“…we must recognize our grave duty to hand the earth on to future generations…” ~ Pope Benedict XVI
Many reports about industries and communities who are achieving progress toward zero-waste and zero-landfill goals can be found in the media and online. But what can I do in my daily life to decrease my own contribution to the landfill and to support a zero-waste goal?
As I strive to avoid single-use plastic and the seemingly ubiquitous excessive packaging that surrounds us, I am excited to learn that a new zero-waste store, Trace, is opening in Vienna this September. www.tracezerowaste.com This is a reminder for me to be conscious of my choices and to seek out ways to be a better steward of the gifts of the earth.
Businesses that identify as zero-waste typically offer products with little to no packaging, inviting the shopper to bring their own bags and containers. Offerings often include dry goods as well as liquid items and range from foodstuffs to homewares to cleaning products and personal care items. Mason & Greens, in Old Town Alexandria, is an example of a zero-waste store.
In addition to dedicated zero-waste stores, packaging can be avoided at local farmers markets and at the bulk items sections of MOM’s Organic Market, Good Earth Natural Foods and Whole Foods, to name a few.
Zero-waste is an approach that works toward re-thinking how all resources are treated through the entire use-cycle, beginning with resource identification through production, consumption, reuse and recovery of all products, packaging and materials, finding ways to reuse or recover resources without burning them and without dumping them in landfills, the water, or the air.
Every step each of one of us takes to heighten awareness and to make decisions in favor of reducing consumption and avoiding waste makes a difference and helps us tread more lightly upon our precious Earth.
Links for Zero Waste tips:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branch-out/trash-trimming-tips-for-zero-waste-living
http://www.cleanfairfax.org/2018/03/22/join-the-zero-waste-movement/ https://sustainablefairfax.org/initiatives/zero-waste/
Many reports about industries and communities who are achieving progress toward zero-waste and zero-landfill goals can be found in the media and online. But what can I do in my daily life to decrease my own contribution to the landfill and to support a zero-waste goal?
As I strive to avoid single-use plastic and the seemingly ubiquitous excessive packaging that surrounds us, I am excited to learn that a new zero-waste store, Trace, is opening in Vienna this September. www.tracezerowaste.com This is a reminder for me to be conscious of my choices and to seek out ways to be a better steward of the gifts of the earth.
Businesses that identify as zero-waste typically offer products with little to no packaging, inviting the shopper to bring their own bags and containers. Offerings often include dry goods as well as liquid items and range from foodstuffs to homewares to cleaning products and personal care items. Mason & Greens, in Old Town Alexandria, is an example of a zero-waste store.
In addition to dedicated zero-waste stores, packaging can be avoided at local farmers markets and at the bulk items sections of MOM’s Organic Market, Good Earth Natural Foods and Whole Foods, to name a few.
Zero-waste is an approach that works toward re-thinking how all resources are treated through the entire use-cycle, beginning with resource identification through production, consumption, reuse and recovery of all products, packaging and materials, finding ways to reuse or recover resources without burning them and without dumping them in landfills, the water, or the air.
Every step each of one of us takes to heighten awareness and to make decisions in favor of reducing consumption and avoiding waste makes a difference and helps us tread more lightly upon our precious Earth.
Links for Zero Waste tips:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branch-out/trash-trimming-tips-for-zero-waste-living
http://www.cleanfairfax.org/2018/03/22/join-the-zero-waste-movement/ https://sustainablefairfax.org/initiatives/zero-waste/