leafeco.co.uk cheese Have you ever given up chocolate for lent and only remembered when you took your second bite out of a chocolate muffin?

What I am referring to is the habit. The automatic robotic-like system we use every day.

You may have noticed you do something automatically without recognising the behavior on a conscious level. Such as looking at a clock and then having to look back again because you didn’t notice the time.

Why is this?
Well, after continuous repetition of the same task, your brain has learnt to reduce the focus needed for that task because you’ve mastered it. Your brain safely switches off on a semi-conscious level to reserve energy.

Let me relate this to Zero Waste, just so you don’t think I’m rambling on.

Bonus content upgrade: Download your free Zero Waste Purchase Diary

During week 2 of my Zero Waste Journey, I reverted to robot auto mode. I purchased a plastic wrapped sandwich, complete with a drink contained in a disposable plastic bottle.

I was disappointed. Disappointed, I had forgotten about my new Zero Waste transition.

It didn’t stop there!

Oh no.

I committed the same mistake when I purchased a block of cheese.

THE CHEESE LADY

During week one, I visited every shop that sold dairy products in my local town to find a block of non-packaged cheese. [Click here to view week 1 of my Zero Waste Journey]

Eventually, I stumbled across a delicatessen that sold a variety of expensive oils and cheeses.

The lady behind the counter greeted me with a smile and I noticed all the cheese was laid out unpackaged and delicious looking.

I asked the assistant for some cheese and explained I was transitioning to a Zero Waste lifestyle. I handed her an empty Hovis bread bag and asked if she could place the cheese inside it without using any other packaging.

The lady nodded and explained she valued my environmental commitment.

I felt awesome until this happened…

The lady cut me a block of cheese and placed it in a cellophane wrapper. She read out the price and wrapped the cheese up tightly, then placed it inside of my empty bread bag.
I handed her the money and I walked out with my cheese block.

It wasn’t until I arrived home, that I realised the lady had ignored my no packaging request. But most astonishingly, I didn’t batter an eyelid during the cheese handover process.

YOU AINT HAVING MY MONEY UNTIL YOU DO WHAT I SAY

On my second visit, I kept my Zero Waste goal in my head and confronted the assistant.
I explained politely but sternly that I would not hand over any money for the purchase if the cheese was wrapped up in any packaging that was not my own.

The cheese lady apologised for the previous inconvenience and I received my cheese with no packaging. She explained that it was second nature for her to wrap the cheese up in cellophane.

The lady, who by now has been referred to as the cheese lady, broke a habit on my second visit for cheese. (I do apologise that I do not know her real name.)

I added a break into the circuit of habit.

break you habit, leafeco, zero waste, zerowaste , eco friendly, breaking your habits, give up, new start, how to break a habit

By keeping engaged and focused during the cheese handling process, I was able to voice my request and provide a buy it or leave it approach. I provided enough authority with my no packaging request, that the lady behind the counter was more engaged than she had been previously.

WHAT KEPT MY MOTIVATED?

I have never needed to pay attention to what the cashier does during my food handling because they always provided a service that I expected. Until now with my Zero Waste awesomeness.

Since my disappointing visit to the delicatessen, I have kept a Zero Waste Purchase diary.

In my diary, I note down what purchases I need to make and plan how to find the ideal item. Since I have used my Zero Waste Purchase Diary, I have increased the repetition building method and developed a Zero Waste habit.

I review this diary before every purchase and it’s always kept with me. I have it saved electronically on my Evernote application, so it’s within arms reach, pun intended.

When I am running low on something or I want to make a new purchase, I type it into my diary and evaluate the environmental outcome of the purchase.

REMEMBER
Many people that aren’t aware of the Zero Waste lifestyle, do not understand the importance we value to not promote packaging use. So it is our job as Zero Wasters to be engaged in shopping stealth mode and to double check the service a cashier provides.

Not paying attention during a shopping routine is costing world resources! Click To Tweet

MY ZERO WASTE DIARY PREVIEW

Here is what my Zero Waste diary looks like, I use this for everything I purchase, not just edible items.

Bonus content upgrade: Download your free Zero Waste Purchase Diary

I record all the items I want to buy and note down if there is a Zero Waste alternative.
My diary is my justification for purchasing something and inspiration to keep me eco-motivated.

Here are some tips for making the purchase approach easier:

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Think outside of the online world, venture to second-hand stores, refuge charity stores and social media free-cycle groups.

FOCUS ON ONE THING WITH 100% ATTENTION
It is so easy to be distracted with everything when we transition to Zero Waste. Be confident with finding one eco alternative before you move onto something else.

BE REALISTIC
If you can’t find a Zero Waste alternative in your area or price range, don’t purchase it. We all reach limitations, some more than others and that is okay. We currently live in a world defined by commercialism and convenience. Don’t go without an item that you need because you can’t find an eco alternative.

I hope the Zero Waste Diary helps you organise more eco alternatives into your home.

Remember we are all on different levels of our eco-transitions and the more we work together the better the world will be!

Let me know in the comments what eco alternative purchases you are struggling with.