We are living in very interesting times. Just when grocery stores were opening up to the idea of customers bringing their own containers and bags in, we are hit with a pandemic. Scientists are still finding out new elements of it, which is why certain statements have changed over time. Due to safety concerns, most places where I live no longer accept personal packaging for bulk bin products nor reusable bags brought from home. Unfortunately, this is our new “normal” for the time being (strictly regarding grocery shopping).
Continue Readingpandemic
Low-Waste in a Pandemic
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.
Continue ReadingPlastic-Free July: Day 22, The Final Countdown
We are in the final days of Plastic-Free July, which is really exciting. Every year I learn something new. The state of plastic usage changes, and this year was so different from the times before. This pandemic has changed how bulk sections are treated, and most places won’t allow personal reusable cups, bags, etc. Can you bring your own cups and bags? Sometimes, but doing so increases the risk for employees and everyone else. Just because you see your item as being sanitized doesn’t mean that it is. There are also people who are asymptomatic who go out and unknowingly spread the virus. This issue is so multifaceted. Right now, if you can limit risk, do it. Also, don’t lie or say things to manipulate the situation in your favor (i.e. “But I was able to use my container last time.”). Employees aren’t stupid, and (whether or not you mean to) you’ll sound like an entitled jerk. This virus isn’t as straightforward as we want to think. Insert tangent:
Continue ReadingStaying In
I had originally scheduled posts with some issues I have with zero-/low-waste shopping, but with everything that has been going on as of late, I’ve put those off for now. This gives me time to edit my dissertation and get some posts/videos completed, like the latest FabFitFun box. Okay, I know some of you are probably thinking, “But that’s not low-waste”. It is for me. I can gift the items I won’t use, and the packaging for everything else can be recycled in my area. We have some sweets to try out, and (not related to videos) it’s time I got to cleaning up some of the mess around here. Is it bad? No, but it makes it hard to be productive.
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Darphynia's Diary 