Zero Waste Roundup and Budget Beauty plus Booch and Cats!

My zero waste challenge ends today. Although I will continue to try and live as gently as possible, I am happy to loosen up a little. It's really tough. Companies make it really hard to live zero waste. Everything is in plastic. Even organic companies who claim to care use excessive packaging. And every grocery store is now selling pre chopped and all kinds of zoodles and squadoodles all in plastic. And when those items don't sell. they get tossed. And it is a privilege to live a zero waste lifestyle. Not everyone has access to stores with bulk sections. Also to be truly zero waste takes extra time. Making your own plant milk and cleaners plus shampoo and conditioner, etc. It's a lot.To be honest I felt overwhelmed because the budget part of my challenge wasn't really a challenge, it's really my life. And being on a tight budget requires time. I can't throw things in my basket willy nilly, I have to compare prices, and really, really think about what I'm buying. And I cook most things from scratch. So having two time consuming and somewhat restrictive things going on was a lot. So hats off to the hardcore zero wasters. It's a lot. But this past week opened my eyes, and I am committed to paying attention and wasting less.

Here is what I collected all week. To be honest there should be like ten million more tea bags. It only occurred to me yesterday morning that I should have been including my tea bags. I know I usually produce a lot more waste so like I said, this really opened my eyes.

I know that it isn't food, but being vegan isn't just about food. We exploit animals in all kinds of ways. I don't wear much make up. Mascara and lipstick is it for me, and most of the time I skip mascara but I always like a bright lip. Always. I mix these two colors by wet and wild and it makes the nicest plummy pink. I get ten million compliments a week on this color. When I tell people it's wet and wild most people are shocked. If you're on a budget check them out. All of their make up is affordable, vegan and cruelty free.

I use coconut oil to moisturize my face and body. It's cheaper than any vegan eco friendly lotion you'll find, and it works better than any lotion I've ever used! And I live in Salt Lake City, UT. where there is like zero humidity. Dry, dry, dry!!! Always get virgin or unrefined.

Not quite food, but closer! My first batch of home brewed booch is ready! I flavored it with cherry juice and let it do a little second ferment. It's in the fridge getting cold now. I can't wait to try it! I'm going to get my second batch going today so I always have homemade kombucha!! Notice my shredded couch in the background!! Cats!

Happy Caturday!!