She Strengthens

Embracing Sustainability: My Journey Towards a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who practiced various forms of sustainability. From recycling to avoiding aerosol products, I was taught the importance of reducing my environmental impact from a young age. However, despite my best efforts, I still have a long way to go in terms of achieving a zero-waste lifestyle.

What Does Zero Waste Mean?

The concept of zero waste is straightforward: reduce your environmental waste to as close to zero as possible. This can be achieved by replacing single-use products with reusable alternatives, avoiding unnecessary waste, and considering the environmental impact of production and transportation.

My Sustainability Goals

One of my goals is to reduce my household waste to just one garbage bin per month. While I’ve made progress in recent months, I still struggle with recyclable waste, particularly when it comes to packaging from online shopping.

Identifying Problem Areas

Upon reflection, I’ve identified several areas where I can improve:

• Tea Bags: I’ve been using single-use tea bags, which contribute to a significant amount of waste. I plan to switch to loose-leaf tea and a reusable tea strainer.
• Trash Bin Liners: I’ve been using paper bags to line my trash bins, but I can do better. I’ll start dumping the entire bin instead of using liners.
• Cotton Rounds: I’ve been using single-use cotton rounds for my skincare routine. Instead, I’ll switch to reusable cotton pieces that can be washed and reused.
• Dryer Sheets: I’ve been using dryer sheets, but I can replace them with reusable dryer balls.

The Struggle with Online Shopping

While online shopping may seem convenient, it contributes significantly to packaging waste. I’ve been relying too heavily on Amazon and need to find alternative, locally sourced options to reduce my carbon footprint.

The Interim Solution

For now, I’ll focus on reducing my overall consumption. Fewer purchases mean less waste, and it’s a step in the right direction. I’m committed to breaking my Amazon habit and finding more sustainable ways to live.

The Journey Ahead

I’m not perfect, but I’m committed to making progress. I welcome any thoughts or ideas on how to reduce waste and live more sustainably. It’s time to take control of my carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.