Me a few months ago: Sorry I disappeared, I’ll post something this weekend
Also me: doesn’t follow through and disappears for a few more months
Ah, so this is embarrassing.
Again, I have no excuses for why I ghosted my own blog but I did and now I’m back to try again. I honestly don’t know where the time has gone and it’s hard to believe that we’re at the end of 2020.
One of my first entries on this blog was about my decision to transition to a zero waste, or more of a low waste lifestyle. Initially, it was going ok with the basics like recycling, repurposing boxes and glass containers, and making sure I wasn’t buying new things like makeup. Then 2020 decided to test me – I’m kidding, but COVID-19 brought on some unexpected challenges to the changes I was trying to make.
Oh and spoiler alert on the makeup, I splurged on four eyeshadow palettes since March. Way to go Elle and your excessive watching of makeup tutorials on YouTube!
To explain a bit more, I was just starting to shop at my local Bulk Barn since they had a “bring your own container” program but they had to stop it due to COVID-19. When I went to support the smaller local coffee shops in my neighbourhood, I wasn’t able to use my own container anymore and instead used one of their disposable cups. At one point, I was told by grocery stores that I couldn’t bring my own bags which led to an accumulation of more plastic bags at home. On the sanitary side of things, I purchased disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer that were single use and not cruelty free.
In no way am I trying to complain, I completely understand why these changes needed to be made. Everything about this year feels so uncertain and it definitely made me curious about how people who have been living zero waste/low waste for years adjusted to these changes.
During the summer months, I was able to redirect my attention back to my zero/low waste plans. Who knew that spending time in your backyard could do that? I made a second attempt at a vegetable garden which was successful in its own way. I learned a lot and I think I have a plan for how I’m going to approach it next year. I intentionally made my backyard mostly a garden space and instead of using a gas or electric mower, I used a manual push mower. My family and partner make fun of me for it, but it saves money on gas and it’s great exercise so actually, I’m winning. When fall came around, I purchased a composter from our local Restore and have been using it to put food scraps in to.
I think what I’ve learned about starting a zero waste (or maybe I should say low waste) is that the small changes I have made are just that – a change. The podcasts and other online resources I have referred to for guidance has reminded me of that.
Going forward, I think I have an idea of what to do while navigating the world of COVID-19. I still have a ton of makeup products to go through and a lot of clothes in my closet that I’m sorting through to create more of a capsule wardrobe. I’ve been watching a lot of content on project panning makeup and decluttering so maybe that is something I can share in a future post. Maybe it’s also a sign to start a “no-buy” for certain items in 2021? Other than that, I’ll be showing some my progress on the other small changes I’m making.
Sorry for not including photos in this post, but I plan to share soon.
Thanks to everyone who popped by to check out my blog. I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care of themselves during this time.
Until next time,
-Elle
being elle 