Since the stay-in was issued (was it February or March?) it has been difficult to maintain a low-waste lifestyle. I covered this during Plastic-Free July. The stores where I live began to use more plastic packaging, and until things are under control, change to that won’t come soon. That being said, there are still ways to stay low-waste even when all seems lost.

The biggest thing is to make your own food. Bread, crackers, sweets, and pasta can all be made (usually) for less than the packaged equivalent. A good basic cookie dough is great to have because you can freeze it. Add in your favorite mix-ins, shape, bake, and you have a dessert (or a sweet snack). Crackers can be made out of just about anything. Nuts, seeds, flours, etc. Add some dried fruit for a sweet-savory combination. Vegan or dairy-free? Most recipes can be altered to fit your dietary preferences.

Bulk sections here are now filled with pre-packaged bulk items in plastic bags. If it is a product I use often, I get the largest bag versus needing to buy smaller amounts more frequently. One bag versus three is a bit more manageable. Sauces I get in glass jars, and broth (when I don’t make it myself) comes in cardboard. Even though the cardboard is lined, it is recyclable in my area.

I use paper towels in the bathroom, but do my best to use cloths in the kitchen. The stay-in has given us the opportunity to use up everything we have…or try to. When we run out, instead of replacing items with packaged goods, I do my best to either swap it out for something handmade or with a reusable equivalent.

Long story short, here are some tips to keep low-waste when it’s not quite an option:

1. Buy in packaging that is 100% recyclable in your area. This might take some research, but if it helps the planet even a little, that’s okay.
2. Use up what you have and take inventory of items you buy often. See if there is a homemade or reusable alternative.
3. As long as it is safe to do so, reuse glass jars for drinks and leftovers. This is not ideal if the glass isn’t food safe. Also, you don’t want to ferment or freeze glass, nor use it for hot drinks, unless it is explicitly stated that you can. Nobody needs a glass explosion, burn, etc.
4. Look up recipes. Now is the time to try out new ways of using up leftovers and creating homemade versions of your favorite packaged snacks.
5. Cut your losses. With the change in how bulk sections are handled, you have to do with what you have at your disposable. If you can’t uphold the zero-/low-waste lifestyle you’re used to, it’s not your fault. Don’t feel bad or get down because your trash bin is more full than usual. All you can do is your personal best with the resources at your disposal.

Hopefully some of these tips are helpful. I know that it’s all a bit repetitive. There is only so much you can do when there are bigger restrictions and obstacles to overcome. Next up in our low-waste-in-this-pandemic life, I will be making some cheese crackers…vegan and non-vegan. Let me know if you have any favorites, go-to products, swaps, etc. in the comments.

Peace & Love, always!