How does a family of five go from 'regular' consumption to producing just one minuscule jar of waste in a year?

Find out in this chat with Lauren and Oberon Carter -- founders of Zero Waste Families , authors of A Family Guide to Waste Free Living and the brains behind Spiral Garden.

These deliciously non-dogmatic Tasmanians treat us to a personal account of financial, professional and psychological transition, how they reduced their energy consumption by a massive 60%, what they're doing to engage their street and community, and why to have hope in the next generation of considerate and creative human beings.

SHOW NOTES

Tapping into kids' smarts to solve the problems in front of us 

Building friendship networks that appreciate your values and support your efforts

Waste free gift ideas 

Building a waste-free mindset and habits

Taking a fast leap rather than a slow limp; doing it all at once with clear intention

Why the permaculture principle of “produce no waste” is the most accessible 

Doing a climate impact survey 

The difference between recycling and downcycling

The burden of “the system”: the role of government vs. the role of individuals to make lifestyle changes  

Why it’s important that those of us in positions of affluence take the responsibility and make change to our lifestyle. 

Adopting lifestyle choices that buck the norm: homeschooling, homebirthing, food production, second hand clothing.

Avoiding burnout from community commitment 

Engaging people across socio-economic lines; keeping things small, achievable and gentle.

The power of conversations

Reframing success away from ‘bigness’ and towards smaller measures that reflect day to day existence

Learning how to forage, holiday simply, buy second hand, live away from consumptive past times

#52climatesolutions

Seeking joy by being in the bush, appreciating the diversity in nature, seeing small and slowing down and observing

Being part of rather than apart from the natural world 

Seasonal ritual; observation, festivals, food, celebration, foraging

Coming to terms with hypocrisy in your everyday; petrol fuelled car, working for the government

Letting go of the urge to control how everything looks

The importance of finding hobbies that are NOT related to the cause 

Understanding the intricacies of others is more important than preaching the ‘solution’

LINKS YOU'LL LOVE

A Family Guide to Waste-Free Living -- Lauren and Oberon Carter

Family Living Zero Waste -- Happen Films

Assess your carbon footprint

Zero Waste Tasmania group

Spiral Garden online & Instagram

Retrosuburbia -- David Holmgren

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