Zero Waste Impromptu BBQ

A few weeks ago my husband and I planned a day hike with some friends up to the Tourist Club. Afterword we decided to have everyone over for an impromptu BBQ. We needed food and beer so I knew I better act fast to avoid all the waste that usually comes with a party, especially an unplanned last minute one! I volunteered to go on a food and beer run with my friend Reny, she was happy to help out!

I quickly grabbed a few jars, produce bags, shopping bag and our two beer growlers. We hopped in the car and were on our way. We swung by Mill Valley Market, first stop was the meat counter. I asked the butcher to fill up my large jar with chicken thighs and a smaller jar with ground chuck, he happily obliged. Next we needed buns for the burgers, I filled my bread sack with rolls available in bulk. Then over to produce, I filled my produce bag with fresh corn and picked up a watermelon for dessert. Once we got to the check out line I showed Reny my jars-o-meat (she was Instagraming while we were racing around so I knew she didn't notice me asking the butcher to place the goods in my jars) she looked at it and said "Woah, that's awesome! Did they give you a discount, because they should?!" I said "No, no discount but that would be nice, haha." 

We checked out then headed down the street to Mill Valley Beerworks. We filled both growlers that we brought with our favorite, 'Sweetwater Kolsch.' The entire trip took a total of 20 minutes door-to-door. Our friends couldn't believe how fast we were and I was happy that we were able to do a full on Zero Waste shopping trip on the fly! 

The party was a success. We drank beer, wine,(refilled bottles of course!) grilled and even played charades. A good time was had by all! =)

{Reny and I enjoying the Tourist Club}

Non-toxic Alternative: Baking Soda

After reading "Slow Death By Rubber Duck" I was on a mission to eliminate harmful chemicals from our home. The toxic cleaning products we had been using had to go. I did my research and found great homemade alternatives often using baking soda that are chemical free, super inexpensive and easy to make. I bought a good amount of baking soda in bulk on our last trip to Rainbow Grocery. Baking soda is extremely versatile, here are all the ways I'm currently using it.

Cleaning:

- Natural Soft Scrub

- Lemon Dishwashing Detergent

- Sprinkle straight on tile and scrub

Hygiene:

- Toothpaste

- Deodorant

Recipes

Lemon Dishwashing Detergent:
¾ cup baking soda
½ cup salt
2 - 3 tsp dr. bronners soap
1 lemon worth of zest and juice
Mix all dry ingredients eliminating lumps then add the lemon zest, juice and soap. Mix well and use, 1 heaping tbsp per dishload. Make sure there is white vinegar in the rince liquid receptacle. This actually can also be used as a garbage disposal refresher. I got the recipe from SavvySugar tried it and they never set up. I was thinking it would make a great dishwasher detergent, tried it and was blown away with how well it worked!

Toothpaste (updated 9/13):
1 Part Baking Soda
1 Part Coconut Oil
1/4 tsp Stevia Powder
15 - 20 drops of food safe peppermint essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until it forms a paste then transfer in to a jar.

Homemade Deodorant:
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot
10 drops tea tree oil
1 - 2 tsp coconut oil
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, press in to an empty clean deodorant dispenser.

Homemade Hummus Recipe

One of life's simple pleasures is a warm piece of fresh bread served with a smear of something fresh and delicious. My sister first gave me 'Amber's Famous Hummus' recipe a few years ago in a recipe binder. I loved it then and over time have moulded it in to what works best for us. We enjoy this spread on bread for a sandwich or to serve it with carrot sticks as dip. It's so versatile, tasty, healthy and easy to make.  

Hummus 

(adapted from ‘Amber’s Famous Hummus Recipe’)

Prep:
Soak 1 cup dried garbanzo beans in a bowl of water on the counter for 12 - 24 hours, change water once if needed. Strain beans then boil in fresh water for an hour to an hour and a half, strain and use immediately or store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator covered with cooking liquid for up to three days.

Ingredients:
{garbanzo beans}
3 ½ tbsp tahini
3 tbsp lemon juice or light colored vinegar
½ tsp salt
2 - 3 cloves of garlic
2 tsp olive oil
¾ tsp cumin
¾ tsp paprika

Directions:
Place all ingredients into a bowl, blend smooth with a hand blender. If mixture is looking dry, add more cooking water.

Store in an airtight jar for up to 10 days in the refrigerator, it usually doesn't last that long in our house =)

Zero Waste Recipes: Cleaners

My husband and I have been striving towards a zero waste lifestyle for over a year now. We make much of what we used to buy. This not only cuts down unwanted packaging but also saves us money and eliminates harmful chemicals from our home. 

I have tested and tweaked this collection of recipes and have boiled them down to what works best for us with what's available in bulk in our area. We make and use all of these household items and would never go back to the packaged alternatives, we are hooked! Enjoy the health benefits, sense of accomplishment and ease on your wallet!

Home Recipes:

Homemade Antibacterial Soft Scrub Cleanser:
3/4 cup baking soda (you can add a little more if it seems a little thin after it’s all mixed together.)
1/4 cup castile soap (We use Tea Tree scented Dr. Bronners)
1 Tablespoon water
10-15 drops of tea tree oil
1 Tablespoon vinegar

I store mine in a shampoo bottle I washed out and removed the label from, the squeeze bottle makes cleaning a breeze

Homemade All Purpose Cleaner:
In a clean spray bottle, fill ½ inch with white vinegar
then a few drops of essential oil or dr. bronners for scent
fill the rest of the bottle up with water and shake before use

Homemade Laundry Detergent:
1 part Borax (usually I use 1 cup)
1 part Washing Soda (usually I use 1 cup)
1 Bar of soap grated with a cheese grater
Mix well in a bowl with a wooden spoon
Store in jar, use 1 heaping tbs per load

Hello Blogosphere! This is my first post on the Gennarator Blog. On this blog I plan to share my explorations, creativity, tips and life events. I welcome comments and idea sharing. 

All the best,
Gennarator