Okay, it was scary, but I did it. I had "the" talk with my husband. The decision to live a zero waste lifestyle yourself is one thing, but involving the family is crucial to success, when you share space. I knew Jack, our super-cool labradane mix, would be an easy sell, but my husband is quite a strong character.And it's tough because we've never seen eye to eye on environmental issues nor on how individuals can effect responsible environmental change. So I was nervous. Really nervous. I didn't want to come off as too extreme or dictatorial. I wanted my passion and enthusiasm to be catching. Turns out, it is!
We stumbled a bit through the beginning of the conversation, as Alan didn't want this change to feel unilateral or dictatorial. But the more we talked, the more it became clear that my husband had also been wanting to make some changes for the better. So here we go! I'm sure our visions differ, but the important thing is we know to tread lightly, use kindness and understanding and to look for solutions when issues arise and friction heats up.
I'm not sure the details of the discussion are relevant or helpful, but if you're curious, let me know. I couldn't be happier with the result. We're now a newly committed zero waste family. Let the fun begin.
What are your obstacles to change? Or, share your secrets of relationship success with change...
I know this is really late, but thought I'd add my 2¢
ReplyDeleteDH works in an environment with lots of waste. He has no problem with it, being incredibly pragmatic. THAT'S been my approach, as abstract ethical issues seem to fall on deaf ears. An example: smaller trash bin = cheaper. There's a sense of aesthetics, too, with glass, and fabric produce bags, towels, etc. I simply hid the paper towels and saran wrap :-)). We have nicer alternatives. Ultimately, since I do the grocery shopping, I control what comes in the house.
There are some lines, though: dog/cat waste comes to mind. We DID try a Doggie Dooley. Had potential, but we we didn't maintain and it, aheem, stank, so still doing conventional disposal.
Anyhow, I'm mainly trying to convince by example. Works!