Frequently asked Questions
What is zero waste?
From the Zero Waste International Alliance:
"Zero Waste is a goal that is ethical, economical, efficient, and visionary, to guide people in changing their lifestyles and practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use.
Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury them. Implementing Zero Waste will eliminate all discharges to land, water or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant health."
What is sustainability and why is it important?
By definition, sustainability is meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is not solely about environmentalism — in fact, sustainability has three main pillars of focus:
economic
environmental
social
Sustainability in 2021 looks different than it did twenty years ago because our current and future needs are ever-changing. Technology is shaping our future and continuously transforming the way we live and work. The quicker these changes happen, the less time humans have to consider the long-term impact of those new conveniences. A lot of what is built and sold in our consumer-focused economy is about instant gratification. Single-use products, cheap goods, and mass misuse of natural resources are all about what is convenient now; none consider the long-term impact of the waste produced and the lack of available resources for future generations.
The good news is, not all hope is not lost! Times are changing and with the help of technology, humans are becoming more self-aware of the unsustainable implications of their actions. It is our job as consumers to make the conscious decision to choose the future over wasteful conveniences.
Can I be zero waste in PEI?
Yes! I created this blog with the purpose of sharing my knowledge and continued learning with the community around me. PEI, like many areas of the world right now, has a growing awareness for sustainability and minamizing waste production. My blog has a growing number of posts with information on how to get started, tips for local goods, and simple changes you can make today to impact the future of our planet. I’d love for you to join in on the conversation there and contribute tips you may have as well, knowledge is power! Zero waste is both a philosophy and a goal; only by “closing the loop” can we rid the world of single-use products and consumerism and accomplish a sustainable economy.
Where can I buy zero waste products in PEI?
I’ve got all the details! My list of resources is always growing as I too am always learning. I will be developing a dedicated page of local businesses and resources in time, but for now I can share with you the basics that got me started! PEI has two great easily accessible stores that have allowed me to find what I need while minimizing waste.
1. Bulk Barn — As Canada’s largest bulk food retailer, Bulk Barn has slowly been transitioning to be a more zero-waste-friendly shopping destination. Gone are the days of wasteful plastic baggies for bulk buying — Bulk Barn now offers the ability for customers to fill up their own containers with bulk goods using a weighting system.
2. Monsieur Vrac — Conveniently located in Charlottetown, Monsieur Vrac offers a unique shopping experience with thousands of packaging-free products, from food to cleaning, as well as lifestyle goods. The store is intentionally designed with an open concept layout, prioritizing customer service, quality products, cleanliness, and competitive prices.
What is the Zero Waste Creative, Claudia?
If you haven’t made it over to my about section yet, or are just interested in learning more about what I do, I’ll fill you in here! I started Zero Waste Creative as a way to educate, and contribute to the zero waste community here in PEI and beyond.
As a graphic designer, I understand that social templates, imagery, and icons take a lot of time to create. Purchasing digital products like these can help individuals, businesses, and influencers save tons of time and money in the long run. I basically saw a gap in the market for sustainably driven social tools, and decided I was capable and motivated to make that happen!
Compile my graphics shop with my personal journey towards a life of less waste and you get the Zero Waste Creative! I hope that every purchase made, every blog post read, and every social interaction had, can contribute towards a community of eco-conscious individuals that can carry their knowledge and passion for our planet to those around them.