This is my sixth year of blogging about the zero waste/plastic free journey.  I start every January with a blog.  The first few years were doable tips and strategies 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). Then the first year of Covid, things changed and my annual blog reflected this- 2021   This year- the 2022 edition I'm taking a deeper dive into three areas, closet, kitchen and bathroom.  These three places are a great starting point or can motivate you to take deeper steps.  

Let's start with the closet.  Someone who inspires me is Ethically Kate, a sustainable fashion activist/influencer and blogger.  For 2022, she is embarking on a #wardrobefreeze2022.  Her goal- nothing new will enter her wardrobe in 2022 including second hand clothes.  "The world consumes 80 billion garments a year, 400% more than we were 20 years ago."  Her blog about her decision and why makes for interesting reading.  I can't say I'm going to take the same challenge but reading and being motivated by others is part of being successful on your zw journey.  I would like to encourage you to look in your wardrobe find ways to donate items you no longer wear and that are in good repair to reputable organizations.  One of my goals this year is to find ways to repurpose not so great clothing into useful items.  I hope to share this journey with you.  Mending is a great way to revamp your wardrobe.  The saying- loved clothes last is true.  We have a series of blogs to get you started, along with some YouTube videos. 

Mend Along- Let's Mend the World, Not Trash It 

Beginning Mending- Tools to Get Started

Let's Get Mending- Running Stitch Basics

Sweater Mends- Learn the Buttonhole Stitch

Mending Basics- Dealing With Stains

The kitchen is another area where simple changes can have a lasting impact.  For inspiration, practical tips and recipe ideas I follow The Zero Waste Chef. She has a detailed recipe index and spring 2021 published a cookbook, The Zero Waste Chef.  We also have written quite a few blogs featuring ideas for reducing your waste in the kitchen while enjoying tasty food.  

Food Waste Tips for October

Seaweed and Kitchen Scrape Stock- Tasty and Nutritious

We also have stocked our shop with plastic free kitchen options that work including a solid dish soap, a dishwashing bundle, luffa dish sponges and compostable Swedish dish sponges.  All these items we use regularly in our kitchen and over the course of a year, you will reduce the amount of plastic packaging in your home.

Finally, the bathroom.  This is where it all started for Dulse and Rugosa.  While our seaweed rich shampoo bar was developed to help me deal with my chronically itchy scalp it wasn't long before I recognized how great shampoo bars are for reducing plastic waste.  I went from being a hair product junkie with a shower filled with plastic bottles to a bathroom minimalist.   There can be a transition period when you make the switch, Shampoo Bars for Beginners answers many questions. 

Another great swap is solid deodorant.  We tried quite a few and this is the one we love.  Basically it's the natural deodorant that comes in a plastic tube without the tube.  Your hands need a quick rinse not a scrub and it quite effective.  Pairing the deodorant with an underarm detox bar is a great way to transition away from conventional chemical forward deodorant and to help with stinky underarm odor.

I hope this blog gave you inspiration, motivation and practical steps to begin or refine your zero waste/ plastic free journey.  The last piece of advice-  pick up trash while enjoying nature.  Seeing how much trash and litter pollutes our world will motivate you to make changes.

Happy Trash Free New Year!