Would you ever think it possible to live totally waste-free? Your daily coffee from CC’s Coffee House, your pre-packaged lunch, even your toothbrush creates waste. You might be thinking to yourself, “How would I survive?”
Anne and Blake Fugler have made this daunting task a reality, and through their blog “Zero Waste Baton Rouge,” have created a forum for tips, recipes and encouragement for those who want to learn more about the lifestyle.
The young couple had always recycled whenever they could, but wanted to do more.
“Recycling can sometimes be a psychological band-aid that doesn’t actually fix the problem of waste,” Blake said. “As most of the plastics we recycle will still end up in the garbage.”
About a year and a half ago, Anne discovered the zero waste lifestyle on YouTube, but it wasn’t until April the duo decided to make the switch.
After thorough research, the couple realized to live waste-free, they had to alter their entire lifestyle, Anne said.
In addition to cutting some items completely out of their lives, they had to get creative when acquiring necessities like shampoo, toothbrushes and groceries.
“I thought I would slowly get into it, but I dove right in,” Anne said.
Blake remembers coming home to discover his wife had bought 1,000 worms, soil and a large plastic bin to create a compost pile in the closet of their downtown apartment, he said.
By utilizing their compost pile, they can virtually eliminate paper and food waste while also gaining fertile soil for their house plants. The pair began to reuse glass jars they already had, and jars from queso, jams or olives. Glass ultimately became a necessity for buying other groceries, they said.
At Whole Foods Market, the pair brings their own jars and fills them with dry goods like coffee, tea and spices, effectively buying groceries without creating waste. They also recommend buying items like rice and lentils in bulk.
The Fuglers also make regular visits to the farmer’s market for fresher items like eggs and produce.
The pair also had to think of the implications when eating out at locations that utilized plastic to serve their food. Items like reusable bottles and metal straws along with utensils brought from home became essentials when dining out.
While some might think it difficult to live zero-waste in Baton Rouge, it’s not impossible — it just takes a little more effort, Anne said.
“It’s a little more about sacrifice and appreciation for the things you eat,” Anne said. “It’s given me an appreciation of where my food comes from.”
The couple found their new lifestyle generated an avenue for creativity in the kitchen. They’ve learned how to create their favorite meals at home, which is often more satisfying than eating out, Blake said.
“You’re spending less because you’re not buying all these foods you were buying before…and the lifestyle of zero waste helps reduce impulse buying,” Anne said.
With the encouragement of several friends, the Fuglers created their blog “Zero Waste Baton Rouge,” in June to document their journey and provide tips for those wanting to try the lifestyle.
“[The blog is a] very authentic, down-to-earth version of what it was like to transition into this lifestyle,” Blake said.
Blake writes the majority of their posts while Anne oversees their social media. Blake’s writing has a funnier take, while she tends to create the posts that focus on lifestyle tips.
“[The blog is] meant to be more of a journey,” Anne said. “[As in] watch our journey, watch our struggles and learn from our mistakes.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Aurianna Cordero

A jar of trash sits on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, at Magpie on Laurel Street in downtown Baton Rouge.