Zero Waste Circles

Hi there, this week I went on a Zero waste workshop, and I was so inspired by it, I thought that could be the subject of this weeks blog.

My bounty of Zero Waste Detergents

What is Zero Waste? some of you may be wondering. Well it's basically trying to use natural or sustainable resources and also stopping things from going to landfill. If everyone took these kind of approaches like Reduce, Reuse and Recycle then eventually the powers that be will be producing less plastic, and therefore reducing toxins that go into our environment. Reducing waste is not only good for the environment, its ethical too, and it gives you a sense of well being, knowing that you are working with nature rather than trashing it. If you would like a more detailed account of what Zero Waste is, here is a Wiki link.

Zero Waste - Wikipedia

BACKGROUND

For many, many years now, I have been aiming to make my own products for the home, like soap, detergents and toiletries, but I haven't got much further than, making my own moisturiser, using soda crystals for clothes washing and stain removal, and wiping my sink out with lemons to clean it. My main motivation with this is I feel bad about the amount of plastic bottles I use for my products like shampoo and washing up liquid for example, I do get some of my products refilled, but I like the idea of making my own. Some people think this might be ok because plastic can be recycled well not these types of plastic, also recycling isn't the answer to everything, as energy from fossil fuels are used for the recycling processes. The answer is to not buy it in the first place, or at least reuse them. I always try and buy things in glass jars /bottles where possible, as glass is a better method of recycling.
Last year I finally bought all the things required to make my own soap, I had this on my agenda many moons ago, but if  I'm honest, I kept getting put off by it, as when I went to forums to discuss the process, people would be like...oohh you need to be careful its toxic, or its a dangerous process, and also, I was concerned about having space and the correct temperatures at which to store it. Oh and there is a million and one soap recipes out there. Anyway, last year I bought the stuff for Cold Press soap making, but haven't found the time or right mood to do it.
So when my amazing friend 'Lulu The Guru' told me she was going on a Zero Waste workshop to make soap and wash powder my eyes lit up and immediately I got my name on the list for the course.

THE WORKSHOP

Zero Waste circle awaiting instructions to make Liquid Soap

We had to leave at 9.30 from Newbury to get the workshop in Winchester on time, on a Sunday!! I was so excited about it, I didn't have my usual Saturday night quota of wine, and after getting my things together that we were asked to take, I had an early night (most unusual for Foxy Lady on a Saturday)
There were 6 of us on the course as that was as many people Kat could fit round her table. We all started with a cup of tea and informal introductions. Kat is an extremely organised and professional facilitator, and had everything laid out tidily ready for us to start, she even had gifts of seeds for us to help ourselves too (a nice touch I thought).
The first thing we made was toilet cleaning cubes (hence why we had to take ice cube trays (Lulu took one which was penguin shapes - well why not, they live in water)).
This was really easy and fun to do, we filled our trays with the mixture, then left them to harden up by the radiators whilst we got onto the next thing.

Fabric Softner instructions

Kats organised workshop

The workshop lasted about 4 hours, in which we shared a lovely lunch (everybody bought something with them), and had a couple of tea breaks, where we could get to know each other better and share our thoughts. As livaboard boaters, Lulu and I are used to toilet discussions, as its always a hot topic when you're life evolves around porta loos. However, it did tickle us all when we put one of the toilet cubes in the toilet, we all stood around watching it fizz, then went back after a tea break, to stick our heads down the loo to smell it ( I should have took a photo). All in all it was a lovely day, and I got to meet some great people, 

Zero Waste Making Circle - Facebook Group

I particularly took a shine to Kat, as I admire anyone that takes initiative to do something like this, which not only helps towards the recovery of our planet, but gets people together a s community. Before I left, I touched her on the shoulder and said "Kat you should be proud of yourself, you have just empowered 6 people today"

THE FACILITATOR - 5 Questions Interview

 

Kat Goodwin

1) How long have you been into 'Zero Wasting' for?

 - I think I have always tried to help the planet. I’m not 100% zero waste because I don’t have the finances to accommodate always picking plastic free or making sure I can replace disposable for reusable, but we can all get there but by bit. My aim really is to help people learn in what ways they can try.

2) What inspired you to get into 'Zero Waste'?

it all started with making a nature club in primary school (my primary school) and was reignited in adult life whilst trying to save money.

3) Why did you start the workshops?

It has been obvious to me this stuff is easy, really easy, and cheap - what a wonderful way to save the planet, money and have fun. The workshops are to show people it’s not as scary as it seems.

4) What is the future for the workshops?

I would love to show as many people as possible, get representatives to share further afield and get as many people as possible reducing their waste by making their own, reusing, recycling and being as zero waste as possible.

5) What is your favourite 'Zero Waste' product?

toilet pods are definitely a favourite (I can be caught sniffing the loo in delight ha ha) but the most fruitful for me has been CSP (reusable sanitary pads)

Thanks Kat your'e a ledge - see you at the next workshop.. Bread, butter and Jam making - whoppee