some tagged produce.
My thrift store recently went from grease pens to stickers which is really unfortunate. I will be writing them a letter.
I do have several rubber bands, but I use those at work and have been bringing them.
I still buy burritos wrapped in paper, but I can compost that and pizza boxes, (vegan pizzas have no grease, so they're recyclable as well!)
I collect wine corks for my Christmas tree. I've managed to cut most plastic out of my life.
My recyclables are typically paper from work, a wine bottle or two a month, and pesky junk mail. I will end junk mail at this house.... it will happen. I've been trying so hard, but to no avail.
I have roommates, so there is still plenty of trash around. One day, I hope to experience not taking out the trash, but the chore wheel shows no favoritism. The entire house throws out approximately 6 gallons a week for four people, so I'm pretty proud of them.
Here's another sneak peek at my kitchen.
I'm re-growing green onions and romaine!
I have refillable olive oil and balsamic bottles, an empty butter dish, some bulk cinnamon, my milk jug for nut milks, and a flip-top lemonade.
I'm hoping to collect several of these bottles. Several times throughout the year the wine country will host re-filling events. Bottles have to be 750ml. I'm starting a collection. I would love to fill up some wine!
