Awareness

Awareness. That is what I've been dedicating the last 2 days to.  Simply being aware of when and how much I am creating waste is very eye opening. From that then I can take the next step to correcting the problem.

So far I have noticed that it will take a lot of foresight to decrease my waste. Today, for example, was a crazy busy day. I left the house at 9:30a and didn't get home until 9:30pm. Essentially all three meals were eaten out in a "to go" fashion, which I am not proud of, but you do what you have to do sometimes.

My day could have been less waste-filled if I had provided my own to-go tea mug, skipped the saran-wrapped scone and opted for another option (or brought breakfast from home - both restricted by time this morning) and planned ahead for lunch time options. Of course I was running late to my next obligation so I got Tokyo Joe's to-go and ate it while I drove (don't judge.). The plastic is recyclable, but as I'm learning, plastics only down-cycle and only do bad things. I did appreciate that the plastic packaging did encourage re-use and stated that it was dishwasher safe... unfortunately, I have no use for a re-purposed Tokyo Joe's container and I'm going to bet that I'm not the only one. Anyway, my one-purpose plastic bowl was served in a plastic bag (which I didn't think to refuse at the time, but will be re-purposed for dog poop at some point) and a plastic fork with 2 white paper napkins. It would not be inconceivable to carry a cloth napkin and a "camping style" metal spork option to eliminate waste from those simple but necessary tools.  In fact I already own both of those things, it would just be a matter of having them with me at the right time. I only had time for half of my Tokyo Joe's bowl for lunch so I ate the rest for dinner. I went out with some friends for a whiskey which was served with a compostable cocktail napkin.

So obviously, not a very impressive day when it comes to decreasing waste.

I'm also realizing it will also take a lot of self control to decrease waste. I am addicted to this lifestyle. I love sugar and efficiency and potato chips. I know that my current lifestyle is not the healthiest lifestyle - although probably pretty average for an almost-30 year old American. But I do enjoy it.  I also realized to do that I really enjoy CONSUMING. Shopping. Choosing. Buying. It's all so exciting, but not the most conscientious thing to do.

Just in the past two days I have noted multiple instances where a simple "no thank you" would decreased my waste for the day. No to the chocolate bar. No to the chai latte. No to the veggie straws. No to the cute vintage-style (most likely new wood) planter for the garden. None of those things make my body BETTER. They simply tickle my pleasure center in my brain to continue the addiction.

Not that I want to get into the habit of making excuses, but I do want to say that this week is maybe a little harder than others because we put our house on the market yesterday. As a result, everything needs to stay incredible clean and orderly for the various showings over the next few days making cooking at home difficult. That aside, its been incredibly helpful and eye opening to bring a little awareness into this corner of my life.

Simple successes:
I used my water bottle throughout the day.
I  kept the left-over half of apple in a glass container
I always use my reusable lunch sack and glass tupperware for work lunches.