I recently saw a Facebook album showing tips for a zero-waste or low-waste lifestyle. It had a lot of really good ideas, but there were also suggestions in there that didn’t quite sit well with some people.
For instance, the post suggested that to lessen your buying of hygiene products with wasteful packaging, you could make your own toothpaste and deodorant(!). I know a few friends who cringed at that. It’s not that do-it-yourself toothpaste is completely gross; it’s that some of us have non-negotiable hygiene requisites that just can’t be sensibly replaced by homemade stuff.
Ideas like these, while doable for some, are a turn-off for others. They’re misconceptions that prevent people from even considering any waste-reducing change in their lives.
Let’s take a realistic look at some common myths about zero-waste living. Hopefully, the truth behind these misconceptions will change a few minds. :)
Myth: Everything has to be homemade.
Truth: While it’s true that do-it-yourself (DIY) items help reduce packaging waste like plastics and styros, you don’t have to DIY every single thing in your life! As mentioned above, you likely have certain non-negotiables – you rely on specific sanitary products, or perhaps store-bought instant noodles are your lifesaver. There is no rule that says you must replace these with something you made at home.
The trick is to be conscious of your purchases and their packaging after you’ve used them. If you can avoid them, great. If you can reduce your dependence on them, awesome. If not, recycle what you can and properly dispose of the rest.
Myth: You have to throw away the stuff you have now.
Truth: Unnecessarily throwing away items only adds to the garbage. It doesn’t make sense to ditch your perfectly good tumbler or kitchen set just because they’re not made of organic materials. Since we’re aiming for less garbage, we want to make use of our items for as long as reasonably possible. Get good mileage out of those plastic boxes currently in your pantry!
Myth: You have to buy expensive alternatives.
Truth: Lots of people are willing to pay extra just for that "eco-friendly" label. While this is ultimately a personal decision, you'll actually want to think twice before spending more on 'green' stuff, because there's such a thing as greenwashing.
Instead, consider sustainable options that don’t cost much or don't cost anything at all. Old totes instead of branded green bags. Strategic commuting instead of guilt-investing into a hybrid car. Skipping plastic straws but wincing at reusable straws? Revolutionary idea: drink straight from the glass.
Myth: You have to live and look like a hippie.
Truth: Gone are the days when environmental issues were exclusively for tree-huggers. Today, all sorts of people want to contribute to solutions. We’re talking people like fashion designers, furniture makers, business moguls, and scientists.
And with this abundance of talent that’s shifting over to sustainability, you get everyday options that are environment-friendly but still sophisticated. Just look at the world-class, sustainable creations of Rajo Laurel and Kenneth Cobonpue. Even better, there are plenty of local makers who have always used sustainable materials and put out tasteful, long-lasting, yet accessible products. (Hello, beautiful rattan couches.)
Myth: Less-waste lifestyle is difficult.
Truth: Reducing your garbage can be the easiest thing in the world! It’s a matter of making small changes to your daily decisions and actions. Here’s a quick tip: Every month, identify one or two of your wasteful habits, and commit to changing them. You’ll soon be on your way to a great lifestyle makeover that the planet can thank you for.
Truth: While it’s true that do-it-yourself (DIY) items help reduce packaging waste like plastics and styros, you don’t have to DIY every single thing in your life! As mentioned above, you likely have certain non-negotiables – you rely on specific sanitary products, or perhaps store-bought instant noodles are your lifesaver. There is no rule that says you must replace these with something you made at home.
The trick is to be conscious of your purchases and their packaging after you’ve used them. If you can avoid them, great. If you can reduce your dependence on them, awesome. If not, recycle what you can and properly dispose of the rest.
Myth: You have to throw away the stuff you have now.
Truth: Unnecessarily throwing away items only adds to the garbage. It doesn’t make sense to ditch your perfectly good tumbler or kitchen set just because they’re not made of organic materials. Since we’re aiming for less garbage, we want to make use of our items for as long as reasonably possible. Get good mileage out of those plastic boxes currently in your pantry!
Myth: You have to buy expensive alternatives.
Truth: Lots of people are willing to pay extra just for that "eco-friendly" label. While this is ultimately a personal decision, you'll actually want to think twice before spending more on 'green' stuff, because there's such a thing as greenwashing.
Instead, consider sustainable options that don’t cost much or don't cost anything at all. Old totes instead of branded green bags. Strategic commuting instead of guilt-investing into a hybrid car. Skipping plastic straws but wincing at reusable straws? Revolutionary idea: drink straight from the glass.
Myth: You have to live and look like a hippie.
Truth: Gone are the days when environmental issues were exclusively for tree-huggers. Today, all sorts of people want to contribute to solutions. We’re talking people like fashion designers, furniture makers, business moguls, and scientists.
And with this abundance of talent that’s shifting over to sustainability, you get everyday options that are environment-friendly but still sophisticated. Just look at the world-class, sustainable creations of Rajo Laurel and Kenneth Cobonpue. Even better, there are plenty of local makers who have always used sustainable materials and put out tasteful, long-lasting, yet accessible products. (Hello, beautiful rattan couches.)
Myth: Less-waste lifestyle is difficult.
Truth: Reducing your garbage can be the easiest thing in the world! It’s a matter of making small changes to your daily decisions and actions. Here’s a quick tip: Every month, identify one or two of your wasteful habits, and commit to changing them. You’ll soon be on your way to a great lifestyle makeover that the planet can thank you for.
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