When we discuss the environment and sustainability, we can’t not include the concept of zero waste. Although different organizations and municipalities have their own definition, it is generally accepted that zero waste is a framework to divert 90-95% of waste from landfill, incinerators, the ocean, and all ecosystems. In such a model, waste is characterized as a resource rather than trash, and as such it is meant to circulate through the economy in a continuous loop. Zero waste promotes conservation of resources through reuse, responsible design and production, mending, resale, upcycling and other methods that limit unsustainable and non-renewable processes and material extraction.
An international lockdown reveals how crucial conserving our resources is – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because conservation is a means of survival - physical, mental and economic. Some tips you can institute immediately:
Instead of using paper towels, use fabric towels, or torn tee shirts.
Make soup and shakes with your extra vegetables and fruits, and freeze extra in airtight containers for later consumption.
Don’t mix food waste with your recyclables or with trash in your generic black bin. If your city has a composting program in place, ask for a green bin and contribute to landfill diversion.
Become a responsible recycler. Remember to clean your recyclables before tossing them in their appropriate receptacles, otherwise they will be removed from the sorting machinery and diverted to landfills.
Collect all your glass containers and share with neighbors, rather than tossing them in the recycling bin. A take one, leave one program ensures that we all have access to storage, without resorting to new plastic ware, or worse, throwing away perfectly fine foods.
Unplug appliances when not in use. Computers, lamps, toasters, and even hair dryers keep sucking energy even when they are technically turned off.
Clean the back of your refrigerator and keep your freezer always well stocked to maximize efficiency.
Fill your dishwasher and start a short cycle at night. Pre-clean dishes with a paper towel, rather than rinsing in water.
Washing a full load of clothes in cold water saves 90% of energy. Line dry when possible: you can save $120 a year and 2,300 trees if you never use the clothes dryer.
Reduce water flow by adjusting the water pressure via the knobs under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Turn off your faucet while brushing your teeth, and time your showers so you don’t take more than three minutes on each.
What else can you do during this unprecedented time. Self care is top of the list. Care for others: in your family, neighbors, people in your community who are struggling to make ends meet. And if you have mental and emotional bandwidth, try some of the ideas below.
Take career development courses. If you don’t have access to LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), YouTube has all kinds of free tutorials, on any imaginable topic. An alternative is to take MOOC classes (Massive Open Online Courses), available at most universities all over the world. My favorite platform is futurelearn.com. Just choose an area of interest, or type in a subject, and you can take certificates for absolutely free. Maybe learn a new language?
Exercise every day. Again, YouTube has all kinds of classes, from yoga and Zumba to high power cardio fitness.
Cook every day. If you are a fan of Food Channel, you’ll know the show Chopped. Pick any ingredient in your fridge, however weird the combination may be, and create something amazing. Pinterest is also a good source of inspiration.
Play games. Download QuizUp if you like trivia, to challenge people in real time all over the world, or Scrabble® from Hasbro if you like to keep your vocabulary juices flowing.
Start thinking how to reinvent yourself. The economy is going to change, and the effects will continue even when this global pandemic is over. How are you going to be relevant? Start exploring ways in which you can gain some comparative advantage.
Be generous, even without being able to donate real money. Bartering is now more relevant than ever. If you can virtually offer a service to someone in need, do not hesitate to let them know about your availability. Most people will appreciate and remember your generosity in due time, and you might even be considered for a paid gig in the near future.
Read books that you have had in your shelf for a while, instead of watching the same bad news all day. Train your brain. Virtual book clubs can be a great way to discuss your readings and to catch up with friends and colleagues.
Make it a point to FaceTime or video WhatsApp someone every day, to maintain connections and unburden your anxieties.
Stay away from Facebook and Twitter in terms of arguing with people who think differently than you. People will think what they want, regardless of lectures from strangers and friends alike. Besides, comments might be misinterpreted, and it’s easy to hurt people’s feelings.
Clean your house every day; get dressed; brush your hair; maintain a schedule.
Remember to sing and dance, and be grateful for what you have, rather than dwelling on what you do not.
#staysafe #staysane #stayhealthy