(/content/30-years-zero-waste-or-pretty-darn-close)
by Chris Burger, Member, National Zero Waste Team
“I don’t have specific questions, but I would like a recommended reading list — or a book from him — on how he did what he did and things I could do to reach the same goal.”
I’ll work on a reading list. While I have been thinking about writing a book for some time, I have yet to produce one. That said, I have given many presentations (30-60 minutes) and have conducted numerous workshops (2-3 hours) on the subject. I have done the same thing for getting to a Zero Fossil Footprint and I am now giving presentations on electric vehicles as well. Honorariums are welcome, but I have done programs for the Sierra Club in exchange for covering my travel expenses.
“What do you do to get around or use in place of plastic garbage bags in the kitchen? I’ve tried using paper. It just doesn’t work due to moisture in the trash. And I don’t trust the new ‘composable’ plastic bags.”
I wouldn’t trust “compostable” plastic bags either.* Remember, we don’t have “trash.” We are avoiding what we can’t reuse, recycle, or compost. We collect our recyclables in plastic bins and cloth shopping bags and take them (bins and bags) to a community recycling drop off every so often along with any accumulated cardboard. The only “wet” items tend to be compostable, which we collect in a separate compost bucket by the sink. This bucket is emptied periodically into a compost bin in our backyard. Some people in urban or suburban areas engage in worm composting under their kitchen sink or in their garage. https://www.bestreviews.guide/worm-composters? While we don’t use the service ourselves, more and more communities are developing community composting programs and providing separate bins to collect compostable waste. If your community does not have such a program, organize and advocate for one
* Not all “compostable” plastics are harmful, but there is some confusion regarding them and not all are labeled properly. Some are simply plastic polymers held together with a dissolvable resin. Others are completely compostable, but require the higher heat found within a commercial composting facility (not a backyard composter). All cause problems if mixed with recyclable plastics within a recycling operation. https://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/sustainability-works/posts/is-biodegradable-and-compostable-plastic-good-for-the-environment-not-necessarily
“What was the hardest part of your transformation to the zero waste lifestyle?”
When we started our zero-waste journey back in 1972, there was very little supporting infrastructure. We had to take our metal to our local scrap metal dealer, and we had to save our paper for the periodic Boy Scout paper drive. Luckily, we had a friend in a nearby town with a glass manufacturer where we took our glass when we visited our friend. Back then, there was far less plastic being used and, with a little effort, we could usually find alternatives (not that easy now, but still possible). None of this was as convenient as placing recyclables at the curb for pickup or taking recyclables to a central drop-off site (as we do now since we don’t pay for garbage pick-up). With no recycling curbside collection or drop-off sites available when we started, I was very motivated to advocate for a recycling infrastructure and did my best to make it happen.
“What’s been the most surprising thing about zero waste living?”
After adjusting our buying habits (avoiding what we can’t reuse, recycle, or compost), buying routines became habitual, taking much less time than we originally expected. We typically only had to take our time to research when we were considering a new, unfamiliar item. We do, however, have to watch that the manufacturer doesn’t change their packaging to something that is not recyclable.
“What are some examples of things that have been hard to find a zero waste alternative to?”
It seems that snack items are notorious for using nonrecyclable packaging. We have practically given up and buy in bulk or make our own. Luckily, popcorn is one of my favorite munchies and you can’t beat homemade cookies.
“What are your top 3 tips for anyone thinking about going zero waste?”
Three questions to ask before you buy anything:
1. “Do you really need this item?”
In a society that encourages impulse buying and creates “needs” through advertising, this question is rarely asked, but should be asked before that hand reaches out.
2. “Can you reuse, recycle, or compost the item?”
This goes for the packaging as well. Remember you are avoiding what you can’t reuse, recycle, or compost so this requires really inspecting what you are buying. It also requires that you familiarize yourself with what can be recycled in your area. If your community does have a recycling program (or a poor one), organize and advocate for one. Your life will be easier and you might be able to get that item you really wanted.
3. If you are thinking of buying the item; “Ask yourself if you are willing to take responsibility for it?”
So maybe you don’t really need an item, but it would be nice to have and use. Do you want it badly enough to commit to “taking responsibility for it?” Remember, disposal is not an option because this shifts the burden to someone else (people living near a landfill or incinerator or future generations). Waste does not magically disappear when you put it out to the curb; it's going somewhere. Are you willing to take good care of the item? Are you willing to mend or repair it if it gets damaged? Are you willing to find a new home for the item if it is still usable, but you no longer need or want it? At the end of its life, are you willing to take the time and disassemble the item if that is what is needed to recycle it?
“The lifestyle change can seem daunting. What are some of the easiest 'starter' items you recommend to help make the transition smooth?” “What are some easy swaps to cut down on waste and plastic use?”
Keep reusable shopping bags handy (inside the car, not the trunk; put a collapsible shopping bag in your purse or backpack).
Buy in bulk or get the largest size that is practicable for your family.
Use refillable containers when you can.
Look for alternative packaging – glass, metal, or paper/cardboard, instead of plastic.
“I imagine one of the biggest barriers to entry for zero waste living is the cost. Can you share any thoughts you have about this?”
Buying less “stuff” will always save you money. “Do we really need this item?” is one of the first questions we ask before we buy anything. If you truly need the item, one of the best things you can do to cut down on waste is to buy quality items that last. Of course, this usually costs more initially, but since you are not replacing the item as often, it usually costs less in the long run. While we can’t claim to live a “simple” lifestyle, we have worked on living a less “materialistic” lifestyle and that has ultimately proven far less costly.
“What do you wish more people knew about zero waste living?”
It is not as hard as you think. That said, it should be thought of as a journey. We did not get to zero waste overnight and our biggest fear is that the task looks so daunting that some people won’t even start. Every journey begins with a first step. Community reuse and recycling infrastructure is important and makes everyone’s life a lot easier and if you don’t have a good one in place, you need to advocate for it.