Is it possible to have a home that produces little or no garbage? According to author Bea Johnson, whose book called Zero Waste Home I am reading, it is. Johnson's book is filled with tips which will enable readers to simplify their lives. I highly recommend you obtain this book (library loan) and through it be inspired to rethink how you shop and consume.
In addition to following the recycling mantra, of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, Johnson strongly advocates for the addition of two R's-Refuse and Rot. If the Zero Waste concept is to be successful Johnson contends that everyone must place Refuse at the top of a recycling pyramid and Rot at the bottom and the usual three in between. She advocates for thinking 'outside the home' by refusing to buy items that are not necessary and especially those items which come with excessive packaging. I call this 'pre-cycling.'
Reusing might include donating to charities items that you no longer need, especially clothing. We are fortunate to have several worthwhile organizations in Delta which raise funds through the acquisition and sale of others' stuff. Garage sales and book exchanges encourage reuse as does repairing items, where possible. Reusing is different from recycling as it requires less energy and use of raw materials.
A great way of getting towards 'Zero Waste' is through the process of rotting in which organic food mixed with some green and/or brown matter produces rich hummus or soil. I checked my compost piles yesterday and was pleased to see many wriggly worms - a sure sign that nature is at work. As I have written in a previous column, it is important to only include organic waste in your home compost - i.e. fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds and tea bags (not silk ones), leaves or small twigs and even paper towels. Do not include meat or fish remains. Eggshells do not compost well but are useful as slug and snail deterrents. I am now saving mine to put around my kale plants in the spring. I have a down to earth guide on this topic, called 'Let it Rot!' I bought it second hand, by the way.
While attending a recent Canucks game, my husband sent me a photo of a bin which had on it 'Shooting for Zero Waste' and the Canucks logo! I said yea, someone is taking the subject seriously in contrast to letters I have read from folks opposing the new guidelines implemented by Metro Vancouver in January.
The elimination of food waste from 'garbage' cans will help our environment by reducing and hopefully eliminating completely methane production at landfills. Can we work together to follow the new food waste guidelines? Yes, we can by learning to 'Shoot for Zero Waste.'
Jean Wightman is a local environmental advocate and long-time Tsawwassen resident.
