Drawdown! Action Plan
Zero Waste
Overview
Many people consider shopping a hobby. It is not. As a society we need to reframe our relationship to our stuff. We need to remember that:
- what is a need and what is a want
- all things we buy have an impact - impacts can be on the health of the land, the health of people, and the health of other living beings
Some Zero Waste Facts
- Plastic is made from fossil fuels. Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels will both cut down carbon emissions and reduce the amount of plastic created.
- Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans. It’s equivalent to five grocery bags filled with plastic for every foot of coastline in the world. In 2025, the annual input is estimated to be about twice greater, or 10 bags full of plastic per foot of coastline. - Plastic-Pollution.org
- By 2050, it is estimated that there will be more plastic by weight than fish in the ocean. - World Economic Forum
Videos
Youth Advocacy
Action |
Reason |
Resources |
1. Encourage your parents to buy in bulk from the bulk section of the grocery store. (Saves $) |
Buying in bulk saves money, CO2 emissions produced from packaging and transportation, as well as multiple trips to the grocery store! |
|
2. Share the Bounty: Encourage family to share extra produce with neighbors, a food bank or at a crop swap. (Free) |
By sharing extra produce with others you can provide food to the less fortunate, reduce waste, get the most out of your money, and help others save money! |
Actions
5. Reuse. Reuse items when possible. Examples, get lunch containers that can be washed and used again or make something from a ripped t-shirt. (Saves $) Ex. Make some reusable cloth bulk bags. You can get the bags tared at the grocery store. ($)3. Reduce Your Single-Use Plastics: Take the challenge and use only reusable containers for 30 days (water bottles, shopping bags, food containers and snacks). ($ for reusable bags)
4. Refuse. The first step to reducing waste is to refuse things you don’t need or want. (Saves $$) Refuse 3 unwanted items in the next two weeks. Make this a lifetime habits. If I need something, I’ll see if I can get it used first.
5. Reuse. Reuse items when possible. Examples, get lunch containers that can be washed and used again or make something from a ripped t-shirt. (Saves $) Ex. Make some reusable cloth bulk bags. You can get the bags tared at the grocery store. ($)
6. Recycle. Remember plastic is “downcycled” and not truly recyclable as it will eventually be sent to the landfill. However, “recycling” is better than just disposing of plastic. See what plastics your local sanitary service actually “recycles.” (Free)
7. Find FOUR easy to make recipes for snacks for school. (Saves $)Try some zero waste (and possibly vegan) snacks. Get inspired!
8. Make some DIY health and beauty products. ($ but cheaper than commercial stuff and non-toxic. They make great gifts too!) There are many DIY product tutorials on youtube. Check one out this one.
9. Pick up trash when you see it. (Free) Commit to picking up 20 pieces over the next two weeks. Picking up trash may seem simple, but is a easy, effective way to help the planet! Maybe you can save a turtle from death due to plastic consumption?! Looking for a fun way to pick up trash? Use the free app Litterati to make picking up trash engaging and fun! Make a team and compete with friends to make this a litter-free world.
10. Only buy clothes that are made with natural fibers. Avoid synthetic materials. (About the same $; $$ organics)
11. Buy quality goods that will last. ($ but will cost less over time) Some examples are buying cheap shoes that will last 6 months or high quality shoes that will last 2+ years.
12. Have a minimalist fashion wardrobe using Project 333. (Saves $$) For the next month pick 33 items you will wear. Get another family to commit and earn (100 points for each family you reach out to).
13. Don’t use straws (free or buy a metal or glass straw, $) In the US about 500 million plastic straws are used every day! Help reduce this number by refusing to use straws or purchasing reusable straws.
14. Pack yourself a zero-waste lunches (Saves $) Here are a few ideas.
15. Buy from second hand stores (saves $) Some great second hand stores in Marin County are Knimble, Diamonds in the Rough, and Sugar.
