Becoming Less

Bizz chats with Guiscela about wasting water and the differences she sees with water usage in Canada vs Mexico.   Tips to reduce water usage: Turn tap off while brushing teeth Turn on only the hot water while waiting to heat and start using as soon as it warms up Water lawn before sunrise or after sunset Change lawn from grass to garden to grow food, or to something that doesn't require watering Shop less and/or shop second-hand (manufacturing requires water, too!) Use concentrated cleansers and drink flavours Check for leaks and running toilets Get/make a rain barrel Shower less often/shorter showers/skip the hair every other time Low flow toilets and shower heads Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks Reuse clean wastewater for plants Things we talk about: Water isn't just used by using water directly, not just the water we see Direct uses: Drinking Cooking Water lawn/garden Shower/bath Indirect uses: Agriculture  Food Raise animals Materials for building Materials for clothing Industrial use Make pretty much everything we use About 1,800 gallons of water are needed to produce the cotton in a pair jeans Processing materials such as paper and steel Energy During a water shortage, often it's the individuals who are restricted, while large corporations can continue using as much as they want to produce non-essential products. Glaciers are receding - this is our water reserve! Lakes shrinking Oil spills can also affect water availability, and this can happen very quickly Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Claire chat about how doing your best doesn't mean doing everything and that creating a balance in your life is the key to sustainability.   Concepts: Focusing on one thing at a time Doing research before diving in Choosing to NOT do/use/have rather than finding an alternative Don't need to fit all your waste in a jar to be low waste Self care and self compassion Just DO. Doing something is better than nothing, even if it's small. Try to find the one thing with the biggest impact Try to find the simplest thing  Take into consideration other people in your life when making changes New changes in life can mean going backward a bit New job, new baby, new home, etc. Specifics: Public transportation  Using it is the best way to make it better Strategically choosing where you live  Size Location Efficiency Car share Cycling Meal planning Shopping for food in bulk Mending clothes Visible mending Compost alternatives to green bin for apartment dwellers References: Spud - spud.ca Bulk Barn - bulkbarn.ca Communauto - alberta.communauto.com Bike Edmonton - bikeedmonton.ca Bulldog Razors - bulldogskincare.com Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Bri chat about consumerism and the importance of switching to a circular economy system.   Things we talk about: Composting toilets Glass and aluminum instead of plastic Reuse vs recycle Clothing fiber content Visible mending Valuing service, not just "stuff" Amazon hurts small businesses and the expertise they offer with their products References we make: Earth's General Store - earthsgeneralstore.ca Compost S'Cool - edmonton.ca Blush Lane -blushlane.com  Patagonia - patagonia.ca Fjallraven - fjallraven.ca The Dress Library - dresslibraryrentals.com Edmonton Tool Library - edmontontoollibrary.ca Indigo Proof - indigoproof.com Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Megan about maker hobbies like sewing, crafting, knitting, etc.. With maybe a little tangent on the joys of cat ownership.   Things we talk about: Getting creative with what we already have Not being afraid to experiment Sourcing the best materials available to us Using all the little pieces Making new things out of old things Buying used tools and equipment, especially when just getting started Normalizing second hand Repairing and dying to lengthen the life of our clothing What to do with "unusable" scraps "Recyclable" doesn't always mean it's recyclable Plastic spools replacing wooden spools References we make: Natural Earth Paint - naturalearthpaint.ca Reuse Centre Website - edmonton.ca/reusecentre Facebook - facebook.com/edmontonreusecentre Bead Sweaters - pinterest.ca Yarn Ends Sweaters - ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-dive-raglan Bizz's Scraps Hoodie - instagram.com/p/CTlA0WMMeOq/ Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Lesley chat about many things, most of which revolve around the balancing act of doing what you can, not burning out, and avoiding the all or nothing mindset.   Things we talk about: Avoiding the all or nothing mindset Embracing minimalism in order to avoid over-cluttering Minimalism Experimenting with DIY options Certain DIYs have a cost savings, others definitely do not Problem with system that making clothes is more expensive Mindful creativity Everyone make a t-shirt, then think about how much you think it should be worth Trading/swapping/barter system Giving unwanted items directly to those who could use them rather than relying on thrift stores who throw out or export 80-90% of clothing they take in anyway Read more on cbc.ca Capsule Wardrobe The struggle with finding your "magic bra" or any other unreturnable undergarments Gift giving and receiving Surviving cycling in the winter Visible mending References we make: Blenderz - blenderzgarmentrecyclers.com Girlfriend Collective - girlfriend.com Everlane - everlane.com Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Anka from Get Ruth to discuss more convenient options for becoming less with our periods.   Find Ruth: Website - getruth.ca Instagram - @getruth.ca LinkedIn Co-Founder - Anka Chan LinkedIn Co-Founder - Nicole Sanchez Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Steph about her kids thrift/consignment business, The Green Canoe Shop.   You can find Steph's kids' clothes at: Website - greencanoeshop.ca Instagram - @greencanoeshop Facebook - facebook.com/greencanoeshop Other great Instagram accounts to find second hand kids clothes: Oak Forage - @oak_forage Prairie Littles Co - @prairielittlesco United Clothing for Motherhood - @unitedclothing4motherhood Blenderz Garment Recyclers - @blenderz_garment_recyclers Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Jennifer of Jennifer Bergman Weddings about how to become less while celebrating one of the most important days of our lives.    Find Jennifer: Instagram - @jbweddings Website - jenniferbergmanweddings.com Things we talk about: Food - Buy local, use reusable dishes, find out where food waste goes Flowers - Buy as local as possible, buy in season, rent silk Decorations - No balloons, rent anything you can, use what you have Favors - Keep them personal, keep them plastic-free, or omit them altogether Attire - Buy used, rent, take dresses somewhere where they can be reused Location - Destination weddings have a huge footprint Size - Every additional guest means additional waste References: The Dress Library - dresslibraryrentals.com Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Tracy about the idea of themed thrift stores.    Things we talk about: Our own ideas to incorporate second hand into our own businesses Second-hand pet supplies Second-hand fabric and sewing supplies What kind of themed thrift is already out there Cars. Pretty much just cars. Oh, and women's clothing Other ideas for incorporating second-hand into existing businesses Gyms and water bottles Kitchen appliances Coffee shop - mugs, etc. Working around the "low end" feel of thrifting, normalizing Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emma chat about their own experiences doing home renovations and discuss ways to be less with our renovations.   Things we talk about: Use what you have Repair and freshen up before replacing Get materials used or other people's leftovers When buying new materials, aim for high quality that will last as long as possible References we make: Reuse Centre - edmonton.ca Habitat for Humanity - Edmonton: hfh.org - Canada: habitat.org Buy Nothing Groups - buynothingproject.org Tool Library - Edmonton: edmontontoollibrary.ca - Everywhere else: Google It Kijiji/Facebook Marketplace/thrift stores and other such resources for used materials and items Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Waste Free Edmonton co-founder, Sean, about the city's proposed Single Use Items Bylaw and how this strategy will reduce waste in our city.    Find more on the proposed bylaw: City of Edmonton's Website - edmonton.ca Single Use Items PDF Follow and connect with Waste Free Edmonton to stay updated on the SUI bylaw progress and more: Website - wastefree.ca Instagram - @wastefreeyeg Facebook - facebook.com/WasteFreeYeg Twitter - @wastefreeyeg YouTube - Waste Free Edmonton Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emma chat about becoming less with our books, including some good reads for more information and ideas.   Things we talk about: Minimalism E-Readers Using old worn out books for crafts Libraries Little Free Libraries - littlefreelibrary.org Books mentioned: Flaneuse - Lauren Elkin Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit - Jeanette Winterson Zero Waste Home - Bea Johnson The 100-Mile Diet - Alisa Smith, J.B. MacKinnon A Beautiful Constraint - Adam Morgan, Mark Barden Drawdown - Paul Hawken Why Shrinkwrap A Cucumber - Stephen Aldridge, Laurel Miller 101 Ways To Go Zero Waste - Kathryn Kellogg Books not mentioned: Doughnut Economics - Kate Raworth This Changes Everything - Naomi Klein The Story of Stuff - Annie Leonard The Uninhabitable Earth - David Wallace-Wells Hope Matters - Elin Kelsey More books on environment and sustainability: Goodreads - Environment Goodreads - Sustainability Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Ashley and AJ about their progress on their own journey to becoming less.    Things we talk about: Green and Gold Garden - greengoldgarden.com Eating vegetarian to reduce emissions Buying groceries in bulk whenever possible Buying groceries as local as possible Toiletries such as toothpaste (changetoothpaste.com), floss (kmhtouches.com), and shampoo (jack59.ca) Reduce driving - cycling as an alternative Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Sam Kriviak, a registered provisional psychologist who specializes in eco-grief.   Things we talk about: What is anxiety? What is grief? What is trauma? How do these tie in with environmentalism? If we do identify with one or more of these descriptions, what can we do? Where can we find help if we need it? Psychology Today - psychologytoday.com/ca Locations in Edmonton, some with sliding scale fees: YWCA - ywcacanada.ca or ywcaofedmonton.org Momentum Counselling - momentumcounselling.org Drop-In YEG - dropinyeg.ca Chat Lines. In Edmonton: Distress Line - 780-482-HELP(4357) Addictions and Mental Health - 780-424-2424 Canadian Mental Health Association - cmha.ca or edmonton.cmha.ca Eco-grief specialists, such as Sam Kriviak or Catherine Forth here in Edmonton Books we mentioned: Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb Hope Matters by Elin Kelsey Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Becca about how finding minimalism has enriched her life and how the journey is going so far.   References we make: Marie Kondo - konmari.com Rose City Organizing - rosecityprofessionalorganizing.com Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Cara chat about how becoming less can be challenging at work.   Things we talk about: Being the only person who's passionate about environmentalism Creating an environmental committee Low-hanging fruit such as recycling paper and cardboard, or not using single-use plastics Starting discussions with coworkers or, better yet, your boss Working for a business whose business model does not align with your values We all need to work, so find balance References: Terracycle - terracycle.ca Psychology of Batman podcast - peterrollins.com/podcast Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Sarah from Blenderz Garment Recyclers about how much they've grown over the last couple years. They're moving into an even bigger location with some cool machinery upgrades.    Find Blenderz: Support their campaign for the upgrade - app.atbboostr.ca/offering/buildatextilerecyclingfacility Website - blenderzgarmentrecyclers.com Instagram - @blenderz_garment_recyclers Facebook - facebook.com/blenderzgarmentrecyclers Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Cara go over their biggest eco-wins from 2021 and discuss their goals for the upcoming new year.   What happened in 2021: Moved to new home Small means lower impact, close to work and amenities to reduce travel Reusable diapers So many diapers go to landfill every year, then the diapers can be passed on to someone else New Bike Purchased from small local business, had used bike first to see what features were good and bad before buying new, can now bike all winter Woodstove pellets for cat litter Bizz and Cara both do this! Composting Bizz takes compost to a friend's and Cara has the cart system in her new home Edmonton Cart Rollout Edmonton now provides pick up to detached homes for compost Bizz is now treasurer for Waste Free Edmonton WFE has SUPs bylaw in progress with the city Cara is now Climate Action Champion for her ward Begins her new role in 2022 Switched to reusing growlers instead of recycling bottles and cans Goals for 2022: Cara hopes to keep close tabs on what goes into her garbage and recycling with regular trash audits Bizz wants to start getting her chicken from a local butcher and plans on starting a side hustle that will reduce textile waste Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Cara talk about how voting with our dollar can create a demand for better ways to become less.   Things we talk about and references we make: How we spend our money controls the direction of the market Supporting businesses with good practices means a demand is created for more good practices.  Supporting businesses with poor practices means a demand is created for more poor practices.  Buying second hand does not create a demand up the chain Unless it's from a thrift store that has questionable practices Bunz trading app Buy Nothing app/groups Blenderz textile recyclers Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Cara chat about setting boundaries with others who may not see eye to eye with you on becoming less.   Things we talk about: Gifts - always a big topic Choosing to ride a bike Not using paper towels Bringing a container to a restaurant Composting - at home and at work Not accepting disposable diapers as a gift Getting a spouse/partner on board Which is more difficult to set boundaries with: friends, family or coworkers? Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with new co-host, Cara, about her tips on being an eco-mom.   Things we talk about: Reusable Diapers Reusable Wipes (See Sniffle Crate Pattern on Etsy) Diaper services Babies grow so quickly Get clothing second hand Get toys second hand, too Choose toys from natural materials, avoid things that take batteries. Formula Choose concentrates like powder Consider the materials that the formula comes in - metal cans are more easily recycled than a pouch or something with mixed materials Baby food jars are only reusable if you have a use for them - and you end up with A LOT Make your own baby food - it's just cooked, blended veggies Maternity clothes are temporary - borrow or get used Safety devices, such as car seats - know the history, or get it new. You don't want to skimp on safety! Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emma continue their conversation about becoming less with their pets.   Things we talk about: Buying treats in bulk Make your own food Use bags from food and litter to line your trash bin Dryer lint is often still plastic Dehydrating treats Wood pellet litter Toilet training cats Clay litter requires strip mining Compostable bags require very specific environments to break down. Edmonton's composting facility requires BPI or BNQ rated bags (not BPA as I said in the podcast!) Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emma chat about our pets and how we can still become less while being loving, doting owners.    Things we talk about: Grooming is important for health and reducing hair Dog toys are consumable items Try getting second-hand stuffed animals (if your dog destroys these, only allow supervised play. You don't want them swallowing the stuffing or eyes) Real tennis balls are bad for dogs' teeth Buy quality and/or natural materials - Check out: West Paw Design (Durable, recycled rubber) Honest Pet Products (Natural materials) Kong (Durable natural rubber) Harry Barker (Recycled and/or sustainable materials) Beco Pets (Natural rubber, recycled cotton) Cats generally don't need you to buy them toys. Find things around the house that might otherwise be thrown away.  Dog clothing: For warmth, try finding used, otherwise buy sustainable and/or good quality that will last. For fun, the same, but remember to minimize the demand for new production.  And that's all we had time for! Join us next week for Part 2! Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emma chat about becoming less by giving gifts that were purchased second-hand.   Things to consider: Let others know that you are open to, and prefer, second-hand gifts Start the conversation. Ask others how they feel about it.  Make sure your gifts are clean and in good condition.  Sometimes the gift is INSIDE the second-hand item: plants in used pots, pictures in used frames, etc. Second-hand resources: Buy Nothing Groups - buynothingproject.org Kijiji - kijiji.ca Facebook Marketplace - facebook.com/marketplace Nextdoor App - ca.nextdoor.com Thrift Stores Reuse Centres Garage Sales Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emma talk about how to become less when we decide to upgrade our technology and other possessions.   References we make: The Minimalists Upgrade Rule - theminimalists.com/upgrade Kijiji Facebook Marketplace Most eco-friendly phone? The internet says Fairphone, though they do not appear to be available in Canada. Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emma chat about how Buy Nothing Groups can be a great tool to use on your journey to becoming less.   References we make: Buy Nothing Project - buynothingproject.org Kijiji  Next Door - ca.nextdoor.com Mushroom Foraging Episode - Episode 68 Mud, Sweat and Gears - mudsweatandgears.ca Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily talk about Waste Reduction Week, which is a national week in Canada that is focussed on raising awareness for ways to be become less.    Waste Reduction Week - wrwcanada.com/en Monday - Circular Economy Tuesday - Textiles Wednesday - E-Waste Thursday - Plastics Friday - Food Waste Saturday - Sharing Economy Sunday - Swap and Repair Other references we make: The Dress Library - @thedresslibrary_yeg Tool Libraries - @yegtoollibrary - wrwcanada.com/en Blenderz Garment Recyclers - @blenderz_garment_recyclers Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Emny from the Edmonton Tool Library about how sharing tools can help us become less.   Find the Tool Library: Instagram - @yegtoollibrary Facebook - facebook.com/yegtoollibrary Website - edmontontoollibrary.ca In person - 7308 112 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB More Tool Libraries, or start your own: List of Tool Libraries in Canada Google It Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily chat about how to becoming less with our pumpkins this fall season.   All things pumpkin: Pumpkin carving - Google it Pumpkin gut recipes - Google it Pumpkin seeds - Google it scoop, separate, rinse, dry, oil, season, bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until golden, stirring often Pumpkin soup recipes - Google it Pumpkin smash parties - Google it and then host your own! Other references: That "something centre"... yeah it was Salisbury at Enjoy Centre in St Albert - salisburygreenhouse.com, @salisburyatenjoy Loop Store - loopstore.ca Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with fellow Alberta Mycological Society member, Mel, to nerd out about mushrooms.   References we make: Alberta Mycological Society - albertamushrooms.ca From The Wild - fromthewild.ca Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily talk about how budgeting can help on your journey to becoming less. (Let us know how many pairs of shoes YOU own!)   References we make: YNAB - ynab.com  Heard It From Hannah - youtube.com Cleo - web.meetcleo.com Mint - mint.intuit.com EveryDollar - ramseysolutions.com Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)  

Bizz chats with Christa from Rose City Organizing about how decluttering and organizing can bring you peace and joy in your home on top of being good for the planet!   Find Rose City Organizing: Facebook: facebook.com/RoseCityOrganizing Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/theunclutteredconfidentwoman Instagram: @rosecityorganizing Website: rosecityprofessionalorganizing.com References we make: Edmonton Tool Library: edmontontoollibrary.ca Marie Kondo: konmari.com Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily chat about how becoming less can be a bit of a challenge sometimes.   Things we talk about: Barriers to eco-friendly choices Getting into new habits or stopping old habits Being surrounded by people who don't care as much as we/you do Unintentionally making other people uncomfortable References we make: Avacado Pit Art - Google It, seriously cool stuff Empathy Gap - wastefree.ca/becominglesspod Chirp Energy - epcor.com/products-services/encor/green-energy Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Emma from Waste Free Edmonton's Wine and Waste segment on Instagram Live!    Things we talk about: What to do with your old garbage bins when moving to an automated cart system. WFE's Wine & Waste - instagram.com/wastefreeyeg WFE's Blog - wastefree.ca/blog WFE's YouTube Channel - youtube.com Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily talk about the empathy gap and how it creates a barrier for environmental habits.   Things we talk about: Empathy Gap (obviously) - Google It Epilator - Google It The Day to Listen, Downey Wenjack Fund - downiewenjack.ca Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Emily chats with her sister, Marianne, about some more zero waste fails.   Things we talk about: Lauren Singer from Trash is for Tossers - trashisfortossers.com Bea Johnsons, author of Zero Waste Home - zerowastehome.com Change Toothpaste - changetoothpaste.com Sew your own underwear. Or don't. That's probably the better option. - Google It Reducing your impact at death - Google It Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily chat about microplastics and why it's an important topic on the journey to becoming less.   Articles we reference in the episode: Tom Stanton from the University of Nottingham - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=kIs3_1sAAAAJ&hl=en Microplastics found in placenta - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/22/microplastics-revealed-in-placentas-unborn-babies CORRECTION: The quote is: “You're eating, swallowing or breathing in about 2,000 tiny pieces of plastic each week, a new study suggests, an amount equal to the weight of one credit card.”- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/06/12/plastic-youre-eating-credit-cards-worth-plastic-each-week/1437150001/ National Geographic on water treatment - https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/microplastics/ Tap water more regulated https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/bottle-vs-tap-7-things-to-know-about-drinking-water-1.2774182 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-you-drink-tap-or-bottled-water/ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327395 Action items: Stop using single use plastics Install and maintain filters on your washer and dryer Be sure to dispose of your waste appropriately Opt for natural fibres for clothing Opt for sturdy materials for containers, such as glass Use a reusable water bottle  Support efforts to stop waste and clean up what's already out there Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily chat about becoming less at the grocery store, or wherever you may get your food.   Things we talk about: Bring your own shopping bags (and produce bags) Shop in bulk Avoid single serving packaging Buy whole ingredients Shop local, such as at a farmer's market Get beer in growler refills Businesses mentioned: El Gringo Tortilla Chips - elgringofoods.com Stylus - stylusfinepens.com Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily talk about becoming less when it comes to freebies and giveaways. Do you want the thing, or do you want the thing because it's free?   Things we talk about: Freebies and Giveaways Business Cards - organize with a Rolodex or, better yet, snap a picture with your phone! Samples - only take samples of things you actually need and want to try. Opt for package-free when possible. Pens and other promo items - just say no. Your junk drawer has enough pens, lanyards, magnets, and keychains. Dentists and their tiny floss - just say no and go out and get: Change Toothpaste Tabs Flosspot at Carbon Environmental Boutique or Re:Plenish Bamboo toothbrush at any of the above ^^^ Ice Cream and Popcorn are great low waste snack foods! Buy bulk, even for small quantities to try something new Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily talk about the Cart Roll Out happening right here in Edmonton.   References and things we talk about: Find out more about the cart roll out - edmonton.ca/waste Food scraps pail liner tutorial - youtube.com/watch?v=SPH7A3sf_PI Story of Stuff - storyofstuff.org Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Allison about her business, The Dress Library, where you can rent dresses for special occasions, rather than buy something you will only wear once. She has also generously offered 20% off one rental if you mention you heard about her from Becoming Less!    Check out The Dress Library Website: dresslibraryrentals.com Instagram: @thedresslibrary_yeg Facebook: facebook.com/TheDressLibraryYEG Email: thedresslibraryyeg@gmail.com Places to donate old clothes that are BETTER than thrift stores: Get the 211 Suit Yourself Women's Shelters Youth Shelters Transition Houses Emergency Relief Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Vanessa from Jack 59 about her company's bar shampoos and conditioners and then get into some other low waste swaps.   Find Jack 59: Online - jack59.ca HQ - 3620 98 St NW, Edmonton, AB Store Locator - jack59.ca/pages/store-locator Email - vanessa@jack59.ca Phone - 780-270-0706   Other things we talk about: Lush - lush.ca Soap So Co - soapsoco.com Plant Based Diets - Google It Capsule Wardrobe - Google It Reusable Menstrual Products - Google It Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz's mom tells some embarrassing stories about her as a child and talks about some of Bizz's other childhood memories for Mother's Day.   Things we talk about: Hoarding vs not wanting to throw things away that could still be useful Buying new when you can't find the thing you know you have... somewhere! Toilet paper rationing Creating expectations and boundaries for gift giving Gift wrapping Letting things go Memories about experiences rather than things, creating traditions Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Sorry for the goofy sound in this one! Covid restrictions required an impromptu setup and it affected the sound.    In this episode, Bizz and Emily discuss the documentary Seaspiracy. Watch it. Keep an open and critical mind. Do your research. Then decide what path works best for you. Seaspiracy website: seaspiracy.org Scientific review of the documentary: inverse.com Cowspiracy website: cowspiracy.com Cowspiracy stats: vegannews.press Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Greg from the Westwood Community League about the Earth Day Community Clean Up.   Things we talk about: Westwood Community League - westwoodcl.ca Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues - efcl.org Capital City Clean Up - edmonton.ca/programs_services/capital-city-clean-up.aspx Big Bin Events - edmonton.ca/programs_services/garbage_waste/big-bin-events.aspx   Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Emily and Bizz discuss how buying new stuff is not necessary to do many activities and hobbies.    Things we talk about include:  Alternatives to buying new gear Borrowing Renting Repairing old gear Doing without Earth Day Cleanup - @wastefreeyeg Fast Shoe Repair - @fastshoe20 Lemon vinegar cleaner - @obtusata Good Neighbour App - thegoodneighbourapp.com Tool libraries Jack 59 - jack59.ca Portlandia clip "Get the gear!"  - youtube.com/watch?v=R3SFqV0hMyo Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Emily chats with her sister, Marianne, about more zero waste fails regarding hair care.   Things we talk about include: No poo PH Bar Shampoo Sodium Laureth Sulfate Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily talk about how Canada ranks on our waste habits and why it's important to become less.   For more information: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10163-015-0355-1.pdf https://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/details/environment/municipal-waste-generation.aspx  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/22/microplastics-revealed-in-placentas-unborn-babies https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/07/12/canada-united-states-worlds-biggest-producers-of-waste/39534923/ http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2019/eccc/En4-366-1-2019-eng.pdf https://www.statista.com/statistics/1168066/largest-waste-producing-countries-worldwide-per-capita/ Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Olivia Adams on mental health, mindfulness, our connection to nature and more about each of our individual journeys to becoming less!   Find Olivia on Youtube at: youtube.com/user/oliviaadamsXD   Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz and Emily talk about becoming less by doing a trash audit to figure out what we can work on.   Things we talk about: Trash audits (obviously), and what we tend to find in our own trash Earth's General Store - earthsgeneralstore.ca Blush Lane - blushlane.com Boocha - boocha.ca Downtown Farmer's Market - yegdtmarket.com Patagonia - patagonia.com Fast Shoe Repair - facebook.com/Fast-Shoe-Repair-448995635205/ Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)

Bizz chats with Carly about the Free Spirit Company and her low waste, natural deodorant.   You can find the Free Spirit Company: Instagram: @findyourfreespirit Facebook: facebook.com/findyourfreespirit Website: findyourfreespirit.com Hashtag: #findyourfreespirit Donate to support waste reduction at wastefree.ca or on Patreon Music by Vita Chino (@vitachino on Instagram, or find them on Spotify)