Starting a Zero waste lifestyleby Eli Quiroz | 16-02-2019 12:15 |
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Do you know what is Zero waste life style? You may have heard about the 3R's Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. But, what about not producing any kind of waste? Zero Waste is a kind of a lifestyle that encourages people not only to reuse, reduce and recycle, but also, to not produce any kind of trash. The goal is for no trash to be sent to landfills, incinerators, or the ocean. The aim of this movement is to reduce our personal ecological footprint, preserve natural resources and live in a safe way. The Word "Zero waste" is becoming more popular among people in Mexico City. Is a recent movement which is growing. As an eco-generation ambassador, I decide to experiment with going zero-waste in order to reduce my ecological footprint. In Mexico, every person produces an average of 345 kg of waste per year, and our recollection system is very bad, the trash only goes to an open dump in most cases. Therefore, a small solution to reduce the impact that waste causes is to reducing our waste. Becoming Zero-Waste is a long process and it will not come over a night. It takes about one year or two years. However, the duration of the process depends on each person. I have already given up the most common culprits: plastic bags, bottles, straws, and utensils. I have also change my bath and body products for ones without packaging. I have discovered that in Mexico is not too difficult to become zero-waste. Due to there are many street markets where you can go and buy groceries and meal without packaging. The problem is when buying sodas, snacks, candies, ice-cream, and specially soap for laundry. There are no snacks without packaging. The only way I can avoid these plastic packages is recycling or reusing them. Another way to avoid plastic packaging is making my own cleaning products. There are many tutorials on the internet to make them. However, I think they do not teach the whole formula to make cleaning products, or make up products. Owing to the fact, they usually also sell these products. Even though Zero-waste conserves resources and minimizes pollution. Some products especially the ones related to beauty, bath & Body, and skin care are very expensive and difficult to find. It seems like some producers are taking advantage of this, and at the same time making it not affordable to all. In the near future, I would like to promote this movement, and make Zero waste products affordable to all, I am aware that we can not stop production waste, but everyone can make a significant contribution. |