Well, I Never Saw That Coming!
I never realized the benefit bomb I would encounter when I started living with less. The money savings was incredible, I gained mental clarity, improved my creativity, and developed an even greater purpose of serving my community. But one of the biggest impacts I never saw coming was how my small changes would impact the environment and reduce waste. Our garbage bins were no longer heaping full, our food waste was slashed by 60%, and we were buying less things, instead, repairing, borrowing, or going without. When we did have to purchase, we looked for zero waste options and found out very quickly that you don’t need to be an eco-warrior to make a huge impact to our environment. I made a few changes here and there that were sustainable for our family, and it snowballed into something powerful.
Here are a few small changes that your family can give a try:
Reverse Grocery List - Write down all the food you are throwing away and pay attention as to what is regularly getting tossed and why, and adapt your meal planning. This powerful visual tool will not only force you to focus on what you are wasting, but the money you are also throwing away as well.
Look At Swapping Out To A Few Zero Waste Products - The Alternative in Regina offers products that are zero waste and also provides a refillery station for your bath and cleaning products. This reduces the garbage that is involved with packaging.
Getting A Handle on Impulse Shopping - Buying less things will make a massive impact on using less raw resources, reducing emissions, and eliminating less garbage for packaging.
Consider Consignment - When you do have to shop, consider great clothing that deserves a second chance! There are amazing places to check out like Hanger & Rack and Once Upon A Child in Regina!
Borrow, Rent, or Cost-Share - Our community is full of amazing like-minded neighbours who would gladly lend a rarely used item. Consider cost-sharing a snow-blower, renting that rotor-tiller, or borrowing that dress!
Look Into Repairing Vs Replacing - It’s so damn easy to buy new things, and it’s often cheaper sometimes to replace than repair. But keeping something out of the landfill is also valuable and needs to be considered before you toss it.
Remember, it’s not all or nothing. Small little changes at home can make a big impact, and you will notice the difference quickly when you are living with less!
Local Options For Consignment & Zero Waste
