Getting Started on Living Smaller The living small, zero (or nearly zero) waste, sustainable living movement is a huge part of what this blog will be about. And it’s a lifestyle gaining momentum every day. That’s a good thing but we need to encourage it even more.
As we continue to consume and as the world population continues to grow so does the amount of waste we produce. If this seems like a problem too big for us to individually solve, you’re right it is. But, individually we can each make a difference one change at a time. Together those changes can make a difference.
Don’t panic and don’t think you have to make massive changes all at once. You don’t! One change at a time is all we have to do. For example, my first change was to not use paper towels anymore.
According to betterplanetpaper.com 544,000 trees could be saved per year if each household in the US used just one less roll per year. 120,000 tons of waste would be eliminated by each household using three fewer rolls per year. Yes, paper is biodegradable but our air and our water depend on trees and it takes a long time to grow a tree. And we are cutting them down at an alarming rate. Here is a 90-second example of what a lumber company does. And don’t be fooled by the “replanting” plan. Before replanting is done the barren land will be subject to mudslides and animal loss of habitat.
But enough of statistics and my soapbox about the lumber industry. How did I stop using paper towels? I did three specific things.
One, I bought a large plastic jar for $1 at my local Dollar Tree. I took leftover orange and lemon peels and, in the jar, covered them with white vinegar.
Two, I let that sit under my sink for 2 weeks and then removed the peels leaving a citrus-infused vinegar.
Three, I took baby washcloths I purchased from Amazon and put them into the jar with the vinegar.
Total cost about $9. Even cheap paper towels are $1 a roll. So, this small change pays for itself in just a month or two. As a bonus, I’ve found my kitchen is cleaner. The vinegar cuts through grease like crazy and wiping down my stove and counter tops only takes one washcloth. I’m saving money, trees and my kitchen is cleaner. This is a win-win-win.
One small change at a time equals big changes over time.
Shopping list:
Plastic Jar - Dollar Tree $1.00
White Vinegar - Amazon $2.02
Baby wash cloths - Amazon $5.99
Total cost = $9.01
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