Sustainability is all about finding the right SOLUTION for YOU!
Some plastic things I cannot live without are my contacts & contact SOLUTION for vision and hygiene reasons. But just because I still need these things, does not mean I have failed at "Zero Waste." It's all about the process. It may be a struggle, but it's worth it to me.
Posting selfies and writing are out of my comfort zone, but sometimes you gotta do what's uncomfortable to grow.
(Without going too much into it, Laser Eye Surgery is expensive and something I'm not physically ready for yet. I do have glasses but I don't want to be wearing them 24/7.)
To me, the term "Zero Waste" is not about no waste at all. We're only humans after all. To me, this "Zero waste" movement/lifestyle is more about being conscious about the choices you are making. Thinking about creating LESS waste, LESS of a carbon footprint, contributing to a circular economy, with the hopes of minimizing the destruction of mother earth. Complete zero waste is unattainable, but we can try our best to reuse, reduce, repurpose, repair, recycle, and compost.
Through my journey, I've become more conscious of my consumption and waste. Some changes were easy, others not so much. But due to inconvenience, desire, hunger, forgetfulness, I still make mistakes, way too many to count..
Making lifestyle changes and changing habits are far from easy. It's definitely not going to happen overnight. There's years of habits to undo.
In some aspects of my life, for example, skincare/haircare products (shampoo, conditioner, lotions, toothpaste, plastic toothbrush), I'm still transitioning from the "Using what I have" stage. I'm not going to let it go to waste, and buy a completely new set of "eco-friendly things."
For clothes, I'm trying to stay in "Using what I have" stage by curbing my shopping habits. A wave of consumerism is over us. I pledge to no new things, buy secondhand, and buy ethical when necessary.
At the end of the day, it's about progress, not perfection.
EVERY PERSON IS DIFFERENT! We have different hair, skin types, economic backgrounds, cultural/religious beliefs, different habits, personalities, etc. What works for one person might not necessarily work for another. My journey is not going to be picture perfect, it's also going to look different from the person next to me. I hope that I can bring a unique perspective on helping the environment.
I am lucky to able to see life through my soft lens contacts. Thanks to technological advancements, access to healthcare, ability to afford them. I cannot take that for granted.
Factors I think about for conscious choices:
1. Effectiveness
While trying to reduce my single-use plastic usage, I've come across a lot of obstacles and are still dealing with them.
Confession Time: Two years ago, I tried @trashisfortosser zero waste toothpaste (coconut oil, baking soda, peppermint oil extract.) It visibly weakened my enamel and showed some discoloration. I was embarrassed that I failed and too ashamed to take a picture of my teeth, :( but I wish I did so I can let others know. Next time, I hope that I can be more courageous to educate people on my experience with zero waste toothpaste. I ended up switching back to regular ADA-approved toothpaste in a tube that helps with sensitivity and whitening. My teeth/dental health is too important. I'm open to trying new products like charcoal tablets, tooth powder but I'll continue to use what works for me.
Another issue I'm still trying to figure out is itchy, dry scalp and dandruff. I looked online for natural ways to get rid of it. After some research, I added a couple drops of Tea Tree Oil (Amazon.com) that I had on hand, into my liquid shampoo. I think it was sort of effective because I see less and it's less severe. Either I have to be more patience with it or it's not potent enough to fix my issue. Will I succumb to Amazon #1 rated product or spend money on natural ingredient-based products that I'm not sure will work? Will shampoo bars be effective with my dandruff issue?
While I want to use more natural, non-toxic, organic products, if it's not effective, I don't see the point of continuing to use them. I'll keep searching.
2. Accessibility & Affordability
This is a class and environmental justice issue. It's a topic I want to further research into and want to have more critical discussions about. Your access and ability to afford sustainable products for example, fair wage, ethical, organic clothing is a privilege. Having a government recycling program is a privilege. Some developing nations' governments do not have the capital or infrastructure to recycle. Some lower income area in the U.S. are in a food desert, they don't have access certain vegan options nor can they afford organic food that tends to be more expensive. It further becomes a health issue.
When it comes to down to your health and your economic situation do what's right for you! Progress, not perfection.
There's so much more that I can get into, but we would be here forever. I hope to write more posts with different focuses.
It makes me excited to write more posts! Thank you for reading my first blog post in a while.
#savetheenvironment
P.S. You can donate your old unexpired contacts to those in need or return them to your eye doctor. Used contacts are not recyclable. I've actually refrained from switching to single-use daily disposable contacts for the love of the environment.
Best Regards,
Joanne the Earthling