A Zero Waste Lifestyle is one where an individual limits as much as possible the amount of waste in one's day. This module was extremely informative about the problems associated with the mass disposal of waste. The "low hanging fruit" for most of the American Population, this translates to no disposable plastics and no plastic containers. To take it a step further, an individual can compost or even make their own products. I have already eliminated disposable plastics like plastic straws or disposable cups, but I need to take it a step further. After examining my trash, a majority of my waste comes from pre-packaged food items and bio-degradable items. I think this hardest part about eliminating pre-packaged foods are the meat items that I buy. I mainly buy organic and responsibly raised meat, but this is still packaged in some sort of plastic film. One substitute is to specifically go to an environmentally friendly butcher, and I bet it would taste amazing! One thing I find the most challenging is making my own personal toiletries. That is something I am definitely looking into. To start, here are a couple links showing how to make shampoo:
I tried making my own shampoo out of baking soda and rising with apple cider vinegar. I must say that I can definitely do this once a week, however, if I am honest, I would have to say that it is not convenient. I buy natural and organic products that are fair trade, animal cruelty free, and harm reducing to my health.
ReplyDeleteI admire your lifestyle when it comes to food, and I agree that toiletry substitutions are tricky. We've become so dependent on our seemingly effective personal care products and it's encouraging to learn how harmful they are to self and environment.
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