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Did you know that every year we dump over 2 billion tons of waste onto the planet? This includes construction waste, industrial waste, household waste, plastic waste, electronic waste, radioactive waste, sewage and run-off waste. In fact, 99% of the things we purchase are turned into trash within 6 months. So it’s no surprise that people who are particularly concerned about the state of our planet have dedicated themselves to limiting their impact on the Earth and keeping their waste to a minimum.

Allow me to introduce you to the Zero Waste subreddit. This group, which currently has over 875k members, is full of responsible citizens who are dedicated to minimizing their overall environmental impact. We’ve gone through the page to find some of the most inspiring tips, tricks and pics that might encourage you to reduce your impact as well and shared them down below. Keep reading to also find an interview with rocket scientist, author and zero waste expert, Dr. Anita Vandyke. Be sure to upvote the posts that make you want to preserve Mother Earth, and let us know in the comments if you have any more suggestions for how to reduce your carbon footprint. Then if you want even more eco-inspiration, you can check out Bored Panda’s last article featuring the same subreddit right here.

#1

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Two entrepreneurs started a side hustle renting Christmas trees to reduce the number that end up in landfill. Every Jan, they replant your tree back on their farm so you can rent it again next Xmas. When your tree hits 7 ft, it's retired and planted back in its original forest.

AndyAndieFreude Report

The Zero Waste subreddit is filled with great ideas and inspiration for people looking to do their part to save the planet. And while the phrase “zero waste” can seem daunting to a lot of people, as most of us are used to creating trash every single day, it does not need to be taken literally. The goal would be no waste at all, but the world we live in is just not set up that way. Every reduction in waste counts, and it takes time to adapt to a minimal waste lifestyle. 

As the Zero Waste subreddit explains in their description, “Being ‘zero waste’ means that we adopt steps towards reducing personal waste and minimizing our environmental impact. Our community places a major focus on the 5 R's: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. We practice this by reducing consumption, choosing reusable goods, recycling, composting, and helping each other improve. We also recognize excess CO₂, other GHG emissions, and general resource usage as waste.” 

#2

It’s About Time! Let’s Do This Everywhere. So Much Good Food Goes To Waste In The U.S

It’s About Time! Let’s Do This Everywhere. So Much Good Food Goes To Waste In The U.S

ihatejoelkim Report

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Phoebe Bean
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a crime to waste edible food. I know stores are afraid of lawsuits but come on...

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We reached out to rocket scientist, author, and zero waste advocate Dr. Anita Vandyke to gain some insight from an expert about going zero waste. First, we wanted to hear how Anita initially became interested in reducing her waste. "My zero waste lifestyle started when I was 26 years old and was going through a 'quarter-life' crisis," Anita shared. "I had climbed up the corporate ladder and was a successful Engineering Manager, however despite the monetary success I was not truly happy. I was stagnating in my personal growth and I realised I needed to align to my core values. I turned towards minimalism and zero waste living from people such as The Minimalists and Bea Johnson from Zero Waste Home."

We also asked Anita what benefits she has seen from living a zero waste lifestyle. "I started my Instagram account as just a visual diary of the changes I was making to transition towards a zero waste life," she told Bored Panda. "I was struck by the damage that plastic pollution was having in our oceans and I felt overwhelmed with scary climate change statistics. The easiest place was to start with my home, by starting small, I finally felt in control of these seemingly ‘out-of-control’ issues."

#3

I Cleaned Up A Polluted Stream, And The Stream Was Happy

I Cleaned Up A Polluted Stream, And The Stream Was Happy

Daniel_Toben Report

Anita also shared her top three tips for getting started in reducing your consumption. "Replace your disposables with reusables - items such as paper napkins, plastic grocery bags, disposable coffee cups can be replaced with cloth napkins, reusable cloth grocery bags and Keep Cups (reusable coffee cups)."

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"Make secondhand your first choice - whenever you need to buy something, try to see if you can buy it secondhand first," Anita suggested. "Look at designer consignment stores, try eBay, get a tailor to alter your clothes - make a good effort to try to buy secondhand before buying new."

Lastly, Anita says to, "Head outside! - head outdoors and enjoy doing activities such as hiking, swimming or simply just sitting still and being with nature. By enjoying the the outdoors and seeing how amazing Mother Nature is, I have come to appreciate that every step (no matter how small) is important in helping our planet."

#4

Two Brothers Have Been Sending The Same Birthday Card Back And Forth Since 1973

Two Brothers Have Been Sending The Same Birthday Card Back And Forth Since 1973

theladyastrid Report

Finally, Anita shared, "I think the biggest challenge is the same challenge that everyone faces in business – how do we balance profits with people and planet. It’s hard to balance the financial realities with our moral obligations. We need to educate people so we can leave a better planet for future generations. There is no planet B."

If you'd like more words of wisdom from Anita, want to check out her blog, or are interested in purchasing her book, be sure to visit her website right here.

#5

LEGO Starts To Pack Their Sets In The Paper Bags Instead Of The Plastic Ones

LEGO Starts To Pack Their Sets In The Paper Bags Instead Of The Plastic Ones

edgarix Report

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#6

Recycled Purse Saves Twitter User From Losing Everything In A Mugging

Recycled Purse Saves Twitter User From Losing Everything In A Mugging

hanfrish Report

As with any lifestyle change, going zero waste can take a bit of time and energy and feel overwhelming at first. Like learning a new language or starting a workout routine for the first time, there will be a learning curve. It is hard to break habits, and it will take time to figure out the best way to grocery shop, commute to work, begin composting and buy new (or new to you) clothes and furniture when something needs to be replaced. But desperate times call for desperate measures. The planet is warming at alarming rates, and we cannot keep up these levels of mindless consumption. Changes must be made.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American creates about 4.4 pounds of trash a day, or over 1,600 pounds of garbage per year. With most of this waste ending up in landfills, the environment starts to see devastating effects. These landfills that are becoming larger and larger produce greenhouse gasses, particularly carbon dioxide, that dangerously accelerate global warming. In fact, the EPA estimates that 14% of all methane caused by humans is coming from landfills. If there are lifestyle changes we can make to limit the harmful impacts of landfills, why wouldn’t we make them?  

#7

I Needed To See This Today. Maybe You Did Too

I Needed To See This Today. Maybe You Did Too

Aware Animals Report

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We have already seen various devastating impacts of the excessive consumption humans participate in, including climate change and increased natural disasters, but one of the most upsetting is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This patch is a collection of litter that has found its way into the ocean and gathered together in the North Pacific Ocean. It contains a few areas of spinning debris that are all connected by the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone, which acts like a highway that moves trash from one patch to another.

It is difficult to estimate the size of the patch, but a 2018 report guessed that it had reached about 1.6 million kilometers squared. To put those numbers into perspective, that is about the size of Iran, or twice the size of Texas, The World Counts explains on their website. The patch has accumulated a frightening amount of waste, mainly consisting of fishing nets, plastic bottles and caps and plastic bags. Even more concerning, due to our rapid pollution, the world’s oceans are expected to contain more plastic than fish by 2050. If these harrowing facts do not make you understand why a person would want to be zero waste, I’m not sure what will.       

#8

Honestly Never Thought Of This But I Will Be Doing This In The Future! What A Great Idea

Honestly Never Thought Of This But I Will Be Doing This In The Future! What A Great Idea

"I saw a post the other day by a lady who said she always grabs vintage casserole dishes when she sees them at thrift stores or yard sales and uses them when she brings a meal to someone! She said often they are cheaper than disposable ones and the family can either keep for themselves or pass on to someone else who needs a meal in the future! So in the spirit of reduce, reuse, renew & recycle... I thought this was a neat idea worth sharing!"

Rayne2522 Report

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Emmydearest
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see the problem here, I always use a non disposable one. If the other person is a friend, I simply leave the pan and they give it back (clean) the next time we meet. If that's not possible, they transfer the food into a pan of theirs and I take back mine. Most of the time, in a potluck meal or something like that, the food gets entirely consumed so I just end up with a dirty pan to bring home.

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#9

Medals From E-Waste

Medals From E-Waste

"Japan made all of the medals for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics out of discarded smartphones and laptops. More people need to know about this."

gyeomiepie Report

If you still aren’t sold on why we should all be working hard to reduce our environmental impact, I’ll outline some of the potential benefits for you. Even if you don’t care about the planet, you probably do care about saving money right? Well, in making an effort to go zero waste, you are likely to cut down on your spending as well. If you only buy products when you need them and you make a point to shop exclusively second hand, you will probably find some great deals. Ignore the capitalist brainwashing that “retail therapy” is the way to solve your problems and that you need to purchase the newest, shiniest thing to keep up with the trends. As many zero waste experts will tell you, we need a lot less than big companies would like for us to believe. And the less you buy, the less you will desire. That’s extra money left in your pocket. 

#11

A Coffee Shop In Kent, UK, Has Made The Brave Decision To Only Serve Customers Who Bring Their Own Cup To The Store, And To Illustrate Why They Are Doing This They Filled Their Store Floor With Disposable Cups

A Coffee Shop In Kent, UK, Has Made The Brave Decision To Only Serve Customers Who Bring Their Own Cup To The Store, And To Illustrate Why They Are Doing This They Filled Their Store Floor With Disposable Cups

Dabmasterrick Report

#12

Ice Cream Served In A Cup Made Out Of A Banana Leaf. India

Ice Cream Served In A Cup Made Out Of A Banana Leaf. India

_fy5ht_ Report

The less we buy, the less clutter we have as well. Becoming zero waste or minimalist will make it easier to value the things that you do hold onto or purchase because they will become more special. You can shrink your wardrobe into essential basics, making it a lot easier to decide what to wear in the morning, and moving becomes less of a daunting task when you don’t have many things taking up space in your home. It can also help you build a community around you if you make an effort to borrow items you need from friends and neighbors rather than purchasing a new kitchen tool every time you try a new recipe. How often does a cheese grater really get used? Your neighbor might have one sitting in their cupboard that would be thrilled to have a night out, and you can return it the next day with a slice of that lasagna you were making. 

#13

All Bottled Water Should Be Banned And Water Dispensers Should Be Everywhere

All Bottled Water Should Be Banned And Water Dispensers Should Be Everywhere

PrashantThapliyal Report

#14

Tn Rep Kent Calfee Doing His Part For Zero Waste, Gave Me A Giggle

Tn Rep Kent Calfee Doing His Part For Zero Waste, Gave Me A Giggle

The_Purrletariat Report

#15

I Had Some Pieces Of Denim Leftover After Shortening Some Jeans And Braided It Into A Dog Toy. Good Way To Get Rid Of Fabric Scraps

I Had Some Pieces Of Denim Leftover After Shortening Some Jeans And Braided It Into A Dog Toy. Good Way To Get Rid Of Fabric Scraps

BodyLotionInTheOcean Report

Going zero waste is likely to make you healthier as well. It’s hard to purchase processed foods without getting some plastic or cardboard with them, so you will have to start cooking from scratch more often. Using fresh ingredients means you know exactly what is going into your food, so along with the minimal waste, you also eliminate many chemicals, preservatives and artificial flavors that end up in pre-made foods. And when it comes to commuting to work, most zero-wasters don’t want to drive a car that’s unnecessarily polluting the planet. If you live within walking or biking distance of your job, you can use one of those zero-impact methods to get to the office and add some built-in exercise to your day. Even if those are not options for you, taking a bus or train usually includes a bit of a walk and definitely pollutes the environment less than driving a car with no other passengers.

#16

That’s One Way To Lessen The Amount Gifts Needed

That’s One Way To Lessen The Amount Gifts Needed

WarmLeading Report

#17

Simple Yet Effective!

Simple Yet Effective!

Impressive-Lack-4352 Report

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A.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know of a couple mom & pop breakfast places that do this. If you have a special cup & are a regular, they remember you & your cup.

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#18

I Work For A Farmers Market And Take All The "Bad" Fruits And Veggies/Produce Scraps/Old Food To An Animal Sanctuary For The Critters To Enjoy!

I Work For A Farmers Market And Take All The "Bad" Fruits And Veggies/Produce Scraps/Old Food To An Animal Sanctuary For The Critters To Enjoy!

thegingerwerewolf Report

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Ozacoter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The two animal shelters where I worked had many of their vegetables and fruit donated by local supermarkets that gave them the older and uglier ones. It was great.

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So you’re ready to make some lifestyle changes, but you just are not sure where to start. Have no fear, there are plenty of resources online that can provide you with tips and tricks to become zero waste (or as close as possible for you) without having to make the same mistakes as others before you. According to Kathryn Kellogg, the woman behind the Going Zero Waste blog, step one is gaining an awareness for how much waste you create. Start to notice all of the single-use items you throw away without even realizing, and begin making mental notes of how you can replace them or eliminate them completely. Step two is working to phase them out. Don’t jump the gun and start buying a bunch of new multi-use products right away, just work through what you already have until you run out, and then see where to go from there.  

#19

Sewed These Beach Bags Using My Old Shower Curtain Instead Of Throwing It Out!

Sewed These Beach Bags Using My Old Shower Curtain Instead Of Throwing It Out!

PatchH95 Report

#20

In Jest, But Still My Favorite Way To Use Old Bananas

In Jest, But Still My Favorite Way To Use Old Bananas

Half-A-Cookie Report

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The Scout
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

3 ripe bananas, mashed (leave a bit chunky), 2 2/3 cup any brand pancake mix labeled “complete” (“buttermilk complete” also OK), 2/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 cup chopped walnuts and/or chocolate chips (optional), 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 3 eggs, beaten, 1/2 tsp vanilla, _______________________________ Preheat the oven to 350º F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×5 inch loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, add bananas, eggs, milk, vanilla and oil. Add pancake mix and sugar. Mix well. Fold in nuts and/or chips. Pour into the greased pan and cook for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Toothpick or wooden skewer should come out clean from the center. Cool in pan for 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack and cool an additional 15 minutes. Serve warm with butter or plain (curtesy of www.farmersalmanac.com).

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#21

My Thrifted Wine Glass "Set". If One Breaks I Can Easily Replace It As None Is Alike

My Thrifted Wine Glass "Set". If One Breaks I Can Easily Replace It As None Is Alike

MadLyne11 Report

Next, Kathryn recommends making simple swaps. If you can purchase a reusable alternative to single-use items, check the second-hand market first or do a little research online to see if you have an alternative option available already. “Don’t buy something immediately. Take some time and think about it so you make the best purchase possible,” Kathryn notes. Step four is patience. Fight the urge to start purging immediately, and don’t try to cut out waste cold turkey. Sustainable changes take time, and there is no point in wasting things you already have to replace them. That sort of defeats the purpose...

#22

Aldi Brand Of Spaghetti Sauce Priano Designed For Reuse As A Measuring Glass

Aldi Brand Of Spaghetti Sauce Priano Designed For Reuse As A Measuring Glass

Shark_Lady Report

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Izzy Curer
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I save all my jars. More than I really need, and they're sort of everywhere. I have a problem...

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#23

My Zero Waste Specialist. Hardly Any Vegetable Scraps In This Family Go In The Bin Anymore! And No He's Not Alone His Partner Is Just Shy Of Cameras

My Zero Waste Specialist. Hardly Any Vegetable Scraps In This Family Go In The Bin Anymore! And No He's Not Alone His Partner Is Just Shy Of Cameras

woahshitman Report

#24

Ordered Some Seedlings From An Online Nursery, And Was Pleasantly Surprised To Find They Arrived Plastic Free

Ordered Some Seedlings From An Online Nursery, And Was Pleasantly Surprised To Find They Arrived Plastic Free

Bengalsandbernese Report

Kathryn’s next tip is to find better solutions. Once you have adapted to reducing waste as much as you can, take a look at what you’re still throwing out. Can it be composted? Is there a way that any non-recyclables you’re purchasing can be replaced with recyclable alternatives? Kathryn provides the example of how she began making her own tortillas to minimize waste, but the process was just too labor-intensive. So she started thinking outside the box and learned that she could purchase 20 tortillas for $2 from a local tortilleria that will allow her to bring and fill up her own bag. She found an affordable and smart solution that was much easier than taking on the burden of making her own tortillas all the time.  

#25

Why Can’t We Do This In The U.s?!?

Why Can’t We Do This In The U.s?!?

mayatalluluh Report

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Nitka Tsar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To answer the question: maybe you should start with your red solo cups and eating off plastic plates at home (no I don't think every American does that, but there are enough of them that it would be a good start if it stopped).

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#26

This Store In Poland Allows You To Buy Frozen Veggies And Dumplings In Bulk And Weigh Them Instead Of Prepackaged Boxes

This Store In Poland Allows You To Buy Frozen Veggies And Dumplings In Bulk And Weigh Them Instead Of Prepackaged Boxes

Sh1n1ngM4n Report

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Kinga Paździorko
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is available in every big brand store. It would not be my first choice, but it's surely edible :)

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#27

A Cafe In Anglesea Victoria, Reusing Milk Cartons As Cup Trays

A Cafe In Anglesea Victoria, Reusing Milk Cartons As Cup Trays

Tanedluna Report

We hope this list is inspiring you to start making small changes to reduce your impact on the planet. Whether you had never heard of zero waste living until today or you haven't purchased any single use plastic in months, it's always great to have a reminder of why the planet needs our help. Keep upvoting the pics that inspire you to show a little more love to Mother Earth, and then let us know in the comments what your favorite eco-friendly tip is. And if you want to check out Bored Panda's last article on the Zero Waste subreddit, you can find it right here.

#28

I (28f) Have Had The Same Laundry Basket My Entire Life. One Of The Handles Has Been Cracking More And More For A Few Years. Rather Than Buy A New One, I Made A Crochet Handle To Hold It Together

I (28f) Have Had The Same Laundry Basket My Entire Life. One Of The Handles Has Been Cracking More And More For A Few Years. Rather Than Buy A New One, I Made A Crochet Handle To Hold It Together

bifalif Report

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Phoebe Bean
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have one that strings and lace hold it together. It works just fine.

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#29

Clip What You Need Garden In A Grocery Store

Clip What You Need Garden In A Grocery Store

Slightlybedraggled14 Report

#30

My Local Supermarket Added This Bag Wall Recently Near The Main Entrance

My Local Supermarket Added This Bag Wall Recently Near The Main Entrance

icedragonj Report

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It's Izzy 🇺🇦 (They/Them)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boomerang Bags (an Australian and now worldwide charity) started off with this idea. Unfortunately with covid, we had to switch to buy your own bag for 2 bucks. But it's all recycled fabric and such, so it stops it going to landfill.

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#31

Plastic Free Picnic Set From Early 1900s

Plastic Free Picnic Set From Early 1900s

yoki-gold Report

#32

I Was Looking Online For A Product That Would Safely Hold My House Key While Jogging. Then I Remembered I Had Such A Product Already

I Was Looking Online For A Product That Would Safely Hold My House Key While Jogging. Then I Remembered I Had Such A Product Already

DualSask Report

#33

My Late Grandparents Used To Send Us Giant Packs Of Apples In These Containers That My Parents Have Been Using As Xmas Ornament Cases For Decades

My Late Grandparents Used To Send Us Giant Packs Of Apples In These Containers That My Parents Have Been Using As Xmas Ornament Cases For Decades

PickleFridgeChildren Report

#34

I Make Cat Toys From Repurposed Yarn. I Have Been Able To Remove A Lot Of Yarn, Pillows, And Stuffed Animals From Landfill

I Make Cat Toys From Repurposed Yarn. I Have Been Able To Remove A Lot Of Yarn, Pillows, And Stuffed Animals From Landfill

ToeBean_Queen Report

#35

Do You Have A Rats Nest Of Cables? Do You Poop?

Do You Have A Rats Nest Of Cables? Do You Poop?

deprecatedcoder Report

#36

I Love Seeing The Rise Of Reusable Period Undies In Supermarkets Around Australia! A Couple Of Years A Go There Wouldn't Have Been Any

I Love Seeing The Rise Of Reusable Period Undies In Supermarkets Around Australia! A Couple Of Years A Go There Wouldn't Have Been Any

soap2636 Report

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#37

That's Actually Pretty Neat! One Step Closer (Though I Think I'd Prefer A Container And You Can Get Select Your Dried Pasta By Weight... But Still, Progress)!

That's Actually Pretty Neat! One Step Closer (Though I Think I'd Prefer A Container And You Can Get Select Your Dried Pasta By Weight... But Still, Progress)!

sirkidd2003 Report

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Laura Ketteridge
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! We know what spaghetti looks like, and there's even a picture on the packaging. We don't need to see inside.

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#38

Bicycle.. Way To Utopia...

Bicycle.. Way To Utopia...

@8Prabal Report

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Show thyself
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1. Cycles to work ☆ 2. Invests in quality-helmet, lights, wheels ☆ 3. Votes for investment into better cycling-streets ☆ 4. Invests in quality stuff & making sure that the workers a payed fair ☆ 5. Invests in locally produced food & paying a fair price, so the farmers are able to live and work (and invest) ☆ 6. Being able to pay for public transport (cheers busdrivers, engineers, conductor, controlleurs) ☆ 7. Happy to ingest actual (paid) food instead of greasy paper-maché ☆ 8. Being able to help (at least a little bit by volunteering, donating etc) organisations in bringing back people into society, so that they can live their lifes and invest in food/shoes/public transport/other people/vacation/[...] ☆ 9. Still in need of medical attention & drugs, since there are other illnesses besides obesity & rotten teeth ☆ 10. still in need of instructors, since trying out a new workout/diet by yourself can be really difficult/dangerous w/out assistance

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#39

Bread Clip Made Of Paper, Not Plastic

Bread Clip Made Of Paper, Not Plastic

m1chgo Report

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It's Izzy 🇺🇦 (They/Them)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, but they really are not very good. Before you can even place them back on, they'll bend making them unusable.

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#40

This Brick Is 90% Trash. My Workshop Is Working Towards Complete Zero Waste By Turning Our Trash Into Machinable Stock

This Brick Is 90% Trash. My Workshop Is Working Towards Complete Zero Waste By Turning Our Trash Into Machinable Stock

This is 90% trash and 10% liquid resin. With a plastic granulator we hope to change that efficiency even more. In fact, in Japan they are doing similar things by burning their trash and mixing the ash with resins and concretes to build buildings. We want to get there too with our own projects and our own trash.
I teach engineering and manufacturing in the Dallas area.

xombie25 Report

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Erlend Sørli
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mixing resin with various waste, concrete & ash will only create new major environmental problems when this material has served its purpose and reached its end..

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#41

Gave My Mop A New Lease On Life With Old Socks That Were Destined For The Bin!

Gave My Mop A New Lease On Life With Old Socks That Were Destined For The Bin!

[deleted] Report

#42

If You Struggle With Food Waste Going Bad In The Fridge, Wrap Your Leftovers In Puff Pastry And Chuck In The Freezer. Easy Snacks! No More Sad Leftover Curries That Never Get Eaten!

If You Struggle With Food Waste Going Bad In The Fridge, Wrap Your Leftovers In Puff Pastry And Chuck In The Freezer. Easy Snacks! No More Sad Leftover Curries That Never Get Eaten!

HollyBethQ Report

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BakedKahuna
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This idea sounds so good, it's tempting to intentionally create leftovers I wouldn't have, just to try it.

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#43

The Body Shop In Stockholm Has This Now

The Body Shop In Stockholm Has This Now

Nyxie27 Report

#44

Definitely The Coolest Alternative To Cling & Aluminium Foil I've Ever Come Across

Definitely The Coolest Alternative To Cling & Aluminium Foil I've Ever Come Across

Mayiani Report

#45

Bought My Own Collapsible Container To Pack My Leftovers For The First Time And It Felt Great

Bought My Own Collapsible Container To Pack My Leftovers For The First Time And It Felt Great

lilluffy Report

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Ace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next you could try to get the restaurants to cut their meal sizes to normal amounts that a person can eat. How much food is wasted because of oversize portions I dread to imagine.

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#46

My Kid Starts Preschool This Week, And The School Asks For Zero Waste Lunches

My Kid Starts Preschool This Week, And The School Asks For Zero Waste Lunches

Bingo_Bronson Report

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Emmydearest
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not exactly sure what's the difference between preschool and kindergarten but in Italy there's something we call Scuola dell'infanzia or Asilo for kids from 3 to 6 years of age. These policies are pretty much all implemented already: nap time, garden time, compulsory water bottles, ecc. Lunch is provided by the school and they usually use ceramic plates; I'm not sure about steel cutlery though, I don't remember. In some schools it's the kids themselves who set the table, taking turns.

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Izzy Curer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a kid, this was the norm. Except for the cloth napkin.

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Jaguarundi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I loved Motessori school. Going back to "regular, public" school was a bit of a shock. (It was too expensive for my parents to keep up with the tuition).

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Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always did this, but because we were poor. 😄 Didn't use reusable water bottles as they constantly got tossed in the trash or lost. Did reuse the plastic water bottle it came home. No way was I giving them cloth napkins to use. Cut up old towels or something. Wrapped sandwiches in wax paper (recyclable), fruit & snacks in a folded wax paper envelope or paper boxes made from scrap; utensils from the dollar store or garage sales or resale/thrift stores. Once they hit middle school, they used an igloo lunch kit until they graduated HS.

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Jods
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, bloody Montessori schools! I have news for you - we were doing this back in the 60s, 70s and well into the 80s. The only time you saw plastic cutlery (forks actually) were in fish and chip shops. Even then we used the little wooden forks because you had to pay for the plastic ones.

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Benita Valdez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bought bento boxes for my brother's lunches. The compartments are removable so you could make extra room if the food doesn't fit in the compartments. $5 each from Lidl; he has four and the cheetah design one is his favorite followed by the elephant

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Air Conditioner
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NAPTIME, GARDENING DAY AND COOKING DAY??? I WANT TO GO TO THIS SCHOOL

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Needmorecowbell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s because it’s Montessori. Public schools would never ever dare to try this. The “public” would be up in arms about being told what to do. 🙄

tessb901 avatar
Tessb90
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those who are accepted into Montessori know that they must hold themselves to a standard far above the Riff Raff of the general public at all times. They are now society's elite and are required to act as such, lest they bring shame upon the name Montessori.

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Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honest question. What about the water and the soap used to clean the cloth napkins? Is it still better than the paper napkin that is recycled?

beizhudi-serv avatar
Judes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just throw the washable napkins in with a load of washing. They take up negligible space and you don't need additional soap or water, so cleaning them doesn't really impact the environment at all. What does impact the environment is the manufacturing process, which would cost more than a paper napkin. So, if you use a washable napkin only a few times and then lose it, that would make it worse than paper, but if you use a washable napkin many, many times, then it's easily better than paper.

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Fiona Autiero
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is normal where we live (Italy), Children go to school with their little cloth bag/ sack with the cutlery, plates and cup , for lunch every day. I use them now for dusting cloths. 🤗

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dande060912 avatar
April Stephens
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you dry them after washing? I try to hang them up over a pan or cup or spoon in the drying rack, but they usually end up fluttering down into the other side of the sink and getting dirty again.

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Viki Banaszak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wanted so bad to send my boys to this school way back in the 80's

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DinoBambino
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I weird, that if I am reusing zip lock bag that I have for food, I just wash it and use it again..?

fredneobob90 avatar
Huddo's sister
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We encouraged this at the preschools I worked at. Kids would even get a sticker when their lunch was waste free :)

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Tracy Atherley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had this in school right through from primary through to high school. Naps in primary and juniors on camp beds not floor mats, glass for water or juice, metal cutlery and metal tumblers for hot milky coffee ... (U.K for clarification)

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Jyri Hakola
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Finland kids in schools and pre-schools have always eaten their meals from real plates using with steel utensils which have naturally washed...

amitone9 avatar
RawPapaya
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This cannot happen in America, surely. Must be in one of the Nordic countries? Can someone elaborate?

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Rosetta Tse
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In taiwan, elementary kids bring their own metal lunch box and utensils. The food comes in huge metal pots and containers and is delivered to the classrooms. But snacks are in plastic bags.

beizhudi-serv avatar
Judes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My kid's school does this too---but it's just a request, not a rule, and very few families follow it.

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Heather Talma
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hope this is a rich kid school so the parents can actually afford this.

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Troels-Henrik Krag
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jesus's tits! Would not have survived my kid's first years if they hadn't had lunch at the nursery...

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Benita Valdez
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes but then it turns into air pollution from my dog; I deal with it though since it's a healthy treat

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iblewsheep
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

love the idea. how can i grow hot pockets and pop-tarts in my home garden?

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