The idea isn’t to be perfect. The idea is do find something new every day, to do better! Little by little, we can hope to change the world, by changing the consumers and then the industry.
In the follow-up of the World Oceans Day from this Monday, I wanted to continue the green train we have been riding and do another eco-friendly post. Discover 5 ways to do better today, for the better planet tomorrow.
Read more: World Oceans Day 2020
Have you thought about going zero waste, actively attempting to reduce your carbon footprint in the world? It involves more than just storing food in trendy mason jars, buying fresh produce at farmers’ markets, and making products from scratch. It’s a lifestyle dedicated to cultivating meaningful experiences and prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Perhaps you’ve considered it. But without knowing the basics and getting some guidance, abandoning your dependency on plastic and the usual ways of shopping, cleaning, and eating can be pretty intimidating.
And that’s totally fine, because I’m here for you.
I’m hosting a ZERO WASTE INTRO 101 workshop on June 25th, 2020. Only me and a limited number of like-minded souls who’d like to learn with me!
Join today, for a better tomorrow.
Learn to say no to the little things
Whether it’s a business card at a meeting, a straw at a restaurant, a plastic bag at the store, or a disposable pen from a conference, it doesn’t matter. Recognizing and denying waste — no matter how small — is crucial. Next time someone hands you something, think. Do I really need it?
Start eating real food
When it comes to the kitchen, — I advise you to cut back on processed foods and reach for the natural stuff. Start to eat real foods like fruits, vegetables, and anything that doesn’t come in packaging.
I started to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle in 2018 after learning about the heartbreaking amount of plastic that winds up polluting oceans and killing animals. Now, I eat a lot healthier since cutting out packaged goods. It doesn’t mean I don’t still indulge in occasional cookies and crackers, making them myself of course.
Tupperware is great, but not the best
Have you ever left spaghetti in plastic Tupperware?
After a couple of hours, the plastic is tinged red where the sauce has leached into the walls?
The reverse happens as well. When you store food in plastic, especially if it’s heated, this plastic wall will leach into your food.
BPA free isn’t safe either. Opt for glass or stainless not only are they two of the most recyclable products, but you don’t have to worry about contamination.
Water bottles
I mean, do I really still have to do this? I think I have been singing about banning the plastic bottles for a very long time. Four years maybe? And don’t get me wrong, the idea of banning the single use plastics hasn’t always been popular. My friends and people who knew me would always roll their eyes at me and call me a crazy hippie.
We’re all very aware that plastic bottles are one of the most prevalent items in landfills.
They have an incredibly low recycle rate and can only be downcycled. They will always wind up in a landfill. Here are some fun facts.
They’re also one of the easiest items to replace in your day to day life. It takes 3 liters of water to make .5 liter of bottled water.
It’s an unsustainable and unregulated practice. Get used to your tap water and refill a reusable bottle.
There is a lot of attractive glass and stainless options. You can buy a stainless or bamboo cap for you Klean Kanteen.
Composting
Composting is probably the most important step of all. I found that 80% of everything I threw away could be composted.
You may have municipal compost, but you can also make a backyard compost. Finding the right one for you may be a challenge, but well worth the effort. Food can’t break down in landfills, that’s the end of it.
Newspapers from 50 years ago are still legible; hotdogs are perfectly preserved. Air can’t circulate properly to let natural things decompose.
Who do you want to support?
Lastly, something I wanted to talk about for a long time. We are consumers. As we shop, we vote. We literally vote with our dollars. Where we put our money, that’s who we are voting for.
The question is, who do you want to vote for?
What is the ideal company you want to support, where do they donate their money, where do they buy the supplies, is it a fair trade, do they support athletes or organizations?
A little research can go a long way.
But I have done the research for you! — 5 brands that inspire you to do better.
Ajna Wellbeing
I’m super proud to take part in this holistic health movement. A mindful and intuitive way of healing and thriving.
At AJNA, We don’t believe in “health” fads, and we don’t believe that chemicals, artificial ingredients, and toxic substances should be accepted as part of everyday life.
In fact, we want to show you how good you can feel by using natural, eco-friendly products that ARE good for you and DO deliver lasting results, without harmful side effects.
Our products are created with one goal in mind – a happier you. Whether it’s though increased energy, less stress, or pain relief, we believe that each of our products will bring more happiness to your life, and the lives of those you care about most.
If you listen to the advertising and media, they will tell you that there’s a new miracle “cure-all” drug or diet every week. But, if we’re told is true, then why are most people more unhealthy than ever? Our Ajna (intuition) knows better. It knows that there are safe and holistic remedies to help you live life to your full potential.
We are Ajna Warriors, and we nourish our bodies and souls!
Bite Snacks
With our help, Bite is going to pave a path towards a sustainable food system. For people, for the planet.
Shop Bite and save 15% with the code “alenkamali”
Suntribe Sunscreen
BORN FROM THE LOVE OF NATURE
Suntribe was started in Sweden by the three outdoor loving friends Karl, Hampus and Julia. We started Suntribe because we are upset with how the sunscreen industry works today.
As it is now, you can use ingredients that are proven dangerous for nature and humans and it’s all perfectly legal. Crazy, right? Our mission is to contribute to change.
That’s why we make worry-free natural sunscreens that are 100% free from synthetic chemicals and questionable ingredients. Just like it should be.
Shop Suntribe Sunscreen + code “alenka” gives you 15% OFF your order 😉
Nuit Nutrition
NuIT started with the belief that good nutrition should be easy and enjoyable. For those consuming a plant-based diet, certain key micronutrients can be difficult to get. Taking multiple supplements every day is not working; it’s confusing, frustrating, and a huge hassle. We knew there had to be a better way, so we set out to create it.
Good nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle to improve our food system, human health and environmental sustainability. But it’s our focus, as we believe significant improvements can be achieved by shifting towards a plant-based diet.
Moving forward, new research discoveries and technological innovations will offer immense opportunities for change, and finding ways to utilize them to make good nutrition more accessible is our ultimate goal!
Mushroom Revival
At Mushroom Revival our mission is to give people more energy, a better night’s sleep, a clearer mind, and a bulletproof immune system with medicinal mushrooms. Also by planting a tree for every product we sell, we not only revitalize our bodies but the body of the planet.
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More about Alenka
“My name is Alenka and I’m a Squamish based photographer. I love using my medium to capture sports, adventures, underwater shots, adventures in the mountains and days on snow! Very simply put, I’m one stoked girl, ready to get up at 2 in the morning and hike for sunrise, go to the airport and take a random flight…you name it!
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Photography (free mini-course)
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