I've done a number of diaries on zero waste here. I'm certainly not the queen of zero waste, that would be Bea Johnson, nor the queen of sustainability, some Kossacks here go far beyond my small efforts, but I do try to get better over time.
I was very pleased with myself on a recent trip to Bed, Bath and Beyond. I bought three things--two wooden spoons, a tablecloth and a set of measuring cups, all things replacing items that I already owned that had broken (the tablecloth could have probably been salvaged somehow, but I wasn't sure about the results of a large papier mache experiment gone drastically wrong on the laundromat's washers). I realized that day that I have achieved equilibrium--one in, one out--for most things that I own, including clothes. (I still struggle with books, they seem to reproduce on their own).
Basically this is a diary for Kossacks to discuss their own efforts towards sustainability and zero waste in their purchases (or lack of purchases). And also accountability. For work clothes I shop at Talbots, they have a good professional selection for the full-figured ladies, and I have emailed them three times and also called about if any of their vendors have contractors in Bangladesh. They have assured me that they had nothing to do with the particular factory and have no vendors in Bangladesh, but I keep pushing.
I am also wrestling with myself about Asics. I love their sneakers; they are great for pronation, but I'm going to have to boycott them now. At least that's what I'm telling myself in my stronger moments. Boycotting Walmart I was already doing, boycotting Dress Barn, well, I have other options, but I really do like the fit of Asics.
I know a lot of Kossacks are watching every penny and can't afford to concern themselves with sustainability or zero waste or fair trade in their purchases. I'm lucky enough to have a little wiggle room with my buying habits, so I can be more picky.
I wish it was easier to find out worker safety practices from retail groups.
What I'm trying to say is I'm tired of jawboning. Aside from phonebanking, there's not much I can do to change things except vote--vote with my ballot and vote with my wallet.
