Take Action!Grace McClaingoing zero waste, zero waste, wind energy, carbon emissions, climate credits

The Struggle that is "Going" Zero Waste

Take Action!Grace McClaingoing zero waste, zero waste, wind energy, carbon emissions, climate credits
The Struggle that is "Going" Zero Waste

That is just it, we are “going”… and quite frankly I don’t think we will ever truly “get” there! Don’t get me wrong, I am an internal optimist but I am also a realist and I don’t like to set myself up for failure. And to be honest, sometimes life just happens, shit happens and well, you miss the mark. For example, my husband and I have been “going” zero waste for a few years now and we are so far from a mason jar of trash per year but we have made some huge steps for our lifestyle. I am both proud and yet constantly feeling like a failure… if you feel me, here are some heart felt reminders for when you feel stuck on this shared epic journey:

  1. First and foremost- finish what you already have- nothing is more wasteful than throwing out a product in order to replace with something less wasteful. Set a reminder to make the zero or minimal waste switch just before you run out!

  2. Baby steps are key- We are attempting a room by room or a different room a month type of thing- not a single room is zero waste yet all of them have significantly reduced waste.

  3. Be patient with yourself, each other and your options. Not everything that your lifestyle requires is offered in a zero/ minimal waste option, but by slowly asking for such things and noting changes you can make, it all makes a difference.

  4. Get creative with how you run your errands since one stop might have bulk hygiene products while another one offers bulk foods- its a balancing act and an art. Enjoy the journey.

  5. Offset your trash by picking up other people’s like when you are out walking in the park. Trash thrown away is better than trash washed into our water systems via the city’s storm drains.

  6. Offset your carbon emissions by buying climate credits. You can buy yours now through one of our favorite brands, Reformation!

  7. Have you switched to renewable energy yet? Wind or solar might be available in your area through Arcadia Power- if you switch via Reformation you will get a $100 shopping credit with them- talk about a new green deal!

  8. Appreciate your efforts and enjoy the small victories! Nobody is perfect, but the fact that you care enough to even read this blog is huge! And we + mother earth appreciate you!

We are in this together and would love to chat more about your zero waste journey- leave us a comment below or reach out via our contact options!

Grace has never been into the status quo, and loves to think outside of the bag. She has a passion for ethical and earth friendly apparel and accessories. And is inspired by minimal living and the organization necessary for living joyfully with less.

Reconsider...Grace McClaincapsule wardrobe, Conscious consumption, going zero waste

A Capsule Wardrobe: The Gateway Drug

A Capsule Wardrobe is the gateway drug to conscious consumption and a minimalist lifestyle. Once you begin to feel the positive, mood boosting, anti-clutter affects of a cleaner/ lighter closet, there is no doubt that you will need that kind of high throughout the rest of your life. And like a proper junkie with that first taste, you are a minimalist! Because being and becoming a minimalist are one and the same, just like building your capsule wardrobe was, it is a process, not an overnight transformation. 

Reconsider...Grace McClaincapsule wardrobe, Conscious consumption, going zero waste
A Capsule Wardrobe: The Gateway Drug
Take Action!Grace McClainplastic accessories, single use plastic, zero waste

Are you Accidentally Accessorizing with Single Use Plastic?

Have you ever realized that plastic has become an accessory to our everyday life? Whether it is the plastic lining inside of paper Starbucks rendering it unrecyclable or the plastic bottle you snag on the way to catching your flight, or your “vegan leather” bag. Without thinking about it, it is easy to find yourself literally dripping in plastic. And I’m sorry to be the bearer of this tough love but, it’s ugly! 

Take Action!Grace McClainplastic accessories, single use plastic, zero waste
Are you Accidentally Accessorizing with Single Use Plastic?
Take Action!Grace McClaincarbon credits, carbon offsetting, wind energy, do not mail

Combating Climate Change from the Comfort of your Own Home!

Do you have 10 minutes of time to kill and want to save the planet? Here are some super easy things you can do that will have a big impact. Seriously, all you need is your laptop and credit card. We totally get how complex this climate change & personal impact thing is! But sometimes its just nice to have a few things that aren’t that hard. So here you go, enjoy the simplicity of making a positive impact with these 3 things!

Take Action!Grace McClaincarbon credits, carbon offsetting, wind energy, do not mail
Combating Climate Change from the Comfort of your Own Home!
Take Action!Grace McClain

How to go from Bulk Buying Food to Refill Buying for even greater benefits

Buying in bulk is thought to be inherently sustainable because you are using one packaging element to hold more- this is kind of true. It is also supposed to be cheaper, which is definitely true because you aren’t paying for packaging. But really the only way to bulk buy with a zero waste approach is to bring something you already own to refill instead of using the containers provided by the store. Filling up a plastic bag with slightly more quantity is no different than buying oatmeal in already packaged plastic.

Take Action!Grace McClain