Through reading all of my posts, you will probably notice a trend, in many ways, but mostly with the fact that everything happened 2-3 years ago. As I have explained, I lived in Toronto for over 3 years. As I have mentioned before, living alone changed my life. It opened my eyes. I learned about the term "zero-waste" for the first time.
I remember growing up and not being able to leave the table until me and my sister finished our vegetables. I remember my parents saying that there are little kids in the world starving, and would love to be eating the green food before us. My mom especially rarely wastes food, as she grew up on leftovers. Zero-waste doesn't really refer to food waste__ but I'll get there! I just thought of another thing to mention; food waste is also one of the big contributors to climate change. So, when your composted or not composted food ends up in a landfill, the process of the food decomposing into the land creates methane gas. Methane gas is a really potent gas, which also comes from cows and sheep. Once released into the air it is 25 times more potent than Carbon Dioxide.
What is really insane is that food waste, the act of wasting food, is one of the top contributors! Think about it, one of the biggest reasons our planet is dying is because we don't eat all of our food. All we have to do is not over-shop, not over-cook, and when we are cutting veggies and fruit and such foods that require cutting/pealing, don't throw it all away! I understand we can't really eat the pepper hats, but we can cut every pepper morsel possible. I personally have not pealed a potato in over two years, because I don't mind smashed potatoes. If you don't like peals in your mashed potatoes, then peal the potatoes thinly and make chips out of the peals, or put them in another dish. There is so much that can be done to not throw half the food in the trash. Take what you need, and don't dump what you 'don't'.
NOW, onto "zero-waste". I first learned about this 2-3 years ago when I started educating myself on things outside of school. I learned about it in documentaries, I read about it on blogs, I watched Ted-Talks, and educational videos. I stalked my vegan/zero-waste cousin on Instagram__ Whaaaat? She was inspiring to me. Her posts made me think about what I was doing with my life, and what I could do to be better for everyone's lives.
I started to see zero-waste stores going up in Toronto, which made me so thrilled. I'm pretty sure I have covered every store in the Toronto area. Which was a challenge, as where I was living in North York, it took hours to get to most of them by TTC as they are scattered in different locations.
However, they are all worth-while to check out. Here are ones that I have been to below. Just a side note, most of them are not 100% package free, but if there are packages they tend to consist of compostable materials, or reused recycled materials.
Bare Market- 1480 Danforth Ave. (I have been to Bare a bunch of times, and love it, they have a wide variety. Bulk food, refillable liquid soaps etc, refillable makeup and other eco-friendly feminine and masculine products. 5 STARS)
Unboxed Market- 1263 Dundas St. E. (Mostly bulk grocery- package-less fresh food/snacks/spices Could have more Vegan items, and ingredient labels. Friendly owner. 4.5 STARS)
Green & Frugal- 2432 Kingston Rd, Scarborough. LOVE LOVE LOVE! I love Green and Frugal. It took me 5 years to get there, but to do a big haul of all the things I am in need of is worth it! They have a few shelves of Items that they have in refillable containers ready to go, they have gift sets, and other sustainable items. Then they have the absolute best refillable bulk section I have seen in a small zero-waste store. Filled with soaps, detergents, deodorant, essential oils, and cooking oils. The store is just the cutest too! 5 STARS ALL THE WAY.)
Eco + Amour- 30 Bertrand Ave Unit C9, Scarborough. I didn't buy anything here, but that's not because there was nothing to buy! There was a lot of products, and refillable liquids! I was just going there as I thought they had refillable mascara- they did but you had to buy the plastic bottle it came it. It's not like I'm perfect, I do purchase some plastic food items. Though I limit myself when the items are not necessary. Basically I would rather stop wearing the little makeup I do wear, then purchase it in plastic containers. BUT DON'T GET ME WRONG, they have great stuff! 4.5 STARS)
Ecotique- 191 Roncesvalles Ave. I most definitely went here, though I cannot even remember what they had. Looking at photos, I see a big selection. I'm pretty sure I bought some reusable silicone sandwich bags which are amazing and lifesavers for snack packers. Though, I'm not going to rate it as I can't remember!
There are a couple more in Toronto which I have been to, though I cannot recall their names.
ALSO, If you are ever in the Cornwall, Ontario area, go to The Local Fill, 1515 Pitt St, Cornwall. 5 STARS
THIS IS ZERO WASTE PEOPLE. PACKAGE FREE GOODNESS. I am not perfect at this, and it is harder in a small town, as you basically would have to travel 1-2 hours to find a refill store. (other than bulk barn) However, it is do-able, and you can take it one step at a time, you don't have to be completely package free, but try, and try again.
THANKS FOR READING.
I FINISHED FEEDING THE CATS AT THE SHELTER, NOW I HAVE TO GO TO WORK!
I DON'T KNOW WHY I'M TYPING IN ALL CAPS.
BYE BYE
BEE GOOD
DO GOOD
FEEL GOOD
x
Kailee.
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