February 8, 2019

Start Thinking "Zero Waste"

Get nature's input on balanced, worthwhile ways to reduce your waste.

Part 11 of a Series on the Environment from the Question Line Duo

Do you know how much trash an adult in the U.S. produced in 2016? 4.4 pounds! Per day! That's a ton and a half, or roughly the weight of a sedan and taking up so much more space than the sedan would. Sadly, the statistics haven't changed much in two years. Still, it's just numbers right?

Here's an article that gives a visual perspective. There are great graphics to help you comprehend what "4.4 pounds of trash daily" means on a national and planetary scale, plus some helpful insights to get you rethinking common assumptions about "recyclables."

The U.S. Produces a Shocking Amount of Garbage [Salon, July 2016]

Perelandra is about how to work with nature to solve problems. And this series is about ways to rethink our actions and work with our nature partner to solve the enormous environmental problems we humans have created. Trash is one of those problems.

We make choices every day that either create trash or reduce waste. Learning from nature how to make your choices contribute to a balanced, healthier environment is easier than you think. Machaelle helped us all get started in just two paragraphs of her recent message: Nature, Your Partner in Life's Garden.

With those simple instructions, "reduce my waste" could be your next Gut Garden!

Four Tips for Starting a Zero Waste Lifestyle

"When you do purchase something, really think about its full life-cycle. Think about where it came from and where it's going after you're through with it. . . . Each decision you make is a vote for the future you want. So, buying package free goods and purchasing products from responsible companies is a vote for a move to a circular economy, where waste is resumed back into the system like nature."

Did you know that in the U.S. alone, consumers are on track to spend around $30 billion on celebrating Valentine's Day this year? You have an opportunity rethink how you celebrate Valentine's Day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

6 Eco-Friendly, No-Candy, Classroom Valentines to Make Today

6 Tips for a Zero Waste Valentine's Day

Even if you aren't a Valentine's Day fan, those ideas work for birthdays and other holidays.

The Environment Series