ZERO WASTE

The average American person generates 2kg of trash every single day. Even though most of the trash (like paper, glass and food scraps) can be recycled or composted, plastic is considered the king of waste. Many people believe plastic is recyclable, but the truth is, only 9% of plastic actually gets recycled. What happens to the rest of that? Well, since it cannot be repurposed, most of it ends in the landfill, or worse, in the ocean, forming huge plastic islands like the Great Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean.

In order to fight against plastic, a group of people started a movement called: Zero Waste. This movement, that takes ideas from the vegan movement and minimalism, refuses any kind of disposable garbage. Can Zero Waste be the solution to climate change and plastic pollution?

Zero Waste only has 5 rules, and they are called the 5R’s.

Refuse, anything you do not need; reduce, your consumption and waste; reuse, everything you own, so you do not have to purchase new items; rot or compost the food waste and organic, and recycle everything left.

It is true most of the trash and greenhouse emissions come from big companies. However, us, as consumers, have a huge responsibility and power in our buying choices, and this is why we need to be mindful about our production.

The first and easiest way to reduce our footprint is to avoid big companies and chains. By shopping at second-hand shops and local businesses you can help the circular economy and reduce the number of resources that are being used. Another great tip to reduce single-use plastic is to carry with you reusable materials. Avoid plastic bags at shops by bringing your own plastic bag, substitute that plastic bottle for a reusable water bottle…

The bathroom is one of the biggest trash producers. From the excessive packaging to the dozens of microplastics in the beauty products. An easy swap is to use a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one, or a reusable stainless steel safety razor, instead of a disposable one. Another awesome way to reduce your waste in the bathroom is to make your own beauty and health products. There are thousands of recipes on the internet that will show you how to make everything in your bathroom: toothpaste, moisturizer, soap, makeup, conditioner… If you choose to purchase these, make sure they are from sustainable and ecological companies, and they come with the minimal packaging (like shampoo bars, which come package-free).

On the other hand, food is also a big example of excessive waste. Globally, 1/3 of all the food in the world is thrown away. Simple actions like meal prepping or saving scraps for broth can save food and money. When shopping, bulk shops are the best option. You get the amount you need in your own reusable containers and you save tons of money in the long run. If you cannot access to bulk shops, you can still shop sustainably by bringing your own bags and choosing local, organic and in-season products.

Zero Waste can be the solution to a problem we have been carrying around for years. It is known that consumers have great power, and by making simple choices, we can change the narrative to a broader picture and a brighter future for us and the planet.

I believe Zero Waste can definitely change the world we live in. It is not only our choice as consumers but also our responsibility and duty as humans. We need to protect the planet we live in since it is the only one we have.

For more information you can visit the official website

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