Moving to a quaint mountain town nestled at an elevation of 6,500+ feet above sea level has brought about countless changes, both anticipated and unexpected. The breathtaking views and serene landscapes offer a tranquil escape, but it has also presented unique challenges. From the difficulties of cooking at high altitudes to the daily trek from town to my home, just three blocks away, where I often find myself pausing to catch my breath - life up here is different.
One of the challenges that recently came to the forefront of my mountain-living experience is food waste. In our quest to embrace a minimal and waste-free lifestyle, we've discovered that living in a single-use world comes with its own set of complexities. What's triggered this heightened awareness of food waste? Well, it's the bears.

Yes, bears. These majestic creatures call this mountain town home, and I'm not exaggerating when I say you can practically see them strolling down the street, three feet from my front door on a regular basis. In light of this close coexistence with wildlife, disposing of our food waste has become an ethical and logistical puzzle. We can't place any food scraps in our regular trash bin until the morning of pickup. The reason is simple: we don't want to inadvertently feed our wild neighbors. While it might seem like a harmless gesture, it could lead to bears venturing into town in search of easy meals, putting both them and us at risk. It's a harsh reality - these animals may be euthanized if they become too comfortable in our town, a prospect that I, as an animal lover, find deeply troubling.
So, we've resorted to freezing every single food scrap for a week at a time, hoping to remember to put it out on trash day. This isn't just about protecting the bears; it's about preserving the harmonious balance of life in this mountain town. You see, the sheer quantity of food waste we generate every day has opened my eyes to a sobering reality. The guilt I feel every time I add scraps to our freezer bag is a powerful reminder of the change I need to make.

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