Going zero waste is hard. Not coal mining or giving birth hard, but it does take a certain amount of dedication. It’s a lot of rejecting convenience. The convenience of calling for a late night pizza delivery or ordering a drink without having to specify, “No straw, please.” Convenience and I were once lovers and it’s been a hard break up.
As with any break up, it definitely helps when your loved ones are there to support you through a time of crisis.
I’m lucky enough to have support on all fronts.
So far, not one of my friends, family members, co-workers, or bosses have maliciously mocked my new hippie ways. Instead, they go out of their way to show me how proud they are. Whether it’s a big group of my friends accompanying me to the bulk bin grocery store or my aunt writing “Happy Birthday” on her hand instead of her usual birthday card, their support and sense of humor makes this whole process so much easier.
So here’s my advice to zero wasters: surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. Even if it’s just a thumbs up when the waiter actually brings you that water without a straw.