Book Review: Zero Waste Home & The Hearth Witch

ZERO WASTE HOME:

As far as homemaking goes, this was an interesting book to add to my shelf. I'm not an environmentalists. I think it's down right arrogant of us to think we know what we're doing and that we're saviors of the earth. I firmly believe in the Noadic Covanent. Until Christ returns, we will have springtime and harvest, day and night.

What I do appreciate is good stewardship and seeking to be less wasteful. I read this book in order to judge ways I can continue to simplify my life and waste less. Most of the simplifying things that I can do, I have done. But, this book did spark some great examination of my household,  my systems, and the amount of trash we produce.

So, I'm glad I read this book. I enjoyed it a lot and it was easy to read.

Just a few things:

-I was struck by how much fear resides in those who take up this lifestyle. It really hit me reading this book just how consumed this women is by fear.

-this lifestyle is more than someone with chronic health issues can really tackle 100%. She promises saving time and money and then explains how she makes her own makeup. I already cook pretty much entirely from scratch for health reasons. I don't know how she thinks doing EVERYTHING from scratch is going to save me time. This seemed wildly unrealistic, but maybe it's just knowing my own limitations.

-to fully do this, you would need to live somewhere where the bulk purchases is available. I don't. I could do it on a limited basis, but to get to a bulk store would mean at least a 30 min drive or more.

-Zero Waste is her entire goal in her home. It isn't mine. She talks about even removing throw pillows off your bed and couches because they're wasteful. I don't believe they're wasteful. I think they're warm and inviting, which isn't waste.

-I'm not saving urine to pour on my plants, nor getting rid of my books. I might try making my own lip balm.

So, was this book helpful and worth reading? For me, yes. It sparked some good home-examination which is why I got it in the first place.

Will I implement many of her steps? Not many, but some. Her encouragement that the first step to zero waste is simplifying everything from your meal planning to your home decor was very helpful. Her encouragement to create memories instead of asking for stuff for Christmas sparked some thoughts. I had a several moments where things just clicked in my head based upon what she said.

If you are seeking to be a good steward over your temporary things and trying to simplify your life instead of 'keeping up with the Joneses' this is a good place to start. But, know going into it that this woman is radical. There was so much of this book I laughed off. Much of her lifestyle is ridiculous. So helpful, easy to read, but also mind blowingly insane.

THE HOUSE WITCH

I'm not a pagan or a witch, obviously, but I have found myself oddly standing shoulder to shoulder with these women when it comes to loving being in the home. The House Witch has no issue pointing out how unhappy many women are who have fled the kitchen. It has no problem calling us back to tending our hearths. Also, I'm not really into the 50's Housewife look. I prefer the cauldron,  cast iron pans, frontier woman vibe. Books like this appeal to me.

I don't know that I got anything real practical out of it, other than the encouragement to not ignore the spiritual side of homemaking. Meaning, as a Christian, homemaking does include tending the soul and we should take this seriously. And food, cleanliness, and beauty are all part of that.

I was encouraged, not to cast spells, but to pray for and about my ordinary work.