#1   Refuse

 

 

I Want Do It Because:

 

> I refuse to accept the idea that I am dependent on objects to become happy or better at my job! I am not!

> I don't need new clothes, new gadgets, new cars... new "whatever media tells me that I need" to buy buy buy.

> I only need my family and/or my friends. If I don't have them, it's probably because I am too busy buying or interracting online to actually have time to maintain actual relationships.

> I just need to remind myself from time to time that we humans are social beings, which means we thrive in groups, not in front of our devices.

 

Always Keep in Mind To:

 

Refuse (politely) everything I am offered and don't need, like flyers (especially flyers!), coupons (whenever I can afford to), freebies, pens, tissues, paper cups, plastic tableware, anything that eventually ends up in a bin.

> Scan the flyer or coupon if the information is valuable.

> If they insist on giving them to me, I will kinldy return them or place them back on the counter.

> If I have time, I will write a letter asking them to please stop offering them and start a more sustainable campaign.The more letters they receive from the consumers, the faster they will change their ways. 

 

Right Now I Can:

 

1. Cancel all my newspapers and magazine subscriptions. I don't need them! There is no piece of information which I cannot find online, just by doing a search.

> When I really really really have to (for example if my job depends on it), then I will opt for an online subscription. Or if I have a Kindle or other similar device, I will use it to receive my newspaper/magazine on the device, automatically, every day.

> But other than that, I don't even need to know what's the Kardashian sisters are up to next! I have my own interesting life to live! :D

 

2. Put a sticker on my mailbox saying "Please don't insert any mail which does not have my name on it. You will be fined if you do. Let's keep our country clean together!" or any other message of your choice.

> If they still do it, I will just call them and unsubscribe from their mailing list! It only takes a few minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Send an e-mail to my close friends and family in which I politely explain that: Because I am aiming for Zero Waste, I would like you to kindly reconsider giving me anything that might create waste, and think of offering anything that allows us to live exciting new experiences, rather than objects or any new packaged goods in general. 

> If I consider they might not understand what I'm talking about and they might feel offended, I will reassure them by attaching the link to this website. 

    Note to self:  I should check out this list of Zero Waste Gift Ideas or Zero Waste Holidays Gifts.

 

 

The Good Part

 

> I will have more free time to spend with my family or friends, because there are no more magazines/newspapers to fill my precious time with. 

> I will experience many more interesting new things, because the people who care about me will offer me more meaningful gifts.

> I will feel good about myself because I am doing something more responsible and sustainable.

 

The Bad Part

 

> It will take me some time at first to make sure I will receive no more unnecessary mail. But it is a good investment of my time and it will only be hard at the beginning.

> It will probably upset my family or friends at first, because they don't understand what's going on. But if I explain kindly and ask them to please be part of this wonderful thing, they will most certainly accept and maybe even participate with enthusiasm.

 

Questions? Ideas?

For any kind of (polite) feedback, use the comment section below: