The Cross Over

You decide to go zero-waste but the world around you had mostly not.  Birthday parties where your child is handed a flashy plastic gift bag filled with small plastic toys they'll be bored with by the next day.  The plastic straw in the drink you've ordered.  Your children's art class working with disposable foam plates and shapes.  The gift you receive from your best friend wrapped in fancy paper that cannot be recycled or composted.  Your extended family and the stuff they bring. 

My cupboard during the Cross Over. 

Even the play dates with other parents offering your own kids packaged granola bars and juice boxes.  Not to mention the left over packaged foods you don't want to just throw-out.

It can be really overwhelming, I know. 

That's why there is a Cross Over phase.  This is when you learn from trail and error.  A stage where you use the rest of your packaged foods while learning how to replace them.  A time to figure out and deal with gifts as well as prepare for restaurant excursions.

At some point, the Cross Over will fade and your lifestyle will rest within its new ways.  In the mean time there are times when we're at a loss on how to deal with others.  Here's a list of the most common situations and suggestions on how you can handle them.  Feel free to post a comment on any other obstacle I've missed and is getting you down.

Birthday Gift Bags
Beforehand ask the host or parent of the party not to make your child a bag, explaining your zero-waste choices. As well, talk to your child about it (if they're old enough to understand).  Most times I've found parents to be understanding of this, and in some cases they've even made a separate one for my child without the plastic.

Gifts
Again, beforehand a discussion to anyone you suspect you'll be receiving something from, about your zero-waste choices is vital. 

Written for my daughter's birthday- Friendly Note

If you're throwing a kid party, send out with your invitation a friendly note on what you don't want.

Extended Family
Offer to make or buy them 'celebration' bags in place of wrapping.  Make it known you don't want anything packaged.  Drop hints of things you or your children would totally appreciate (bowling passes/new steel measuring cups ect).

Going Out
Remember to ask for your drink without the plastic straw.  Bring a fabric napkin in your purse or back pocket in place of using their cotton one that most likely won't be composted.

Kids
Talk to your kids about not accepting any packaged treats or drinks and always come prepared with your own.  This may be a little odd for them at first, but they catch on pretty quick. 

Have I missed something?  If I have, feel free to message me, or post a comment with your obstacle.  

Remember to be gentle with yourself.  Most things don't happen overnight.  There is a period of easing into new lifestyle.  Treat the Cross Over as a time to learn and figure things out until one day you've got it.  You'll be living totally zero-waste with ease!