Go completely zero waste for a month

“Zero-waste as defined by the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) means diverting a minimum of 90% of waste from landfill and incineration. So, how’d we do? Of the 101.5 pounds of waste we generated from May 2 to June 2, we recycled 67.5 pounds, composted 23 pounds, and sent 11 pounds to the landfill. That’s an 89.2% diversion rate. Not exactly 90% but pretty darn close! [...] The biggest setback on our path to zero waste was a seemingly harmless backyard barbeque. In late May we hosted around 30 people at our house for some good old fashioned grilling and fun. We set out a labeled recycling bin, handed out recyclable cups and paper plates (which are compostable) and utilized our regular silverware and serving ware for the remainder. Because we were composting in a worm bin we could not compost meat, bones or dairy, so those items quickly stacked up.”

“Most of the waste I produced before was related to my food – packaging of Maggi or bread, sometimes even a plastic bag. It turned out, that carrying bags is not that hard, but Maggi and bread I head to give up for that month. Instead I bought vegetables and fruits and I soon realized that the food I was eating now was more healthy. But I did not always manage to not produce waste. Sometimes I simply forgot and got a plastic plate at a Pani Puri place. Once I asked to get Ice Tea without a straw and got it anyway. Many receipts are not recyclable and I couldn't figure out how to avoid them. And twice people gave me something and it felt rude not to take it.”