Wild Minimalist

You've probably heard this argument before, and maybe even wondered it yourself.⁠⠀
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After all, single-use plates, water bottles, diapers, etc don't have to be washed compared to reusables. So wouldn't that make them more eco-friendly?⁠⠀
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The answer is no. While disposables don't have to be washed, they use an enormous amount of water and energy to be manufactured. Take a plastic water bottle—it takes 1.85 gallons (!) of water to be produced 🤯⁠⠀
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And, most plastics can only be recycled a handful of times before they end up in a landfill, while many can't be recycled at all.⁠⠀
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Reusables also take energy and water to be manufactured, but they offset this cost by being reused again and again. ⁠⠀
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You can further reduce their environmental impact by buying reusables secondhand, washing them in an energy-efficient dishwasher or washing machine and air drying.

THANK YOU Sunset for featuring Simply Sustainable in your April issue!!

The article includes excerpts from our favorite chapter (the kitchen, of course), including how to organize your fridge and pantry to prevent food and plastic waste.

How to Pursue the Goal of a Zero-Waste Kitchen Without Losing Your Mind - Sunset Magazine How to shop, cook, clean, and eat well, according to Oakland-based sustainability expert Lily Cameron.

And, you know what? Sometimes the answer is, "Yes!"⁠⠀
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It IS worth the waste because life is also about balance and self care.⁠⠀
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But, asking myself this question does help me prevent from waste in 90% of the time, including when...⁠⠀
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🎈Someone offers me something free⁠⠀
🛍I have the urge to shop⁠⠀
🧋I want to buy a smoothie, but could easily make one at home⁠⠀
🥨I'm wandering down at snack aisle at the grocery store⁠⠀
🥡I don’t feel like cooking
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Zero waste is not an all or nothing approach—you can be a little zero waste and a lot zero waste, and it can fluctuate. ⁠⠀
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How do you find balance while living zero waste?