Zero Waste Home Challenge
My year-long journey to eliminate single-use plastics and reduce household waste
About This Journey
Shocked by the amount of waste my household was generating, I embarked on a year-long challenge to transform our habits and work toward a zero-waste lifestyle. This journey documents my systematic approach to reducing waste in every area of our home: kitchen, bathroom, cleaning, shopping, and more. I'll share sustainable alternatives we've found, DIY solutions, storage methods, shopping strategies, and how we've overcome the biggest challenges.
Journey Stats
Journey Timeline
Nearing One Year: Deep Dive into Textiles & Gifting
November 26, 2023Focusing on reducing waste beyond the kitchen/bathroom. Mending clothes, buying secondhand, avoiding fast fashion. Preparing for holidays with sustainable gifting ideas (experiences, homemade items, consumables in reusable packaging).
Ten Months: Calculating the Savings
October 28, 2023Did a rough calculation of money saved over the past 10 months by buying less, making DIY cleaners, reducing food waste, and buying bulk. Estimated savings around $1950! Sustainability can be economical.
Zero Waste Travel Challenge
August 9, 2023Went on a short trip and tried to maintain zero-waste principles. Packed reusable water bottle, coffee cup, utensils, cloth napkin, and toiletries in reusable containers. Challenging but possible!
Four Months: DIY Cleaning Success & Pantry Makeover
April 30, 2023Successfully replaced window cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, and laundry detergent with DIY versions. Also reorganized the pantry using glass jars for bulk items bought with reusable bags. Looks organized and reduces packaging!
One Month: First Successful Bulk Shop & Compost Started
January 31, 2023Completed the first month! Successfully did our first grocery shop using reusable produce bags and containers at the bulk store (oats, nuts, pasta). Set up the worm composting bin - still learning!
Day 1: Waste Audit & Setting Goals
January 1, 2023Starting the Zero Waste Home Challenge! Conducted a household waste audit for one week - shocked by the amount of plastic packaging. Setting initial goals: eliminate top single-use plastics (bags, bottles, straws), start composting.
Maya Johnson
138 followers
Environmental educator and mother of two. Passionate about showing that sustainable living can be accessible, practical, and fulfilling.
Journey Progress
Started
January 1, 2023
Completed
December 31, 2023
Activity
Active Days
0
Current Streak
0 days