ECO KIDS COLUMN
MEET THE ZERO WASTE KIDS
By Wong Ee Lynn
(gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com)
The Johnson family of Mill Valley, California, has managed to reduce the environmental impact of their activities and purchases to such an amazing extent that they produce only 2 handfuls of rubbish PER YEAR. The healthy, happy and environmentally-responsible family has pared down its possessions to only the necessities, yet they don't feel deprived.
All food waste goes into the compost heap, they shop in bulk at farmers' markets and they take their own glass jars and cloth bags so they don't need to buy anything with packaging. They all use compostable bamboo toothbrushes, and Mrs Johnson has replaced toothpaste with homemade tooth-cleaning powder which she stores in glass jars.
How do the Johnson children, Leo, 10, and Max, 12, do it? Here are some of the earth-friendly practices their parents have implemented and the 2 boys are happy to practice and share:
1. The boys are limited to just two bins of toys each. If they want something new, it has to fit in the bin. This prevents clutter and teaches the boys to appreciate and care for the things that they have.
2. If the boys outgrow something, it would be donated, sold, or re-gifted. The boys' parents, Béa and Scott Johnson, encourage friends and family to give gifts of experience rather than things. Last year, 10-year-old Leo’s birthday gifts included a weekend of skiing and gift certificates to a climbing gym and the local ice cream shop.
3. They carry handkerchiefs rather than buy, use or accept tissue paper.
4. They do not buy juice and sodas in cartons, bottles and cans. They use reusable water bottles and bring it with them when they go out instead.
5. Although they occasionally have to buy and use medication (from a pharmacy or a clinic), for common colds, they have a neti pot [for flushing nasal passages with saline] instead. Instead of Band-Aids, this family mostly uses peroxide, gauze and paper tape, as these are biodegradable.
6. Food is always made fresh, from basic ingredients such as grains, flour and vegetables. The boys do not eat packaged instant products such as boxed breakfast cereals, frozen pizzas or fast food. Leo, age 10, has this to say on life in the school lunch room, "It isn't hard to say no to chips. They're gone in three seconds, then the bag is in the trash."
7. Instead of paper lunch bags, the boys carry their sandwiches to school in cloth napkins. They also use reusable and washable food containers, and carry snacks from home such as nuts and cookies in small, washable cloth sacks.
8. The boys are happy to accept and use previously-owned toys and clothes. Once repaired and cleaned up, there is often little difference between new items and pre-owned items.
9. 12-year-old Max explained how he politely exercises the principle of “refuse” (i.e. in addition to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) when offered goodie bags at birthday parties: “I think: do I want that? Do I need that? Will I use that? If no, then I say ‘No thanks.’ If they insist, I say ‘No, but thanks for the offer.' The mothers say, ‘ok’.”
What can YOU do to reduce waste and your impact on the environment? Can you try to cut down on junk food, fast food and unnecessary purchases? Will you forgo party favours and disposable tableware at your next birthday party? How about forgoing more toys, and requesting gifts for charity at your next party? Also, use cloth shopping bags, refillable water bottles and reusable food containers instead of plastic bags and disposable packaging. See what else can be repaired, refilled and reused.
You can read more about the Johnsons in their family blog at: http://zerowastehome.blogspot.com/
(Photo credits: Thomas J. Story, Sunset.com)
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