Reduce and Zero Waste

Reducing consumption is an integral part of the zero waste movement, and finding ways to do so in our daily lives can have a significant impact on our environmental footprint. One way my family has reduced consumption is by cutting back on buying books. We had already accumulated a large collection of books for our children when they were infants and toddlers, and as they graduated to reading chapter books, it made sense to rely on the library instead of buying more books.

The library provides a great opportunity to access a wide variety of books and encourages my children to read and explore new topics. Every week, I bring a large canvas bag to the library and fill it up with as many books as my children want, including a few for myself. Reading has become a cherished activity in our household and the library has become an extension of our home.

Not only do we save money by not buying books, but we also support our local library and community. It is a pleasure to say hello to the circulation desk staff and librarians who have watched my boys grow and it creates a sense of connectedness. Adopting a zero waste lifestyle can be a beautiful thing, and it teaches us to live slowly, resourcefully, modestly, and intentionally.