Maybe you know this scenario all too well: while making dinner, you reach into the refrigerator and find that the broccoli you bought two weeks ago is past its prime. You have to throw it out—again! Ugh! You can almost hear your mother reminding you not to waste food, and you think to yourself, "This was the week I was supposed to turn over a new leaf."

Instead, you quickly glance around to make sure no one is looking, then toss the broccoli in the garbage and think, "Out of sight, out of mind." You promise yourself that next week you'll start reducing and preventing food waste. You might even beat yourself up, thinking, "I knew I needed to use that broccoli! I can’t believe I let it go bad!" But after all this, you go back to your day—"out of sight, out of mind," right?

Deep down, we know it's not really "out of mind." That nagging feeling of doing something wrong or not living up to our values builds up throughout the day, adding to our stress and negativity. You don't need to be a behavioral psychologist to see that these aren't good conditions for learning new habits and making lasting changes. We need a different approach—one that not only addresses the problem but also fosters a sense of achievement and positivity.

Now, let's shift our focus to a different realm: fashion and shopping for clothes. Think about the exhilaration you feel when you stumble upon an incredible deal, like finding a designer top at a fraction of its original price. It's not just about the joy of the moment; it's the thrill that lingers every time you wear the shirt, reminding you of your savvy shopping skills. Nope, from then on, every time you wear the shirt, you're reminded of that wonderful sense of achievement. And when someone compliments you on it, you can't help but blurt out, "Can you believe I got it for only $10?!", not thank you.

Surprisingly, the satisfaction of preserving a two-week-old broccoli aligns with the excitement of discovering a fashion steal! Just as thrilling as snagging a bargain is the sense of accomplishment that comes from keeping your vegetables fresh and vibrant for an extended period. The satisfaction of achieving this feat is undeniable, and once you master the techniques for preserving produce, you'll be eager to share your success with others.

And just like with the designer shirt, you can’t resist sharing the incredible price.Similarly, when you master a produce-saving technique, you might find yourself telling friends or family, “Guess what? My strawberries are still perfect after being in my refrigerator for over 2 weeks!” Sharing these victories – and the extra value you gain from them – reinforces the positivity and joy you gained.

In both situations, you’re finding unexpected value through your own resourcefulness… and I’d argue that the broccoli hack is even more powerful because it wasn’t luck (as it was with the bargain), but your own creativity and accomplishment!

So, whether you're celebrating a fashion find or a kitchen triumph, the joy stems from feeling savvy, resourceful, and pleasantly surprised. And the real change comes from turning these moments of joy into lasting habits. Let's embrace our creativity in the kitchen, celebrate our successes, and share our stories with others. After all, reducing waste isn't just responsible—it's stylish too!

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