Social Experiments with Environmental Impacts: A 6 month shopping ban + steps to approach zero waste

Right now, I have many mixed feelings running through my heart and head. I am anxious and feel guilty about my failure and fear of my bike commuting idea. I shouldn't feel bad about it, because there's many ways that I'm more eco-conscious than others.

But I can definitely improve my everyday ways. 

So I just came across "The Year of Less" by Cait Flanders where she instituted a 1 year shopping ban that actually turned into 2 years. (Also: even though she's stepped away, check out her awesome blog for info and resources). Financially, I've toyed with mini shopping bans, travel hiatuses, strict budgeting, and frugal solutions to everyday problems. Environmentally, I've tried composting, gardening, native plants, and also my career. Also I'm super interested in the zero/nearo waste lifestyle. 

So reading more about shopping bans and zero waste lifestyles got the wheels turning and I developed an experiment for myself. My 6 month social experiment includes a shopping ban and steps to reach a zero-er waste lifestyle. However, I have struggled with whether to lay it all out there for the universe to read, and whether or not this was truly outdoor conservation related. Ultimately, I decided to share (obviously). 

But why?

Often the world of conservation seems to large and overwhelming, like no matter what an individual does it's just a drop in a very large bucket making very little impact. But every little thing DOES make an impact. That's important to remember. However we can always do more. Changes to personal habits is more tangible, accountable, and measurable so that for me is a good place to start. At least it's an effort I can control more and every little bit helps! 

By banning unnecessary shopping, I am reducing my consumption of goods. I am then in turn reducing my environmental impact. How often do you buy something on impulse at a shop and use it/wear it once or twice, and end up never using it again? More often than you'd care to admit, I'm sure, because that's me. And I don't even enjoy shopping in general. But it all adds up. So, for example, by reducing my clothing purchases, I can reduce my environmental impact because the clothing industry is notoriously environmentally unfriendly. 

I'm also immensely bothered by the amount of waste generated by my daily life. To name a few - cat litter/waste, dog food bags, kitchen scraps, unnecessary packaging, takeout containers, single use plastics, and the list goes on. 

So naturally, because of these frustrations, I'm going to challenge myself because I like quests. Also I'm inspired by Cait Flanders and all the geniuses at r/ZeroWaste. 

So here's the rules for my 6 month shopping ban: 

1) I can purchase necessary consumable items from the allowed list below but only when needed. 

2) I can also purchase anything on my pre-approved shopping list. I have a few things I do actually need but haven't purchased yet. 

3) I can also make a purchase if an item wears out and legitimately does need to be replaced. Caveat - aim for used or responsibly produced replacements.
4) Travel souvenirs are allowed when abroad (non daily special instance). I like to buy earrings, fridge magnets, and books when abroad and these things bring me much joy and daily use. 

5) Everything else is a no go! 

Allowed Shopping List:

Toiletries, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, bike parts, gifts, used books, home improvement supplies.

Not Allowed Shopping List:
Music, new books, decor, media, electronics, shoes, kitchen stuff, clothes, pretty much everything else.

Approved Item List:
Prints for existing wall frames
Smart thermostat for the house
NOLS course supplies that are required for the course
fabric to make curtains
stick vacuum for all the dog hair

I predict that my weaknesses will be impulse buys at the shop, new books, and outdoor gear and clothing.

I would also like to clarify that a shopping ban does not equal a spending money ban. I'd rather spend money on an experience - eating dinner out with friends, traveling, competing in a race, etc. It's the unnecessary impulse buys and retail therapy that I'm eliminating.

So if Step 1 is to reduce the amount of things coming into my life, then Step 2 is to reduce the amount of things currently in my life. I will do a major purge - clothes, kitchen, storage space, gear room, everything. Things will be donated/sold as necessary.

Step 3 is to start the journey towards zero waste. There are other adults in my life, and I can't control anyone, but I can do my own personal best. For example I will start composting again. I don't like vegetable gardening and I'm really bad at it but I can use the compost for my yard and native plants instead of it ending up in a landfill. I'll outline my zero waste goals in another post once I make a systematic plan. Exact details TBD! 

You can read about other people's experiments in these realms below:
My Year of No Shopping by Ann Patchett NY Times, 12/15/2017

Save Money and Reset Your Financial Life With a Shopping Ban NY Times, 2/23/2018

r/ZeroWaste Reddit sub Zero Waste

It’s 2018! Time For A Shopping Ban Tiny Ambitions Blog, accessed 10/4/2018

The Six Month Shopping Ban (And How It Jump Started My Path to Financial Freedom) GenTwenty Blog, accessed 10/4/2018