Hi, my name’s Donna. Ballarat is home, and it's also the place where I'm making changes in my life to consume less waste.
There are always things we can do better, and sometimes going back to the basics is the answer. When I listened to a podcast of Bea Johnson talking about how her family of 4 produced only 4 cups of rubbish over 12 months, I realised that reducing the amount of waste we produce is something we can all improve upon. It was only when I started doing some research on the impact our waste has on our planet, that I really started to understand why Bea and others have gone to the extent they have to reduce the amount of waste they put in the bin. Check out some of the links on the ‘Inspired & Information’ tab. You may find some information quite shocking, but a really good reason to change. Reducing the amount of waste you throw out means you need to purchase things differently. If you stick to Bea’s 5 R’s, then you’ll have it sorted. Buy from shops that sell in ‘bulk’. If you don’t have any of these shops near you then buy products that can be composted. If that's not an option, buy products that can be recycled. Just remember, you don’t just purchase the product you’re actually wanting, but you’re also purchasing the packaging. The waste issues are directly related to our wallets. Money talks very loudly. Spend your money on products that have the least amount of impact on the environment. Be aware first, and hopefully your actions will follow. Sometimes it can be an awkward conversation with a shopkeeper, explaining the reasons why you want things done a bit differently. This website lists the shops I’ve come across, where you’re actually encouraged to bring your own containers. If you know any businesses not listed, let me know so everyone can benefit. Some business will also refill their containers when you return them (sometimes at a discount). If you live in another part of Australia or somewhere else on this planet, you can use the BULK app. This app allows you to find, and add, your local bulk supplying businesses. I’ve listed a few inspirational websites, but there are plenty more on the web that provide great tips on how to make changes. Search, read, watch, listen, and see which ones inspire and motivate you. You want to reduce the amount of waste you throw out, whether you’re an individual, family or business. The key to achieving this is to reduce the amount of waste you consume in the first place. Enjoy the change. Enjoy a healthier planet. Sincerely, Donna 
Hi, I'm Nicole, I live in Ballarat with my growing family and have spent the last few years reducing the waste we produce. I have taken the approach of 'one step at time', making small changes which make a big difference. Using the 5 R's, we started composting, separating soft plastics for RedCycle, using reusable drink vessels, saying no to single use plastic, bulk food shopping, using byo containers and cooking from scratch, these changes have made a significant difference in the amount of waste our famiy produces. Once items needs replaced we are choosing quality, sustainable products instead of the cheap alternatives. I have taken this approach to my workplace, travelling, friends and family, with No Waste Ballarat we are inspiring others to make changes in their lives too.
'We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly'. - Anne-Marie Bonneau |