You can now listen to Episode 9 of the podcast - it's on Spotify AND Apple Podcasts!
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Randie Cimino, a fulltime surgery/anaesthesia vetinary technician who recently opened a low waste bulk store ‘greener-kinder-smarter, The Know Waste Store’.
Randie has always had a love for the environment and all types of animals. The store’s mission is to make low waste living easier and more accessible.
We discuss her journey towards zero waste living, and the start up of her store, along with why she’s so passionate about living a more zero waste life, and practical tips we can take away to try live more sustainably.
I have so much admiration for what Randie is doing, and I love that she stresses that you can pursue your passion in some form no matter what your age – it may not be the big scale dreamed up version, but there can be a way to find a realistic version of living with your passions expressed in your life.
** Side note, this episode was recorded prior to my move t Malmo, so some of the references to my location refer to where I was living in Cardiff, Wales, UK. **
“Age doesn’t matter about starting new adventures”
How the store started:
The store is open a few days a week at Trenton Farmer’s Market, Lawrence Town, New Jersey. This works great for her as she still works full time, so she chooses what days she opens. (thurs, fri, Saturday). Hoping to also open weds and Sundays soon.
Earth, Food, Love, a zero waste shop in UK – young couple supported her in her set up.
Main challenges she faced when starting the business:
Budget!!!! Randie didn’t have a lot of savings, and her dream store wasn’t feasible, so she did another budget for a smaller scale store – stall at farmers market.
COVID – had to open later than intended. Scared to open during this time – so unsettled.
Location worry – marketing. Market helped as already had people looking for fresh, local produce.
Lots of good feedback from people 😊
Misconception that zero waste alternatives are more expensive – can it be accessible?
Randie believes it is possible, but it's going to take time. People are starting to get more into low waste/zero waste in US. Some companies take advantage of that, and charge more than is necessary to make more profit.
Of course, all businesses want to make a profit, but Randie talks about how she’s prioritising reasonable prices for her customers as her passion is in making low waste living more accessible. It’s sad that larger companies, rather than sticking with their morals, prioritise financial growth.
Considering length of product alongside price. Price might be more at beginning, but over time it’s cheaper.
Food wise, it could easily be accessible – buying product in bulk can be so much cheaper, so can be sold for less.
Little gadgets/nick knacks tend to be the expensive part.
If too expensive, you may be able to find a different route:
DIY! MAKE USE OF WHAT YOU HAVE - It is most sustainable to use what you already have.
Making more conscious, considered purchases. What do you really need?
Randie’s transition to zero waste
She had, and still has, a bit of an obsession with tiny living – Randie is still living in the same house with her partner, but she thought if she had less she would stress less. I CAN RELATE!!
She loves gardening, and the outdoors. So she doesn't use pesticides, and looked into composting which she loves.
We live in such a throwaway culture, and she started seeing it more and realising all that we waste.
Focus on doing the LITTLE THINGS – all adds up. Doing what you can do.
“Before, I just saw products, I didn’t see the packaging that everything came in.”
Talking about recycling – issues in America – recycling being sent to developing countries, they cannot deal with the capacity so are refusing it/not dealing with it, burning it. Something might be classified as recyclable, but your area might not have the ability to recycle it.
“If you don’t get the plastic you don’t have to worry about getting rid of it”
If there’s no zero waste shop in your area, what can you do to reduce plastic waste?
Look into DIY stuff, see if there’s a bulk store nearby – buy in a bigger container/packet, so less plastic (be careful if fresh stuff though as you don’t want to waste something if it goes off before you can use it!!)
Any independent companies online??? Smaller companies rather than big companies, as they tend to be more wasteful and unethical.
Balancing influx of information and looking after your wellbeing/not becoming paralysed:
So upsetting to see how we are destroying the planet, there’s a balance to be struck between knowing it’s there but not continuing to read more and more as this stresses her out.
She tries not to look into every single detail as becomes overwhelming. Just do what you can and make gradual adjustments. Not judging others for their choices and hope they don’t judge you for yours.
How do you find a little bit of Lagom in your life?
Right now, Randie doesn’t feel as balanced as she should be, but she tries to relax and not stress too much. What helps with this is taking time to spend with her dogs, sit outside with them.
PHONE DOWN, COMPUTER AWAY, time away from work. Her and her husband sit outside with a beer and just talk, or by herself listening to the birds. Did do yoga more, enjoys going to classes which hasn’t been possible with Covid, but was something that was really valuable.
Where to find Randie's work:
@theknowwastestore on Instagram
Facebook link:
Thanks so much again to Randie for speaking with me, a very inspiring person, and I learned a lot speaking with her.
I hope you enjoy the episode and you found the information valuable too. If you have any questions, or thoughts, feel free to drop me a message on Instagram @alittlebitoflagom, or an email to alittlebitoflagom@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
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