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Zero Waste Life

Watching the videos and reviewing the articles helped initiate and inform my reflection about our household waste streams. Each source has provided me with additional perspective about creating and minimizing waste. Although I had prior exposure to the “zero waste” concept, watching the “Zero Waste Life” video  inspired me to adopt more habits that suit this lifestyle. At this time, I don’t foresee myself making a complete transition, however I can see myself applying the three tips Lauren provided into my daily life: reviewing the trash that I am producing; picking at the low-hanging fruit of sustainable living; and learning to create your own personal and household products.

Reviewing my trash is certainly not a difficult first task. It’s like a landscape review in physical, living form. It’ll help me visualize what kinds of products I’m using and how much trash I’m producing. Often times people are incredibly focused on the product and using it, but don’t think of the consequences associated to using it. A trash review can provide a visual reminder that will help to make me a more mindful consumer. As for the next step, I’ve actually been implementing a “no grocery bag” rule for several years now. In its place, I’ve been using my own reusable bags, mini baskets, or opt to simply carry my items by hand if possible. This was a conscious decision that aligned with maintaining a clean, simple, and organized life. I wanted to minimize the clutter, trash, and excess in my life and this transitional rule was part of it. Lauren’s third recommendation is something that I’ve been contemplating about for some time now. I do see myself implementing this change to create alternatives for my current personal care products and some household product, but likely not anytime in the next few weeks.

The articles in this module were also very interesting and instigated more thoughts around household waste production. Our household generates a decent amount of different kinds of waste. The most prominent ways in which we contribute to this growing global issue is through food, plastic, and pharmaceutical wastes. 

I do want to briefly address the third item. We have several medicine cabinets throughout our home that are filled with expired, unused drug prescriptions and personal care products. This abundance of expired medications and products poses many risks. For instance, any inappropriate disposal of these products in any quantity could be hazardous to human and environmental health. If not thoroughly neutralized or removed at water treatment facilities, these high drug concentrations could be released into bodies of water and contaminate marine life which humans could consume. Another risk is the potential rerouting back into our drinking water systems. If drinking water hasn’t been properly treated, families could be exposed to chemicals that could alter developmental and hormonal functions. This realization essentially motivates me to be more mindful about disposing of excess medications.

Comments

  1. Antonio SorianoNovember 10, 2018 at 7:03 PM

    Expired and unused drug prescriptions are often difficult to dispose. It is great that you are being mindful of these disposals! I know of a couple areas in placer county that do monthly expired drug collections where they would accept expired medicine for appropriate disposal.

    ReplyDelete
  2. JudyJudeNovember 13, 2018 at 8:52 PM

    Your trash review is a great start. I like that you point out that people sometimes do not look at the bigger picture of the consequences of using or buying a particular product, how it was made, what happens afterwards, and who it affects.

    ReplyDelete

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