It’s hard to believe, but Zero Waste Week 2022 is upon us! It kicked off today and goes throughout the week til Saturday, January 29th.
To our local Gainesville, FL residents: Zero Waste Week will include both in person and online events. We are always looking for ways to involve more residents and can’t wait to celebrate sustainability with you.
To our readers far and wide: Zero Waste Week isn’t just for local residents! Due to the pandemic we have moved much of the celebrations online, and you can join in the fun!
Haven’t heard of Zero Waste Week?
If you haven’t heard of Gainesville’s Zero Waste Week, it is a collaborative event focusing on policy and lifestyle choices that will further a sustainable, waste-free future for our beautiful city.
Zero Waste Gainesville (a community-led initiative) is devoted to education and awareness, as well as policy change that will protect our environment while having a positive impact on our collective health and economy.
This year’s partners of Zero Waste Week (presented by Zero Waste Gainesville, The Repurpose Project, and Life Unplastic) include the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, Beaten Path Compost, Sierra Club Suwanee – St. Johns Group, We Are Neutral, NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, and Working Food.
This Year’s Festivities
First and foremost, if you want to stay up-to-date with information and join in the conversation, sign up for the Zero Waste Week newsletter by filling out this form.You’ll receive a newsletter each day of the week with information and action points on each eco-friendly topic.
In 2022, we will dive deep on the following topics:
City of Gainesville’s Zero Waste Ordinance
Rescuing Edible Food
Reusables To-Go
Reuse and Repurpose
Composting
Check out content as it’s posted on zerowastegainesville.com under the tab: Zero Waste Week.
And if you’re in town, check out this event:
January 28: Clothing Swap and Art Installation at Reuse Planet (1540 NE Waldo Rd) – 5:00-8:00pm
All Week Long: Save 15% at Life Unplastic on all your eco-swaps and refills!
The Zero Waste Ordinance
If you’re reading this blog, it’s probably because you’re interested in doing your part for sustainability. But if you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you know that the most effective way to reduce waste is further up the waste cycle.
That’s why policy is so important. We need to reduce and reuse first, then talk about recycling and waste management. In order for this to work, we need governments and businesses working together with the proper supply chains.
That is why Zero Waste Gainesville focuses heavily on policy change. And in 2019, Gainesville took the first step by banning plastic straws and stirrers.
Then in 2020, a subcommittee was formed to write up the first draft of the Zero Waste Ordinance. The resulting action plans will be rolled out over the coming years, but we encourage you to get involved and support the initiative to ensure our city continues its journey toward sustainability. Stay tuned with Zero Waste Week to learn more about how you can support the Zero Waste Ordinance.
Next steps include: curbside compost collection for both private residences and businesses, curbing student move-out waste, and diverting grocery store and food vendor waste streams.
What Zero Waste Week means to you:
As a citizen, this is a great opportunity to get informed, get involved, and help move Gainesville in the direction you want to see it go.
As a business owner, this the perfect opportunity to find out more about what a Zero Waste Ordinance would mean for your business.
“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When you throw something away, it must go somewhere.”
– Annie Leonard
Check out these Zero Waste Resources with guides to reducing waste in all aspects of your life, plus finding local thrift stores, and how to compost.
Alright, I’m just gonna come right out and say it: New Year’sresolutions aren’t for me.
I’m a list person. Lists all day, every day. Writing down and/or vocalizing our goals are a wonderful way to find focus and commitment in any aspect of life. But I have never been able to properly manage a first of the year, sweeping lifestyle change or “resolution”, with any kind of permanent results.
I have always had a lot more success implementing small changes that over time led to a shift in my consumer mindset. Lasting lifestyle change has been the result and not the goal, if that makes sense.
That being said, here’s a way (well, many small ways) for you to become a more eco-friendly version of yourself in 2022 without making traditional New Year’s resolutions that don’t stick.
The 2022 Eco Mini-Challenges
Alright, so how this works is – instead of one never-ending, perfect or perish resolution – challenge yourself (sounds fun, right?) to focus on various aspects of a sustainable lifestyle each month, and see where you can (and you will!) make improvements.
Even if you don’t stick with each one, you’ll get a taste for different eco-friendly solutions and a feel for what fits with you.
You don’t have to follow the order presented here and if you don’t get to all of them, that’s ok too. Just pick a few that seem like a good place to start and jot one at the top of your calendar each month.
1. Track Your Trash
A great way to get clear on where you can individually make the most impact and send less to the landfill is to conduct a waste audit. Know your trash, then reduce it.
What’s a waste audit?
It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. You’ll be able to see the big picture of what you’re throwing away for the month (or even just a week!).
Once you’ve tallied up all your trash, look for what items have the most marks. Those are likely the most impactful places where you could start looking for eco-friendly alternatives.
There’s two easy ways to do this:
Before you take the trash out to the curb, dump it all out and tally up what’s there. This is alot more pleasant process if you’re composting your food scraps separately.
Keep a piece of paper by the trash can and write it down as it goes in.
Betsy and her sidekick, Georgia, will show you how to perform a home waste audit to help you begin your zero waste lifestyle. A waste audit helps you learn what you are throwing away so you can begin making different choices to avoid items that create waste.
Bets on the Planet is a show made by kids for kids to help them live a sustainable life that is good for the Earth.
2. Practice Mindful Shopping
The most sustainable product is the one you don’t buy, but it’s so easy to casually shop when products are being waved in our faces 24/7.
The challenge here is to pause when you pull out your credit card this month. Ask yourself –
Do I really need it?
Will I use it more than once?
Is there a way to get it package free, packaged in, or made from compostable materials?
If the answer is *no* to one or more, just don’t buy it.
Admittedly, this can be tough! Our minds are programmed to get excited about novelty and that boost of serotonin when we buy or gift something is :chef’s kiss:. I will say, there is also a lot of empowerment in successfully saying NO to the barrage of tailored advertisements, so I encourage you to give it a shot.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
Ultimately, retraining our thought processes around consumerism shouldn’t feel like restraint or punishment, so feel free to reward yourself in some way whenever you pass on a purchase. It takes a lot of mindful acknowledgment to celebrate not buying something.
Rewards can be anything from relaxing in a bubble bath, to borrowing a new book from the library, or taking a fun fitness class.
Reducing our consumption is one of the most powerful ways we can be environmentally friendly, because so many resources are invested into making new things. Alternatively, you could seek out an eco-friendly alternative, try to borrow it from a friend, make it yourself, or even look for a used one.
Bonus: a very real world benefit from mindful shopping is saving money! All those little (and big) impulse buys in a month can really add up. You’ll see!
I can’t express enough how important and impactful it is to compost your food waste, no matter your situation. You can contribute directly to a circular economy in a profound way. Not only does food that has been landfilled produce methane, a green house gas contributor, but also it is a missed opportunity to convert those scraps back into rich soil that can be used… to grow more food!
But, before we talk about how to compost, let me back up for a second. Depending on how much food you’re currently chucking every week, you may benefit greatly from taking a few days this month to peruse the websites and social media feeds of people like Anne-Marie Bonneau, Zero Waste Chef.
She will show you how to get the most bang for your buck, with regard to food, food waste, and finding the value in what we may generally consider scraps. It’s inspiring, I love her work!
Now to come back to composting the scraps that are left. From back yard piles to indoor worm bins, there are MANY ways to compost, even if you live in an apartment. Or look for a local composting service. For instance, in Gainesville where I live, there is Beaten Path Compost. They make it so easy with multiple drop off locations around town and they have a weekly pickup for some neighborhoods.
Further, once you get your food scraps out of your trash can, things like waste audits become much easier and you can really get a good look at what is making up the balance of your waste.
There are so many benefits to composting and I feel so passionately about it, that I can safely exclaim if you don’t do anything else this year, you should start composting.
4. Green Your Cleaning Routine
As spring cleaning routines kick off, be conscious of your scrubbing habits. Mainstream cleaning agents are expensive and often include toxic chemicals that end up in our waterways and pollute humans as well as wildlife. Plus, the packaging is almost always unrecycleable single-use plastic.
diy floor cleaner concentrate is simply castile soap and essential oils of choice
oxygen powered bleach alternative powder in a glass jar
There are lots of ways to green your cleaning routine. Swap out rags for paper towels, and try a natural loofah instead of a sponge. You could also make your own cleaners with simple ingredients like baking soda!
Spend the month being conscious of your cleaning habits. Looking for an advanced challenge? See how many days you can go without a paper towel.
5. Plant a Garden
Or just a few containers! Even if all you try this year is a couple herbs in your kitchen window, it counts.
Growing our own food (and buying local) is a wonderful way to embrace sustainability. Plus it’s super rewarding.
The Repurpose Project in Gainesville has tons of pots you can get for next to no dollars.
Looking for easy starter plants? Try corn, cucumbers, squash or zucchini.
6. Going Meatless
You probably know that our modernized animal agriculture systems are damaging to our environment, but it can be really tough for people to give up meat. Don’t worry, I get it. I encourage you to give it a shot anyway because both the health AND environmental benefits are worth the effort.
Try challenging a friend or family member and see who can sustain a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle the longest. Or take a baby step and see if you can do #MeatlessMonday every week this month.
One of my favorite and EASY meals with minimal dishes is a stuffed baked potato with a mixed green, vinaigrette dressed salad. Ideas for stuffings: roasted veggies (my go-to is broccoli and mushrooms), spinach and cheese, classic butter and sour cream, or peppers and onions with plant-based sausage.
7. Volunteer for a Green Cause
Your challenge during this month is to sign up for an eco-friendly event like a creek or beach clean up, or planting trees with the Arbor Day Foundation. Bonus points if you bring a friend!
If you’re not able to commit to volunteering in person, consider making a donation if you are able.
8. Travel Trashless
Another seemingly difficult place to reduce single-use plastics is when we travel. I don’t just mean vacations or work trips. Even our daily commute to work is often fraught with coffee shop stops and midday snacks.
Challenge yourself to see how many days in a row you can go without accepting or using takeaway disposables and single-use plastics.
Also, be sure to say out loud, every time, at restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and markets: “Thanks but I don’t need a bag, straws, napkins, cutlery, condiments, lids, etc.” Of course don’t list all of that at a grocery store, just what’s applicable. They’ll sometimes forget and still give it to you, keep saying it anyway! Normalize asking for exactly what you need instead of taking disposables you just toss in the trash 5 minutes later.
Pro tip: Keep a reusable water bottle, thermos, and set of silverware in the car. Bring your own lunch and homemade snacks. And for mastery level: take a set of clean tupperware with you so you can take home leftovers without a to-go box.
9. Digital Detox
Don’t think of digital detoxing as eco-friendly? It really is! When you add up all your screen time, you’d be surprised how much energy it consumes.
Check out your digital wellness app for some stats about your smartphone screen time and see if you can cut it back this month.
Set a stopwatch when you watch TV and keep a record of it. See if you can cut back a bit each week.
Bonus: When we reduce our screen time we tend to reconnect with nature. Get outside and touch some grass.
10. Nurture Your Love of Nature
Sometimes we get so caught up in making our daily lives more eco-friendly, we forget what it’s all about.
Your challenge this month is to schedule four days that you’re going to do something to celebrate the natural world around us. Whether it’s a day trip to the beach, or a picnic in the woods; feeding the ducks, or the seagulls; laying in your front yard and watching the sky or dancing in the rain – take a conscious moment to remember why we’re doing all this. Really feel your connection to mother nature. Again, bring your friends or family and spread the love.
11. Trim your Transportation
Take a moment this month to look at your transportation. If you drive to work, are there days you could telework instead? What about finding a carpool buddy?
Do those old bikes in the garage still work? What if you cycle to a nearby restaurant or park for your next date night?
When possible, take public transportation instead of driving separately. And if you’re taking a longer trip, drive rather than fly whenever you can!
See what you can do to keep your comings and goings green this year.
12. Share Your Journey
We don’t often think about social media as an eco-friendly act. In fact, in a lot of ways social media contributes to our consumer-driven downfalls.
But when used for good, social persuasion is a powerful thing. We are most influenced by those we trust and respect, so when we see something posted by a friend, it affects us more.
Your challenge this month is to post one day/week about a sustainability win you’ve had this year. Whether it’s a product that’s changed your life and habits, or the basket of veggies you grew in your garden – let’s hear about it!
And don’t forget to tag us at @unplasticgnv. We want to celebrate with you!
Celebrate Your Successes
Adopting sweeping life changes overnight is impractical and unlikely to stick. It’s overwhelming and unnatural.
The best thing we can do for the planet is whatever works within our own lives. If you try these 12 sustainable challenges in 2022 I will be greatly surprised if you don’t find something that brings you joy.
Maybe you discover you love carpooling with your new coworker, or you find community with the wildlife volunteers. Or you discover that it gives you deep satisfaction to tell the waiter “No thanks, I don’t need a to-go box” as you pull out your reusable tupperware.
Whatever works for you, it all contributes to the greater cause. Here’s to a greener 2022!
Well, here we are – the Holiday Season is in full swing.
I know how chaotic it can feel and truly wish for you to have an opportunity to slow down and have some fun with it this year.
Making little handmade gifts is one of a few ways I can really tap into the holiday spirit (see also: driving around to see twinkly lights, my mom’s chocolate chip cookies, and Die Hard).
I’ve made a lot of different things over the years, but really don’t consider myself very “crafty”. So if I can do it, you can do it. I do try to add an extra personal touch by sharing a holiday family tradition or recreating something I’ve experienced throughout the year. Ideally I can incorporate supplies I already have on hand.
Did an idea just pop in your mind? Go with it!
If the ideas aren’t coming easy, read on for some inspiration. Everything can be accomplished in an afternoon and there’s lots of room for improvising the components with items you may already have on hand, whether you’re the creative type or not. And remember, if you get stuck – google is your friend.
Share the Self Care
Candles:
Making your own candles is low waste and eco-friendly and guaranteed to be as non-toxic as the ingredients you use to make them.
Funny novelty mug candles would make a great White Elephant or Secret Santa gift!
The vessels you choose can turn these candles into true works of art. Repurpose a .50 thrift store coffee mug, vintage tea cup, or mason jar. Or maybe you have those little glass yogurt cups or old tea tins laying around. Hm!
If you prefer to go jarless, you can make small wax melts using a silicone ice cube tray.
Fancy up the tops of your candles or melts with some herbs, flowers, or dried fruits!
Making candles
Candles with botanicals
Tea Cup candle
Why should you avoid paraffin wax? It is derived from petroleum and full of toxic chemicals such as toluene and benzene which is released into the air when you burn them.
I strongly suggest using either raw beeswax or soy wax for something sustainable and safe to inhale.
*The wood wicks have a crackling feature for that extra *ambiance*.
**Beeswax candles naturally smell a little like honey, but you can use essential oils if you want to add some fragrance. If you’re going to do this, I recommend adding a bit of coconut oil since beeswax doesn’t seem to hold onto the scent quite as well.
Directions:
Melt the wax and oil in a double boiler, then add the essential oils. Place the wicks in the jars and pour the mixture in, being sure to secure the wick with a clip (or tape to a pen) so that it holds in the middle while the candle cools.
Check out this video for a quick tutorial:
Body Butter:
Body butter is easy to make while also ultra moisturizing and luxurious. This recipe has ingredients you can find by the ounce at Life Unplastic, but could of course altered based on what you might have on hand.
If you plan to use arrowroot powder, soften the coconut oil and mix the powder in. Then use a double boiler to melt the butters.
Remove from heat and mix the butter with the coconut oil. Refrigerate the mixture until it firms up a bit, then add the essential oils and “whip” the mixture with a fork or a standing mixer. Add it to your jars and store with the lid on at room temperature.
It will keep like this for 6 months or more, though I recommend always using clean hands when you scoop it out.
Most people don’t have bath bomb molds lying around and that’s OK. Look around and see what you have! You can make bath bombs into all kinds of shapes by using molds such as muffin tins (metal or silicone) and cookie cutters. And why make them traditional when they can be quirky and unique?
Their natural color is classic and elegant, but you can add different coloring agents. It’s important to be careful what dye you select, since if it’s not water soluble it will actually stain your tub (or the tub of the person you give it to! 😬)
This recipe yields 10 large bath bombs, so feel free to half it or adjust as needed. Again, almost all of these items may already be on hand in your home or can be purchased by the ounce at the shop.
The orange peel is optional, but it adds a nice natural color and helps soften and exfoliate your skin. Plus it has anti-inflammatory properties!
Directions:
Whisk together the cornstarch, citric acid, epsom salt, dried orange peel, and baking soda in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, water, and essential oils (if using).
Very slowly add the oil mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring and mashing as you go. The end result should be similar to wet sand. Pack the mixture into your selected molds and allow to dry for at least 30 minutes (and up to 24 hours) before removing the mold.
Whip Up Delicious Consumable Concoctions
Ok here’s where your family traditions could shine or be adventurous and try something new, it’s all in the experience. Here’s some ideas to get you started:
Note: You could of course focus on what you have on hand first. I also carry a bunch of pantry staples by the ounce that will fill any gaps for a multitude of tasty, thoughtful gifts. There are so many options it’s difficult to list all the exact recipes.
**All of these consumables are great to package in clear jars with a little twine or reused bow to give as a gift.
Candied Nuts:
Mix brown sugar (or raw sugar) with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little spice with your sweet. Add a splash of water and vanilla extract. Melt the mixture, stir in the nuts, then spread and cool them on a baking sheet before breaking them up and transferring to a container.
Cookies or Cake in a Jar:
Just mix together the dry ingredients for your favorite cookie or cake mix, then tie the instructions to the jar! We carry gluten free flour, raw sugar, and oats.
Good Soup:
Perfect for literally anyone who loves to cook for their family. Grab your favorite chili or soup recipe and layer the dried ingredients like beans and spices in a jar. You can even add our vegan powdered broth mix. Write out and attach the instructions for the other steps, like sauteing diced veggies, adding a can of tomatoes or broth, then dumping the jar in a pot and letting it stew.
An alternative soup idea is this 13 bean fiesta soup mix. Simple and looks beautiful in a jar. Add cajun seasonings for a kick!
Put Together a Personalized Plastic-Free Gift Basket
And finally, as I look around the store it’s hard not to see all the different ways you could combine our environmentally friendly products to make tailored gifts for your friends and family. They are maybe not “DIY” in the traditional sense, but still very thoughtful and a great way to show you care.
One variety we are carrying is called ‘A Love Letter to Gainesville’ and proceeds support a program helping to eliminate food insecurity for local students.
For the homebody:
Make up a batch of super easy room freshening spray with just water, witch hazel, and essential oils! Lavender is great for relaxing a space and Lemon is refreshing and rejuvenating. We have colored glass or aluminum spray bottles so your gift is plastic-free, refillable, and non-toxic.
Foldable stainless cutlery set, bamboo toothbrush, and string grocery bag are just a few options for a starter kit that just makes sense. Other must haves: washable and reusable kitchen sponges, dishsoap block, Happy Willow shampoo bar, cotton produce bags.
Sustainable DIY Gifts Have Never Been Easier
So you see, there are many ways to put together eco-friendly gifts that won’t end up clogging our landfills and really show you care… about your people, and your planet
If you don’t have time for a visit, remember that shop items can be delivered within the Gainesville area. Order online or give us a call today.
Do those old bikes in the garage still work? What if you cycle to a nearby restaurant or park for your next date night? 
But when used for good, social persuasion is a powerful thing. We are most influenced by those we trust and respect, so when we see something posted by a friend, it affects us more. 
Whisk together the cornstarch, citric acid, epsom salt, dried orange peel, and baking soda in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, water, and essential oils (if using).
