How to Start a Zero Waste Lifestyle this 2019

By  - 6 years ago

Ding ding! Mother Nature is calling!

In 2018, more people transitioned to more eco-friendly lifestyles thanks to the rise of metal straws. Though this movement doesn’t end with just drinkables, it did create a ripple to help people stay more mindful of what they’re consuming.

Establishments have also started supporting the cause by banning the use of single use plastics and encouraging their customers to bring their own carriers. But it doesn’t end there!

This 2019, challenge yourself to make a few changes in your daily routine so you can do more for the environment. There are still several ways to live a zero-waste life!

 

Ditch single-use plastics

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2018 switch. . . A list of things I’ve been using/switched to for a greener, low impact lifestyle this year: . ✔️ ecobags that I try my best to always bring at least one with me wherever I go ✔️ bamboo utensils (and straw) ✔️ reusable water bottle (thank god for piso-piso tubig machines which are found almost everywhere ?) ✔️ shampoo bar ✔️ produce bags ✔️ bamboo toothbrush (not in the photo) ✔️ reusable coffee cup (I got this around 2016 i think and it has been so useful when I want coffee on the go ☕️) . It has been a great year in terms of progress for me and I actually feel quite proud of myself for pushing through all the times I ever felt discourage when colleages and family members laugh at me for my efforts ?? . Next year, I’m planning on going for a paperless kitchen and hopefully try composting (still looking for community compost piles in Cebu. If anyone knows where, send me a DM) . . What are your switches this year??

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It’s time to switch to reusable items: metal or bamboo straws and utensils, beeswax sandwich wraps, tumblers, menstrual cups — all these could greatly decrease your plastic consumption and waste generation.

Next time you buy a Starbucks drink or your favorite milk tea, remember to bring your own straw and tumbler. Some stores even offer a discount for those who do!

 

Bring eco bags when shopping

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Markets and fruit stalls primarily use soft plastics for packing up your purchases. This is easily one of the main sources of circulation of plastic bags in the city since a huge number of people buy produce from these stalls daily. • Choose to refuse plastics when you’re out and about in the market. Double check before leaving your homes to always make sure to bring your ecobags / reusable produce bags / anything that can hold your purchases for the time being. • • I’ll admit that I am guilty of forgetting my ecobags at home sometimes, especially when I’m in a hurry. And I actually hate (wow such a strong word but yes) myself everytime I buy something that won’t fit in my shoulder bag. But this journey is never faultless and we are not perfect. All we can do is forgive ourselves for the little slip ups and strive to be more conscious and consistent next time. • • Every little effort counts ? . . Produce bags from @habifootwearandlifestyle ?

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Grocery or even retail shopping makes use of excessive amounts of plastic and paper bags on a single trip alone (some stores even use double bags to support heavier products and items).

Why not pack some eco bags before you leave the house instead? These can support more weight and can be used on multiple trips.

 

Support zero waste stores

Invest in glass jars and cloth bags in varying sizes, and fill these with the grocery items you need from zero-waste stores. These are just like the supermarkets you go to sans all the packaging and plastic.

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Bulk shopping is a common sustainable practice shared by the humble market team. It's a chance to buy our products in smaller quantities while conveniently saving money. We encourage bulk shopping because it gives us the option to buy only what we need without having to worry about stocked-up ingredients going bad or unused. It helps us reduce our food waste at home and is a practical way to conserve our natural resources. Bulk shopping is also fun because we get to try new products while keeping it within our budget ? Read more about what bulk shopping is like in humble market and how the store came to be in this wonderful feature article by @nolisoliph. Thank you again for sharing our journey! Photo taken from the article ✨ http://nolisoli.ph/47729/sustainable-shopping-humble-market/ #zerowaste #zerowasteph #zerowasteliving #packagefree #sustainableph #sustainablelivingph #sustainableshopping #supportlocalph #lovelocalph #allnaturalph #trylocalph #wheninmanila

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You can find kitchen items like coffee beans, spices, cooking oil to bathroom products like shampoo bars, soap, and more. Don’t forget your eco bags for the fresh produce!

 

Invest in quality clothing

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Happy Monday! Hope you all stay warm and cozy today ? . . . Here is my #sweaterstack for the cold winter months. This weekend as I was preparing for a new blogpost about my favourite winter fabrics, I discovered so much about the clothing in my wardrobe. It was so interesting to see which purchases were made of the most eco-conscious materials, whether it be slow fashion or old fast fashion. I discovered that a piece of fast fashion I owned was 100% wool! Some of my oldest pieces that have lasted long though not necessarily from ethical brands were made with good materials. I encourage you to take a look through your clothing and let me know what you discover! What kind of materials do you gravitate towards? What’s your longest piece of clothing made of? #capsuleconversations

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If you have the means to, skip fast fashion and avoid cheaper brands. Purchasing more expensive, but higher quality clothing means you can wear them longer so there is also lesser need to repurchase.

 

Live a minimal and simple life

Shift to a “I don’t need it, so I won’t buy it” mindset. If you already have something similar that works just the same, then there is no need to get it. This will avoid hoarding, as well as cut down unnecessary expenses.

Using or producing only what you can consume or finish will also help decrease leftovers. You don’t need to prepare food for 20 people if only ten are eating; otherwise, make sure to consume it in the days to follow.

 

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