A Visit to the Local Landfill
When you throw something “away,” where do you think it goes? Or do you even think about it once it makes its way into your trash bag?
I had the chance to visit the local landfill and ReSource Center here in Santa Barbara County last week — my second visit in two years — and I was just as mind blown as the first time.
Being there generated so many new questions and a huge amount of respect for the people who work there every day. Let’s just say… it’s aromatic.
Standing on top of what is essentially a mountain of trash is a very different experience than tossing something into your kitchen garbage can.
It makes one thing crystal clear: there is no such thing as “away.”
The 2026 Conscious Consumer Checklist: What Actually Matters (And What Really Doesn’t)
Let’s be honest: being a “good” consumer has started to feel like a full-time job (or at least a very committed side hustle). Reusable this. Compostable that. A new eco swap every time you open Instagram (maybe even from The Mindful Edit!). And while many of these small, everyday choices do absolutely matter — especially when they’re accessible and fit naturally into our lives — the constant stream of “do this better” can start to feel overwhelming, even for me.
Let’s Talk About Food Waste
Here’s a startling fact: in the U.S., it’s estimated that up to 40% of all food is wasted, from farms to retailers to homes. Not only is that a major environmental concern, but it’s also a huge waste of money and resources. And the kicker? Most of this waste is completely preventable.
But don’t worry — tackling food waste at home is way easier than you might think.