This post is part of the Closed-Loop Zero Waste series.
In zero waste, although we prioritize reducing the amount of consumable items we use, there are still some that we do use.
Consumables are items that get used up regularly and need to be replaced; they can often be considered single use as well. There are many consumable items I use in my life, but there are many I don’t use as well.
When needing a consumable item, I look for options that are either refillable, unpackaged in bulk, or packaged in paper to at least avoid the plastic packaging. Living my adapted Closed-Loop Zero Waste lifestyle, if I need an item that comes only in packaging, I try to go with one that is readily compostable like paper. That way it stays within the Closed-Loop cycle of nature. See my first post in this series to learn more about this!
Here are 20 consumable items I use in my home:
1. Bulk deodorant
2. Shampoo and conditioner bars
3. Dishwasher pods
4. Toilet paper (for guests; see the reusable toilet cloth I personally use on this previous post)
5. Liquid castile soap for hand and dish washing (we go through a lot of soap with my preschool so we buy in the big jugs and reuse the jugs after)
6. Wooden toothbrush
7. Sewing thread for repairing items
8. Mascara (refillable)
9. Eye shadow (refillable)
10. Vinegar and essential oils (for cleaning)
11. Chapstick (in cardboard tube)
12. Razor blades (returned back to Albatross for recycling)
13. Bulk bubble bath
14. Toothpaste tablets
15. Fresh flowers (I look for the ones sold in brown paper or in a vase. In the warmer months I pick from my gardens.)
16. Beeswax candles with natural wick
17. Matches
18. Sage and Palo Santo stick for house energy clearings
19. Pencils
20. Epsom salt
A HUGE thank you to my talented cousin, Aili Juusola at Design by Aili Juusola, who helped me make this Closed-Loop Zero Waste diagram look cohesive and engaging!