Here I am, back in Milano after an unsuccessful attempt at La Freni's masterclass, and no, I don't want to talk about it. It wasn't a very pleasant experience, but I did learn a lot. I think I will probably do a post soon about singing teachers here and at home, and some of the observations I have made til this point.

What I want to tell you about today is my garbage can.

Yesterday I collected all of my garbage in a bag so that I could analyze it today. What was very clear to me was that the changes I need to make are few but significant.
Here are the contents of my trash bag from yesterday, admittedly an abnormal day but nonetheless --
- paper napkins and paper towels
- receipts
- an orange peel
- two yogurt cups and foil lids
- food packaging, paper and plastic
- an apple core

On the Italy group in our forum, the results showed an overwhelming amount of food packaging and that is seriously no surprise to any of us. How to avoid this? Well, you try your best but it is nearly impossible. By asking around I have learned of a bulk food store. As well, I try to buy products in one layer of packaging only, or in reusable packaging: resealable containers or bags, glass bottles, durable plastic if necessary.

At home, we separate our food garbage so I never had to think about composting. Here, I am thinking about putting a bin on the verandah or asking for a corner of the garden in the courtyard. I think it would be better to compost though, so that the family I live with could participate too.

As for paper products I have begin carrying a tea towel for hand drying and napkin usage; as for a hanky I have yet to get one and get comfortable with the idea of carrying my snot.

I started a box of scrap paper today. As a teacher I kill at least one tree a day; the least I can do is milk that tree for all it's worth. Into the box went the receipts and the train tickets.

Look! I can make my own yogurt! So can you! Kefir is easy to make too; you can purchase the starter at any health food store and then just buy milk as you need.
(Milk here comes in small cardboard containers that are not really like Tetra paks but they call them that anyway. I have yet to see milk in glass containers.)

What other ways can we reduce trash, besides reusing packaging, composting, making things instead of buying them packaged, and recycling? Any more creative ideas out there?
Maybe the freegans have some. Wow -- I am not so sure about my thoughts on humanure. Wikipedia was definitely on the right track by linking this article with "radical environmentalism".
Thoughts?

Lastly, I wanted to share the climatecounts.org pocket.sized company profile with you. It's right here so have a look and see if you're surprised at all.

Well, happy Monday! From now on, we are trying to be trashless, people!

Tomorrow we green our commutes. I am walking to work and the pool and taking the stairs everywhere I go, even at home where there are seven flights!