What does Ariana, the blogger behind Paris To Go, think?

I am very greatful that Ariana, the blogger behind Paris To Go, answered my questions on the Zero Waste lifestyle.

Your general opinion on this lifestyle (what are the prospects of this lifestyle in the future)?

My general opinion is that zero waste is growing in acceptance. Even in my small hometown, where we had no bulk options for years, you can now buy almost everything in bulk at every local grocery store- soap, olive oil, vinegars, ice cream, any type of vegetable, meat, cheese, baked good, even gluten-free pasta... I think the only thing you can't get is unpackaged toilet paper! People are tired of paying for packaging and realizing the huge problem with plastics. The Pacific garbage patch is one off-cited example that urged people to get serious about reducing waste. It's an easily sustained lifestyle once you get the hang of it- the benefits are so great, I think a lot of people don't switch back. Who wants to take garbage out all the time anyway?

Is it hard to live this lifestyle (especially in Paris)?

Paris isn't the cheapest place for anything, but it's actually easier to buy unpackaged here than to shop in conventional grocery stores. It helps that the unpackaged options are more appealing and less expensive than what I see on the shelves at my local Carrefour or Franprix! I think Parisians still like their culture of small, specialized shops- they have relationships with their butcher, the cheese man, the farmer at their favorite market stand, and the owner of their local brewery. This helps make it easy to shop zero waste, because when you get to know these people and they get to know you, they want to help you out. Zero waste is easier for them, too- less money spent on packaging!

Would you encourage other people to do this?

I encourage other people to make as many zero waste switches as they're comfortable with. I feel like big, radical changes are easier to sustain than little baby steps, but I also realize some people will not continue living zero waste if they feel deprived and are always missing other things. If as many people as possible can continue plastic-reducing habits, such as switching to a biodegradable toothbrush or using baking soda as deodorant, this can have a huge effect.

The biggest obsticales to living this lifestyle.

The biggest obstacle is fear of other people. Some are afraid they will be looked at funny or perceived differently if they live and shop zero waste. But most people are curious and supportive! Once you get over that hurdle, zero waste will be more enjoyable and less intimidating.