Top 10 Things to Think About Before Taking the Zero Waste Challenge

So, you are thinking about going zero waste for a few weeks; WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! I know it may seem difficult and even impossible, but remember the goal here is not necessarily to be 100% waste-free for the entire challenge... it is about the experience; your journey towards zero waste.

You will learn how easy (or difficult) making the switch to zero waste can be for some items. It will be an experience that will change how you think about consumption for the rest of your life. I highly recommend it. I have done it three times myself (once for 8 weeks and twice for 10 weeks), and truly enjoyed my experiences.

And since I have done this before, I thought I would share some tips and advice I gathered over the years. The main challenges will be your daily consumables. You might have to stop and think about all the things you consume in a day, and figure out if these products create waste. Take for example chewing gum, is there an alternative that does not create waste? (yes, Tic Tacs!) So here is my list of the top things to think about before taking the zero waste challenge.

BRING YOUR OWN…EVERYTHING!

Bring your own mug? Well sure, everyone remembers that, but what about making sure you always have a container for your take out or left-overs? Or cutlery and a reusbale straw? I am not suggesting you that you go out and buy reusable solutions for everything; just what you use regularly (maybe you never use straws!)

Also, think about which containers to use for your bulk foods. For example, I use regular lunch containers or my reusable bags when I buy the products at the store and transfer them to glass jars when I get home.

MEAL PLANNING

You might eat at restaurants for all your meals (and bring your own container for left-overs!), or you can take this opportunity to do a bit more cooking at home for a few things that you wouldn’t have had to otherwise! I learned to make my own sauces and granola bars when I went zero waste the first time – I am still making those to this day.

You will have to plan your meals ahead of time, and think about the ingredients: are they zrero waste? If not, is there an alternative for that ingredient? Where can you buy them? It might take a few lists and shopping trips to get used to it, but you will!

HOUSE AND BODY CARE

I feel like this category is a bit easier, either because most of the containers are already reusable/recyclable (shampoo), or because finding alternatives is straight forward. For example switching from paper towel to a cloth.

This category is more of a challenge if you would be doing it for 4 months or more, because you would use up your toothpaste or need to switch your toothbrush. However, I encourage you to investigate for more environmentally-friendly options during your challenge. You could learn to make your own deodorant for example or you can consider makeup that comes in a recyclable container.

WHERE TO SHOP FOR ZERO WASTE OPTIONS

Fruits and vegetables: most of these are already zero waste -you just have to bring your own produce bags. Also, look out for those stickers on produce – my solutions was to just avoid those ones and pick a pepper that didn’t have one!
Cheese: You can buy it in bulk at Nu Grocery or local cheese stores that will let you bring your own container. And they will let you, you might just have to speak with the manager and tell them what you are doing. I had a few conversations over the years.
Meat: Find a butcher that either uses butcher paper (which is compostable) or one that will allow you to bring your own containers (some grocery stores will allow it). Meat tends to be a bit more difficult and I got rejected a few times before I was able to win over my butcher.
Dry Goods/non-perishables: Bulk barn has almost anything you would need, sold to you in your own container or bag (from pasta to peanut butter). This is a fairly recent thing is some places. In the past it was hit or miss as to whether they would let you bring your own containers.
Nu Grocery and Herb and Spice will sell bulk tofu, eggs, and other goods if you bring your own containers.

Pink yogurt covered pretzels with sprinkles are my jam!

A FEW FINAL POINTERS

By now you might be thinking to yourself that this zero waste thing isn't so bad... and it is actually pretty easy when you get in the habit. But, here are a few more tips to help make the transition that much easier.

Take the time to look at the different brands of the products you already use, another brands might offer a zero-waste option at your grocery store. A good example is margarine, some brands do not include that plastic sealing layer; or yogurt, some brands have a fully metal sealing layer that you can recycle (usually the larger containers);
Really take the time to plan your meals - I can’t emphasize this enough! A little bit of prep makes a big difference. Trying to do things on the fly usually leads to creating more waste than you would like.
Ladies, for feminine hygiene products, of course we are not requiring this as part of the zero waste challenge, but options are out there; and these are easier/friendly to use than you might think! Check out Diva Cups and Luna pads if you want to get some ideas.
Please remember to sign up (sustainable@uottawa.ca) and to track your progress either through social media (use the hashtag #uORecycle) or you can write a series of blogs and e-mail us.

To summarize, the goal here is not to necessarily get to fully being zero waste – and we will not be selecting the winners of our prize based on that! We want you to have an experience, we want you to try it, and hopefully change some habits along the way! It is supposed to be challenge but we don't want you to feel bad if you can't completely eliminate waste; the journey is as important as the end result.
And of course I am available to answer your questions, concerns and help you find a solution for a particular product while you are on your journey. You can e-mail me at bmorin@uottawa.ca

brigitte morin - facilities unit head at uOttawa