Earth Day 2024: Learning Sustainability with Lisa Christy

Today, Monday, April 22 is Earth Day. It’s a time to reflect and take action on how we can individually and collectively care better for our environment. Lisa Christy is partnering with ETS to lead us in being more responsible and become a zero-waste organization. She’s a “student and teacher of sustainable ways to protect our home.” Keep reading to learn more about her connection with ETS and how we plan to work with her to eliminate wastes and make sustainability part of our future exchanges.

Q: How did you learn about Erase The Space (ETS)?:
A: I learned about Erase The Space through my kids’ babysitter, Eleanor Keener. Our family just loves her and we heard that she was a part of the Undesign the Redline exhibit at the Worthington Library. We took the family to see it and listened to a local podcast that she was on, with Derek from EtS. I remember thinking that this EtS organization sounds amazing! I even had my parents listen to the podcast before coming to visit. The first thing they said was, “Lisa, you have to get involved with that organization.” 

Q: What does zero-waste mean to you?
A: To me, zero waste is taking the time and effort to attempt to reduce the amount of waste that will end up in the landfill.  

Q: What are some misconceptions about zero-waste you feel people have?
A: Some common misconceptions are that attempting to be zero-waste will cost more, take more time and are difficult to manage. It can be very easy to think that when you throw things AWAY that they actually go AWAY. But that is simply not true. I highly suggest everyone take a landfill tour through SWACO. It was eye opening and changed how I thought about trash forever.

Q: What are small, simple ways people can implement a zero-waste lifestyle?
A: The easiest way of implementing a zero-waste lifestyle is to recycle and compost everything you can. In Central Ohio, we are lucky to have curbside recycling pick up and our recycling provider, Rumpke, has been able to expand what they are able to accept over the past couple years, which is great! Here is a list of the items they can current accept: https://www.rumpke.com/for-your-home/recycling/acceptable-items. 

I was amazed at how much less trash we had once we started composting. You can start out simple if you want to do backyard composting by just composting fruit and vegetable scraps. They decompose quickly and are easily mixed with your lawn clippings - no worms needed! Even easier is to find a local compost drop off facility. This is what we do now in Worthington and we can compost much more, like cooked/raw meat, non-coated paper, napkins, etc. You can find Columbus residence drop off locations here. Follow along with me on my journey on a compostable lifestyle on Instagram @thesilverliningwithlisa.

My family tries to pause and consider all one time use product purchases and decide if we really need them. Some questions, to ask:

• Do we really need a case of water bottles or could we just take the time to fill up the stainless steel ones we already have, fill them, and keep them ready to go in the fridge?  
• Can we use reusable produce bags or not use them at all when buying my apples at the grocery store because I am going to wash them before I eat them no matter what?  

Those are just small examples that over time add up.  

Lastly, watch TV shows, documentaries, read books, listen to podcasts, etc. about the environment. We all can slide back to what is easiest and “kick the can down the road.” The reality is, if you think about the fish in the Olentangy River trying to eat your plastic water bottle, you will do better at making sure that water bottle goes into a secure recycling bin. 

Q: Tell us about your ideas/vision for zero-waste and how ETS specifically can participate in this effort?
A: I am super excited to say that we have had so much support before we have even started! We are going to be working Sustainable Westerville (shoutout to Bethany), SWACO, & Rumpke.  We would like our events to be as waste free as possible and hope to do some zero waste/science/environment focused partnerships with participating classrooms. We know that our students involved in ETS will help guide us where to go and I am certain they will teach us in the process!  

Q: Can you provide examples of how other small nonprofits or businesses implement zero-waste practices?
A: My favorite zero waste example is the zero waste lunch at Worthington Estates Elementary School. The program is student led (with the help of a beloved 4th grade teacher) and so well run. Students volunteer to help their peers sort their lunch waste into various bins for recycling, compost, trash, and items that can be donated to the local food pantry. The student and school buy-in is so important in keeping the program going. 

Q: What three words would you use to describe ETS?
A: Hopeful. Healing. Necessary.


Follow Lisa's journey in sustainability by following her at The Silver Lining With Lisa on social media.