Zero waste is becoming more main stream. With that, a slew of new people are looking for the line. And, I would like to address an issue that's been popping up. Never, ever, ever let your ideals stand in the way of your health.
Get the medicine. Buy the sunscreen. Prep for disasters.
One of the main reasons I make my own products, buy from local organic farms, and reduce my waste is for my health and the health of the planet.
There is an overabundance of waste in the world. And, we can prevent 95% of it. However, there is a time and place for plastic. There's a time and place for waste. Can we be smart about it? Absolutely.
Does that mean we have to be wasteful? Absolutely not. This includes places like the medical field, emergencies, and disasters.
I'm getting together an earthquake kit. It includes large plastic bottles filled with water and canned food. I didn't choose individual bottles of water because that's unnecessary waste.
But, plastic and disposables are kinda unavoidable, and that's ok. Someone suggested canning water and food in mason jars.... because glass and earthquakes are bffs.
I will never reach complete zero waste. It's impossible in modern society. Only feasible if you live off the grid and grow all of your own food.
Everything has an upwaste stream. How did the food get into the bulk bins? Probably a giant plastic bucket or bag. Maybe the bucket is reused, but the bag - probably not. But, it's still better because it's less waste than buying in smaller plastic packages.
It's all about looking for the least wasteful option if it's available. Especially when it comes to your health. Take care of yourself first and foremost. Injuring your self in the name of a movement doesn't help the cause - it hurts it.
Be kind when someone offers you a gift wrapped in plastic. Be kind if you asked for no straw and you get one anyways. Be kind if someone tells you, you can't use your own container for takeout. Have patience. Zero waste doesn't mean zero tolerance.
Take care of yourself.
