Minimalist - Blog Posts
here is your gentle reminder that there are dandelions growing through cracks in the sidewalk. there is a fence lizard on the porch who is growing a new tail. there are trees growing through an abandoned house, branches tearing through the ceiling, ferns carpeting the floor. there is life pushing forward, pushing through.
Guide to Zero Waste as a college student.
I know. Just the thought of it made me scared. When I first started a year ago, I dived head first and told myself if I didn’t start now, I would never start. It didn’t matter if I would make a mistake, I had to start and then learn from my mistakes.
Boi did I make a lot of mistakes. But I learned. Here are some steps you can take to become zero waste.
1. Look at your trash.
What is in there? Plastic bottles? Straws? Jars? Wrappers? Foam containers of that one take away? Take a look at your trash and determine why you are producing that amount of trash.
2. Plan.
After figuring out what’s in your trash think about what you can do to stop making it. I like to guide myself with these three questions:
Do I really need this in my life? If not, then it is a good time to stop buying/ using said thing.
If I do need it, is there an eco-friendly alternative? Do they sell it or should I look for a DIY-option? The important thing is not to get stuck just because you can’t get it!
What habits can I adapt to make transitioning easier for me?
3. Set goals.
At first, I dived right into it. Which was probably not the best option. After some months I realized it would be better if I took one step at a time. Goals are a good way to get you there but the only way goals can actually work is of they are smart. These are some of the goals I had when I started.
Every day I must fill my reusable water bottle and take it everywhere with me. I am not allowed to drink from any plastic cups, straws any other form of packaging that is recyclable but not necessarily reusable.
Every day I must go out with my reusable straw and my utensils. In order not to forget them, I have to always keep a pair on each of my bags.
4. Keep track.
I will admit: I am not perfect. But keeping tracks of what I do with zero waste helps me see what I can do better. And that’s what this movement is. What can we do to get a bit closer to producing no waste? Some people get discouraged but this personally encourages me to work harder.
So are you planning on becoming zero waste? Are you already part of the movement? Let me know!
-Shirou
i got a new book today for just two dollars!
If ur highkey pissed off that eco-activism is constantly written off as reefer hippie bullshit so much so that even the lower class, who would normally benefit from it, are willing to push this false narrative of giving a fuck about the earth being bad or embarassing, all because the capitalists who brainwash them would sooner watch it die than lose a single dollar, and it all makes you sick to your fucking stomach, clap your hands
I upcycled a few old shirts into makeup remover pads and o h m y g o d my hands hurt from cutting 56 of these with older, slightly dulled scissors.
Gardening tip #161
Don’t just throw away that border fence once it’s been cut! This tool of oppression can find new life as a trellis for hanging pots, or support for climbers such as cucumbers, tomatoes, or peas
I have arrived in Peru and if there is one thing I have learned this week it is that zero waste and traveling to not always go together. Last minute shopping, eating out, medications and bottled water have set me back in my waste goals. However, all hope is not lost as I still have found some ways to back on waste that additionally make traveling easier!
Solid shampoo, conditioner, soap, face wash and perfume
Benefits
No spilling in your suitcase
Able to take through security in your carryon
Virtually no waste
Lasts a lot longer since it is concentrated
Takes up much less space then full sized liquid products
Cons
None? (I really love all these products!)
Water bottle
Benefits
Can refill once you’ve gone past security at the airport (no $7 bottles of water at the airport)
Keeps water cold for hot days
Can buy bottled water in bulk and pour into reusable bottle to take with you instead of many small bottles in places where you can not drink the tap water
Cons
You must carry it around with you even when it’s empty
Coconut oil and fabric scraps (used for makeup removal)
Benefits
Extremely cheap
Very effective in removing makeup (the best thing in my opinion)
Natural and very low waste
Cons
Very messy to travel with (high risk of spilling and staining clothing)
Must wash the fabric scraps (difficult to do if you do not have access to a washing machine)
Overall I am glad I was able to cut down on at least some waste in my travel while also making my move easier! If anyone has any other tips for reducing waste when you travel I would love to hear them! :)
psa : don’t throw out things you need in the process of becoming more minimalistic just because they don’t fit your standards anymore. use what you have, that’s what sustainability is all about
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