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In 2007 the filmmakers behind the Clean Bin Project, Grant Baldwin and Jen Rustmeyer took a cycling trip down the Pacific Coast of the United States and discovered after months of carrying everything they needed on their bicycles, that they had too much stuff.

“In fact there was an entire house filled with all sorts of things that we hadn’t missed at all while we were away. This led us to believe that maybe we didn’t need all those things in the first place and that definitely we didn’t need to keep buying more things that were just going to end up in the landfill. We figured we could go for days or even weeks without buying more “stuff”. Heck, why not a year?”

The native Canadians decided to begin a pledge on Canada Day, July 1, 2008 not to buy anymore stuff or create anymore waste for one year. The couple made a competition out of it and documented their 1 year journey to lighten their load and their imprint on the planet.

The film, which debuted in 2010 has won 9 awards so far including Best Canadian Documentary (2011) and most recently Best Conservation Film at the Bend Film Festival in Oregon (2011).

Red Flag Magazine interviewed the couple to find out how challenging it actually was and if they have any tips for those looking to limit the amount of stuff that ends up in their waste bins.

To watch a trailer of the film and learn how we became a “disposable culture watch the film clip above”

Interview with Grant Baldwin and Jen Rustmeyer of the The Clean Bin Project:

Red Flag Magazine: How did you come up with the idea to create and take on the Clean Bin Project?

Jen and Grant: There were many reasons, but the main one was simple frustration with packaging. We were tired of buying crap that came with a pile of plastic bigger than the item we bought. We were aware of environmental issues, but couldn’t seem to make any personal changes, so we came up with the Clean Bin Project to focus in on one issue (waste) and force ourselves into action.

RFM: Was there a moment during the competition when you thought “I don’t think I can do this?”

Jen: The first couple weeks were the hardest. It was a little overwhelming the first time we went in a grocery store and realized that we couldn’t buy 95% of what was on the shelves. After the initial shock, I got used to it, but is is still frustrating to live zero waste and watch others double bagging their groceries with plastic.

Grant: No, once we started I always knew we could follow through, but I had serious doubts about whether our tiny project was making a difference in the world.

RFM: What was one of the most shocking statistics you learned throughout your research of human consumption and waste?

Jen and Grant: Pretty much every consumption statistic we dug up was shocking. 2 million plastic water bottles are used every 5 minutes in the US. It seems so unnecessary, especially when you realize that even the bottles that get recycled aren’t being turned into new bottles, they get downcycled into lower grade products..

RFM: Were any new aspects of yourself both negative and positive revealed as you faced the challenges presented by this project?

J: I learned a lot of new skills during the year (making laundry soap, baking bread, etc), and I really found a new passion for environmental education that I didn’t know was there.

G: I thought that my urge to be a consumer would fade over the year, but it really didn’t; it took a lot of self control not to run out and buy something new when an item broke, but I definitely think I’m better for the experience.

RFM: Did any aspect of the Clean Bin Project initially start out as a challenge and end up being surprisingly fun and rewarding?

J&G: Yes, we spent less time shopping (difficult at first) and more time doing things that were more worthwhile like making a documentary and connecting with other people.

RFM: How did your community expand by taking on this project?

J&G: Because we chose to make our project public through a blog and film, we have met the most amazing network of people. We are currently touring the Clean Bin Project movie, and in each town we meet amazing and inspiring people that I immediately connect with, many of whom we will have lasting friendships with.

RFM: Jen,  at what moment during the challenge did Grant really impress you?

Jen: He was the one who came up with the idea for the project, and the one who suggested we blog and make a movie about it. His determination really impressed me, so I knew from day one he could follow through.

RFM: Grant, At what moment in the challenge did you feel threatened that Jen might win?

Grant: There were a few moments when I thought that she would win. I had an accident, and my trip to the hospital sent me home with a few items for my garbage. But we were really neck and neck all year – you have to see the movie to find out who won in the end!

RFM: What are your consumption and disposal habits like post “Clean Bin Project”? How much of it actually stuck?

J&G: Before the project we had a full garbage bin every week. During the project, we produced about 4 pounds each in the whole year (imagine one grocery bag). Now that it’s over, we take a single grocery bag’s worth of garbage out every 2 or 3 months, so it definitely had a lasting impact on the way we shop and consume.

RFM: If someone wanted to take on their own “Clean Bin” challenge what would be your advice and what are some solutions to obstacles you faced that you would share?

J&G: I would do a little more preparation and buy or make some reusable mesh bags for bulk and produce and collect some glass jars for food storage before starting out. We buy all our dried food (rice, pasta, grains, nuts in bulk). At first it’s embarrassing to use your own container at the butcher or deli, but it gets easier. I’d also get a safety razor and a quality block of package-free soap for shaving. The one thing I did have the foresight to do before our project was get a reusable menstrual cup, so I didn’t have to use tampons or pads – I still use it, and it’s great.

I would also try to get a team of friends or family on board. It’s more fun when there are more people participating. At the very least, publicizing what you’re doing will keep your friends looking over your shoulder and will keep you on track.

RFM: What are you working on right now?

J&G: Right now, we are touring the film in festivals and communities. We made a shorter, student version, and we have also been visiting high schools and sharing our story with youth. We have a couple idea for a new film, but we won’t be working on that until next spring.

To find out about upcoming public screenings in your area or to learn more about the project visit: www.cleanbinmovie.com