How does a family of five go from 'regular' consumption to producing just one minuscule jar of waste in a year?
Find out in this chat with Lauren and Oberon Carter -- founders of Zero Waste Families , authors of A Family Guide to Waste Free Living and the brains behind Spiral Garden.
These deliciously non-dogmatic Tasmanians treat us to a personal account of financial, professional and psychological transition, how they reduced their energy consumption by a massive 60%, what they're doing to engage their street and community, and why to have hope in the next generation of considerate and creative human beings.
SHOW NOTES
Tapping into kids' smarts to solve the problems in front of us
Building friendship networks that appreciate your values and support your efforts
Waste free gift ideas
Building a waste-free mindset and habits
Taking a fast leap rather than a slow limp; doing it all at once with clear intention
Why the permaculture principle of “produce no waste” is the most accessible
Doing a climate impact survey
The difference between recycling and downcycling
The burden of “the system”: the role of government vs. the role of individuals to make lifestyle changes
Why it’s important that those of us in positions of affluence take the responsibility and make change to our lifestyle.
Adopting lifestyle choices that buck the norm: homeschooling, homebirthing, food production, second hand clothing.
Avoiding burnout from community commitment
Engaging people across socio-economic lines; keeping things small, achievable and gentle.
The power of conversations
Reframing success away from ‘bigness’ and towards smaller measures that reflect day to day existence
Learning how to forage, holiday simply, buy second hand, live away from consumptive past times
#52climatesolutions
Seeking joy by being in the bush, appreciating the diversity in nature, seeing small and slowing down and observing
Being part of rather than apart from the natural world
Seasonal ritual; observation, festivals, food, celebration, foraging
Coming to terms with hypocrisy in your everyday; petrol fuelled car, working for the government
Letting go of the urge to control how everything looks
The importance of finding hobbies that are NOT related to the cause
Understanding the intricacies of others is more important than preaching the ‘solution’
LINKS YOU'LL LOVE
A Family Guide to Waste-Free Living -- Lauren and Oberon Carter
Family Living Zero Waste -- Happen Films
Assess your carbon footprint
Zero Waste Tasmania group
Spiral Garden online & Instagram