Trash Talk: My (Sometimes Messy) Road to Zero Waste
My journey to zero waste is still very much in its infancy. And spoiler alert—it’s not some blissful stroll down a rainbow-paved road. It’s more like a winding path, filled with potholes of fast food wrappers, Amazon packages I swore I didn’t need, and those ever-elusive plastic straws that haunt my efforts. But hey, that’s real life, right?
This year, I’m leaning into creating—my chosen guiding word for 2025. Creating new habits, new ways of thinking, and hopefully, a more sustainable way of living. I’ll be honest, though: this isn’t some “look how amazing I am” moment. It’s more of a “wow, this is really f*ckn hard, but maybe we can figure it out together” invitation.
Sometimes, we just need an accountability buddy to remind us that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. That’s what I hope to be for you—a guidepost, a collaborator, a partner in this messy, beautiful, worthwhile journey. Just promise you won’t make me your punching bag, okay?
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Where It Started
My journey toward sustainability began with the simple, impactful lessons my family instilled in me—like the importance of recycling and the joy of participating in Earth Day clean-up events. When I was younger, my parents would take my siblings and me on “walkabouts” on nice days. Armed with bags, we’d compete to see who could collect the most trash. It was a game to us, but looking back, it was so much more. It was a way to connect with nature, our neighbors, and the idea that small actions can make a difference.
Sometimes, other families in the neighborhood would join in, turning a simple stroll into a mini community event. I realize now how powerful those moments were. We were making a positive impact while having fun.
Fast forward to today, and it feels like there’s so much more trash and far fewer people willing to play the game. But who says we can’t bring that spirit back? Maybe it’s time to reimagine those mundane chores—like picking up litter—and turn them into something enjoyable, even meaningful, again.
The Reality Check
Adulthood has a way of shining a glaring light on the realities of modern life—and one of the biggest eye-openers for me has been the sheer volume of waste we produce in this consumption-driven economy. It’s everywhere: the endless stream of junk mail, the mountain of takeout containers, fresh produce (even organic) wrapped in plastic packaging, and those Amazon boxes stuffed with so much bubble wrap you could host a popping party for days.
As we all crave resets from the grind of work and life, I can’t help but wonder—why not reset our consumption and buying habits too?
The first hurdle on my zero-waste journey was coming to terms with just how much waste my life generates. Once you start noticing it, it’s like a spotlight on every single-use item in your daily routine. The second hurdle? Figuring out how to reduce that waste without sacrificing convenience or completely upending my lifestyle. And let’s be honest—convenience is tough to part with when you’re juggling a million things between family, career, hobbies, and passions.
This is the messy middle of sustainability: finding practical ways to consume less, reuse more, and still feel human in the process. It’s not easy, but as with any challenge worth taking, it’s always worth the effort.
The Messy Middle
Here’s the thing about zero waste: it’s not all mason jars perfectly lined up on open shelving or pristine compost bins that make your garden flourish. In reality, it’s often about fumbling through the little things, like awkwardly explaining to a waitress why you don’t want a plastic straw or realizing—too late—that you forgot your reusable cup yet again and now have to carry a steaming cup of regret all the way home.
Life doesn’t pause so you can figure out how to be eco-friendly. For me, that means juggling a demanding career that has me traveling several times a month (don’t worry, sustainable travel tips are coming soon!) and indulging my unapologetic love for fine dining and adventure (I was born to be a world-traveling foodie). Balancing all of this with a commitment to sustainability is a tricky dance, often with more missteps than smooth moves.
But here’s the reminder I keep coming back to: sustainability isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. It’s about the small, everyday actions that add up over time. Whether it’s swapping out a single-use item for something reusable or simply saying “no, thanks” to unnecessary plastic, those tiny steps matter. They’re the building blocks of lasting change—and they’re doable, even in the middle of life’s chaos.
No one has it all figured out, least of all me. But I know that every little effort, no matter how imperfect, is a step in the right direction. And that’s where the real magic happens.
Looking Ahead in 2025
This year, I’m doubling down on accountability—and I want you to hold me to it. With each personal blog post, I’ll share one tangible step I’ve taken that week to be more sustainable. It might be a sustainable swap that surprised me, a small victory that feels like a win, or even a laughable misstep (there will be plenty of those). Maybe I’ll rave about a product that genuinely made my life easier, or maybe I’ll confess to the time I tried to cram two weeks' worth of groceries into just two reusable bags just so I didn’t have to use plastic.
Why am I doing this? Because sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about being real. It’s about recognizing that small, consistent actions build momentum—and that every effort, no matter how small, makes a difference. Living sustainably is a journey, not a destination, and I hope these weekly reflections inspire you to find your own starting point or push a little further down your path.
Your Turn
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of zero waste, here’s my advice: start small. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Pick one thing—like saying no to plastic straws or carrying a reusable water bottle—and build from there.
And remember: I’m right there with you, navigating the same challenges, celebrating the same small wins, and laughing at the same silly missteps. Let’s make sustainability feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
So here’s to creating a meaningful 2025—one reusable bag, one awkward cashier interaction, and one small step at a time. Let’s do this.
My Sustainable Swap of the Week
This week, I swapped out a few old plastic items for bamboo! Bamboo is eco-friendly, sturdy, and nontoxic.
Fun Fact: Bamboo is considered eco-friendly due to its fast growth rate without requiring significant pesticides. It also absorbs carbon dioxide during growth, acting as a carbon sink, unlike plastic which releases greenhouse gases during production.
Bamboo Hairbrush - Good for your hair and the environment, too!
Bamboo Cooking Utensils - Non-toxic and avoids the risk of PFAS (Polyfluorinated compounds) that lead to health risks.
What’s one action you’ll take this week? Let me know—I’d love to hear your ideas and swap stories!