While sustainability is a concern on all of our minds, pursuing our low- waste journeys has become increasingly challenging this year due to the global pandemic. Our favorite local cafes are no longer accepting our reusable coffee cups. Our beloved local restaurants, which we want to support now more than ever, are only available for take- out options, which incurs added waste. Many grocery stores are not allowing reusable produce bags or grocery bags, leaving us no choice but to consume single- use plastic. Now more than ever, it is essential to remind ourselves that our efforts have an impact, no matter how small or imperfect. Perfect is not the goal: your best is okay!
Current environmental conditions put pressure on all consumers to lessen their impact on the planet. However, it’s important to put things into perspective: just 100 companies have been the source of more than 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. Although our efforts absolutely matter, the individual consumer does not bear the burden of saving the planet. As individuals, we can only control so much. We can vote with our dollar for a more sustainable future, only supporting the businesses that support our planet. Starting small works, and we can make gradual changes towards a more zero waste lifestyle! We can use our plastic-free swaps when we can, but forgive ourselves if we are unable to and in a pinch: setbacks are okay.
Likewise, despite our best efforts, we as a company acknowledge we are still on our journey as well. We are currently working towards sourcing from more sustainable and earth-friendly suppliers, changing our packaging to only recycled materials, changing our return policy in order to lessen products in transit and carbon emissions, and more. No one is perfect along this journey. That's okay: “We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly”. Just remember, you ARE making a difference! Thank you for all that you do.
For more gentle reminders to guide you along your zero waste journey, please access our mantra sheet here!
