I Tried Zero Waste for a Week (Part 1)

After much curiosity, I decided to challenge myself to go zero waste for one week! Here is the first part in the series in which I went zero waste grocery shopping around Portland, Oregon

*Watch the Full Challenge Here: COMING SOON!

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ABOUT THIS VIDEO
• Cameras:
• Software: Final Cut Pro
• Music by Joey Burbs
This video is not sponsored.

[isabellaescobar]

You should do a video where you eat normally, BUT also collect the waste and see how much we actually waste in one normal day

[mila-bee]

Yes, I loved this!! Some tips for reducing waste if you don’t have a bulk bin at your store: try to buy loose fruits and veggies, not ones wrapped in plastic. Also, look for things in glass jars and cardboard packaging. If you have to buy plastic, try getting the largest size if you can. Caitlin, I love that you used what you have. So many people start this lifestyle and buy all new “trendy” ZW stuff, like all new glass and metal Tupperware, bamboo travel utensils, and other things. Continue using your plastic Tupperware until it dies, take a tea towel and your normal silverware when you go out. Try switching from paper towels to tea towels and rags for cleaning, avoid bottled water if you can, and maybe try switching from liquid body was to bar soap wrapped in paper if your skin can handle it. I love Sappo soap, or dr bronners. Every little change helps, and I always remember going completely zero waste is not possible, as we do not live in a circular economy. I recommend Alli Cherry as someone who really helped me when I transitioned to a low waste lifestyle, she’s more realistic and shows that waste is inevitable and it’s not about perfection, but making changes that you can sustain and afford.

[KirstenNaturally]

Things I love about this video:
1. Your lil animations. They make the video 10x more fun to watch..its so engaging and I feel like I don't wanna miss anything on the screen as I listen.
2. Your thumbnails. So cute lately with your face added in, I feel like it makes it so much more personal.
3. The music you picked is so nice for this vid!
PS check out People's Coop on Wednesdays they have a farmers market that's cute af👌🏼

[gillianthomas]

Just a quick word about bulk bins: I know you're trying really hard right now to be gluten-free, so I wanted to mention that bulk bins are one of the biggest sources of gluten cross-contamination. Rinsing the items you've purchased will help somewhat, but not a lot. Those nuts, seeds, etc, from the bins will include gluten, for certain, mixed into whatever the item is (traces of flour, traces of barley, etc.)The cross-contam factor is just so high, regardless. It may not be an issue for you if you're not actually Celiac, though. Just thought I'd mention it!

[alessiamamino]

caitlin shoemaker improving her editing skills for 16 minutes straight

[briannemuise]

I loved this. It's so hard to be zero waste. Even silly things like I got an iced coffee, and brought my own tumbler and the lady made the drink in a plastic cup, poured it into my tumbler then threw out the cup. Like what?! So sometimes not only is it hard to do it at times, sometimes people don't understand why. If that makes sense. I'm trying to be "low waste" right now which is still a step in the right direction.

[AvaElizabeth]

I loved this! I’m trying to reduce my plastic as well 🙌🏼 My local Whole Foods has a massive bulk section where I love getting my grains & coffee! I also take my cloth bag to get my bread from their bakery. I’m by no means zero waste but if everyone made small changes, there would be a huge positive impact 👌🏼

[brittanymoore]

Caitlin, you did great! I have been practicing a low waste lifestyle for a while now and totally could relate to you. This, like veganism, is something that people have preconceived ideas of. I felt like when you said when thinking about eating zero waste meals wouldn’t be as good is exactly what people say about not eating meat, ya know? It’s honestly just a personal journey of figuring it out.

For example, if you are passionate about protecting animals and not eating meat, you will figure out other food you enjoy and a new way of eating. Likewise, if you are passionate about not contributing waste to landfills or polluting the ocean, you will be more open to the idea of buying from bulk bins, buying non-plastic wrapped items.

It’s all about baby steps. Once you realize what “low waste” food items are available, which does take time, you will notice how many unpackaged options there really are. In my opinion zero waste is an unrealistic goal. Low waste is a term that I feel more represents my journey. For example, when you bought your produce from a conventional grocery store, each item had a dang sticker. That is an unavoidable piece of waste (if you don’t have access to a farmers market).

Just be kind to yourself. People are passionate and have strong opinions which can come across as pushy and aggressive. Don’t mind them. Remember why this is something your doing and just keep on doing your best. I love the philosophy of Ellen Fisher for her perspective of veganism, show others how you live and think through love and respect. I try to do the same with my low waste journey.

Sending love and good vibes!

[karapeak]

I like the new editing you tried out with the handwritten words!

[lindsiienicole]

Winco is employee owned and it stands for Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California, Oregon 😊 they’re definitely the best grocery store for people on a budget. We have a place called Natural Groceries in Hazel Dell you might enjoy! It’s by the black rock on 78th

[olivia]

Love this ! I would never ever call myself a zero waster, I'm aware that I use a lot more plastic that I need to (even though I do carry around reusable water bottles and shopping bags, kind of is the norm now thankfully) but honestly some of the stuff I see in our typical grocery stores drive me nuts, like why do some vegetables need to be wrapped in plastic and others don't ? So much of it is just so unnecessary. The only thing is sadly not every town offer a lot of zero waste shopping options.

[TheWelchsgrapes]

Love this video! Discovered you on the "$1.50 a day" series and how you experiment, provide your honest thoughts, is so wonderful! Great job, and keep it up!

[kelseyreeree]

Loved this video, Caitlin! I really enjoy your "experiment" videos. You're so thoughtful and articulate with every move you make, and I admire that. Keep up the great work, girl! ❤

[tg]

Loving this so far! I do agree with you that zero waste is privileged. I think it’s important people realize t doesn’t have to be all or nothing though. Can you buy pasta in a box instead of a plastic bag? Okay great. Do you need that plastic bag for your veggies or can they sit loose in your cart? Does the grocery store have a box you can put your groceries in instead of a bag? Everything helps!

[rachelkahn]

I live in the Portland area and my favorite place to go for bulk shopping is the Bob's Red Mill factory store - it's in Milwaukie and they allow people to bring their own containers (they even give a discount for it). They also have an awesome restaurant there with tons of vegan options - their vegan french toast is AMAZING!

[amandajeanlimabean]

Great video! It is definitely hard to do zero waste. I joined a zero waste facebook group before I knew too much about it and I got very overwhelmed quickly. I have now taken a step back and prefer to call it 'low waste' and just keep making changes everyday!

[Christine]

Veganism and zero waste are very privileged movements! The government works against people eating less meat and reducing plastic waste! Thanks for mentioning this. Collective/individual action is wonderful but it’s not going to help the planet like voting for green legislation will. ❤️❤️❤️

[skylarhoney]

im excited for this series! im definitely not living a zero waste lifestyle as a college kid but i try my best to reduce and recycle in my everyday life and use reusable products, im v excited to see how this goes!

[jontaylorjesswil]

I'm so excited to see you giving zero waste a try!!! I've been zero waste for over a year and a half now and I've lived in Virginia, Maryland, and Shanghai during that time. It's always fun to find new stores and new markets and all that where you can buy what you need without waste.

[tayen]

although i don’t have complete control of my waste(because i live with my parents), i am trying to reduce my waste by using a reusable straw and i have a coffee cup for when i get coffee at a cafe. at my dads house, they are trying to reduce waste as well, by using bamboo toothbrushes, cloth “paper” towels and napkins, and we recycle. i hope to do more things to help the environment.