4 minute read

Bal Tashchit and Beyond: Sustainable Living and Zero Waste - Finding Your Balance 

October 2024

By Rochelle Carney

In recent years, terms like “sustainable living” and “zero waste” have gained popularity as more people seek to take action to address the environmental challenges posed by the modern world.

Both approaches aim to reduce our ecological footprint, but they each have their own focus and methods. If you are like me and trying to navigate these concepts, it might be helpful to understand how they differ and how you can incorporate aspects of both into your lifestyle.

Sustainable living is a broad concept that involves making choices that reduce our impact on the environment while promoting the well-being of both people and the planet. It’s about living in a way that meets our needs today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This approach can encompass a wide range of practices, from using energy-efficient appliances to supporting local businesses.

For instance, sustainable living might involve:

- Energy Efficiency: Using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, and insulating your home to reduce energy consumption.

- Water Conservation: Installing low-flow showerheads, sinks, and toilets and fixing leaks to conserve water.

- Sustainable Transportation: Opting for public transportation, carpooling, or biking instead of driving alone.

- Ethical Consumption: Choosing products that are locally sourced, have minimal packaging, or are made from sustainable materials.

The idea behind sustainable living is that every small change can make a significant difference. It’s about making thoughtful choices that align with environmental and social values, but it doesn’t necessarily require a complete overhaul of your lifestyle.

Zero waste, on the other hand, is a more specific lifestyle with the goal of reducing the amount of waste we produce to as close to zero as possible. This involves not only recycling and composting but also minimizing the waste we generate in the first place. The zero-waste movement emphasizes a circular economy, where resources are reused, repaired, and recycled instead of discarded.

Key practices of a zero-waste lifestyle include:

- Refusing: Avoiding items that come with excessive packaging or single-use products.

- Reducing: Cutting down on the quantity of items you purchase and use.

- Reusing: Opting for reusable items like cloth bags, bottles, and containers.

- Recycling: Properly sorting recyclable materials and ensuring they are disposed of correctly.

- Composting: Turning food scraps and yard waste into compost to enrich the soil.

Zero waste can sometimes feel like an all-or-nothing approach, which might be intimidating or unrealistic for some people. However, the idea is to reduce waste as much as possible, with the understanding that perfection isn’t the goal. So, which approach is better, or should you try to blend both? The answer depends on your personal goals and circumstances. Here are some thoughts on how to balance these approaches:

- Start with Sustainable Living: If you’re new to these concepts, beginning with sustainable living can be a good starting point. Focus on making small, manageable changes that fit into your lifestyle. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually incorporate zero-waste practices.

- Adopt Zero-Waste Principles Gradually: You don’t have to achieve a zero-waste lifestyle overnight. Start with one or two zero-waste practices, like using reusable shopping bags and avoiding single-use plastics. As these practices become habits, you can build on them.

- Set Realistic Goals: Both sustainable living and zero waste can be adapted. It’s important to set goals that are achievable and realistic for your lifestyle. For example, if reducing waste is challenging, focus on improving energy efficiency or water conservation.

- Educate Yourself and Adjust: Both approaches require some education and adjustment. Learn about the impacts of your choices and be prepared to make changes as needed. It’s okay to adapt and evolve your practices over time. However you choose to approach environmental responsibility, the journey towards a more sustainable life is a personal one, and every effort counts. This process should be fun and enjoyable, not a burden. I like to think of it as a puzzle to solve, and when I find a new way to recycle or reuse an item, it provides great satisfaction! Remember also that the impact you can make today is enhanced by the example you set for the next generation of caretakers of our planet. Jewish tradition teaches the importance of caring for the environment, for we must act as partners in preserving creation. If you’re interested in volunteering with or donating to Shalom Green, visit our website at www.shalomgreenCLT.org or email info@shalomgreenCLT.org. Connect with us on Facebook at Shalom Green: Shalom Park Environmental Initiative and on Instagram @shalomgreen_CLT.

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