Green Indy Blog helps bring zero waste to Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, Ind. —  As Polly Barks tells it, she started to make her transition to a zero waste lifestyle at the worst possible time. 

"I started going zero waste in a food desert, on a budget and without a car," Barks said. 

Zero waste is a lifestyle philosophy that focuses on generating no trash or as little garbage as possible. Individuals achieve this by incorporating reusable and recyclable products into every aspect of their life, from grocery bags to clothing. 

Barks started her blog, Green Indy Blog, in 2016 when she was living in Indianapolis to help those interested in converting to a zero waste lifestyle. 

"I wanted to share with people that it is possible to do this, regardless of your circumstances, and you can get it done whether you have a lot of money or not," Barks said. 

Four months ago Barks moved to Lafayette and is now looking to bring zero waste concepts to the area. 

In addition to running her blog, Barks is hoping to partner with local organizations to enhance education about zero waste principals. She will also be offering a host of workshops. 

The workshops will usually be free of charge, Barks said, with a suggested donation. The donations will go back into the community and finding ways to promote zero waste practices. In her most recent workshop, which focused on homemade deodorant, Barks said she made enough from the workshop to buy three menstrual cups for women in the Greater Lafayette community. 

The cups went to women interested in trying the product but didn't have the funds to invest in one. 

Barks said she is planning to offer one workshop a month. 

The zero waste blogger doesn't necessarily recommend doing as she did and transitioning to a zero waste life in one go. It can be better to ease into it, she said. 

She offered a few suggestions for actions people can take in their everyday life that have a major impact on the environment and waste management. 

First of all, Barks said, stop using plastic shopping bags. Just stop.

"Plastic bags are so easy to cut out. Bring some cloth or tote bags to the store, we all have them," she said. 

Barks also suggested finding one household article that can be replaced with a zero waste item. Sponges, for example, are an easy option. Instead of using plastic sponges 100 percent biodegradable sponges can be found at most grocery stores, including Payless. 

Finally, Barks added, buying bulk instead of packaged goods can help eliminate waste. 

"Check it out and buy just one thing if you're not sure about it," Barks said. 

City Foods Co-op and Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market both have extensive bulk sections, she said. 

And of course, Bark's blog has more tips, inspiration and stories for those looking to transition to zero waste. 

Visit Green Indy Blog at: http://greenindyblog.com/. 

Reach Journal & Courier reporter Emma Ea Ambrose at eambrose@gannett.com or 765-431-1192.