You may have heard about the “zero-waste” movement. The growing awareness of the human impact on the environment is widespread and becoming easier to adapt to with many alternatives to a healthier, more eco-conscious lifestyle. But what is this movement's purpose?
Zero-waste is a term used to describe a lifestyle that strives to be as minimal as possible. It focuses on a circular economy, which keeps resources within a cycle, rather than a linear economy, which takes place when resources are used and then discarded. Instead of throwing out things we should use the three R’s, reduce, reuse and recycle (in that order). Simply, it is a lifestyle that aims to land as little trash in the landfill as possible. Sounds cool, right? Here’s the catch. A zero-waste lifestyle, isn’t just a unique, individual process, but it’s also slightly unrealistic. There isn’t a way to produce no waste at all and to say that there is simply romanticizes something unattainable. Instead, many are shifting the name to something more reachable and friendly: low-impact lifestyle. The low-impact lifestyle is similar to a zero-waste lifestyle as it encourages a circular economy and sustainable habits, but in a less rigid, adaptable, and more practical way. Here is a guide on how to implement this low-impact lifestyle into your own situation. Remember that these changes don’t happen overnight and to implement these actions within your own means. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to continue to learn. *Write down your ‘why’. Establish why you want to change your lifestyle. Ask yourself the following questions and perhaps make it a journaling exercise:
*Assess and prioritize. Begin to observe your habits when it comes to waste. For example, perhaps you use plastic bags or utensils often, but are good at keeping a reusable water bottle with you when you go out. Or you make sure to buy clothes second hand, but often use plastic water bottles. Assess habits such as these to make sure you are giving proper attention to them. That way, you are prioritizing things that you are actively doing and want to change.
*Start small. There are simple steps you can take right now that will create an impact.
*Ready to make a switch? Remember that you don’t need something fancy to fulfill the purpose of a low impact lifestyle. Keep the plastic bags given to you at the store or make a t-shirt bag to hold your stuff. Save and clean the tomato jars after you are done with them for drinks on the go. Bring the metal utensils you use at home with you to use instead of single use ones. There are so many different ways to make a switch without buying something new. *Continue to educate yourself and stand up for yourself! You have the option of saying “no” when offered a straw. You have the ability to write to your representatives if you don’t like the way something is being handled. You can volunteer to help a beach clean up. You can raise awareness within your family. The only way to really implement a low impact lifestyle into your life is to truly understand what is at stake. Think back to the first question. What is your why? Let it drive your learning and confidence in this new journey! My Lifestyle Habits and Actions However, if you are interested in taking the Low Impact lifestyle a step further, here are a few things I do and habits I practice that have helped me in my own low-impact journey.
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By Samantha del Rio
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this blog are my own views, and I have based my review on my personal experience after purchasing, and using these products. I have no affiliation with the manufacturers, nor is my article sponsored by any of them. I also cannot vouch for the absoluteness of my suggestions. Use discretion before buying or utilizing any product, and seek professional counsel in case of any issue.
Periods can affect anyone and everyone. All over the world, 98% women -as well as transgender and non-binary people who menstruate--go through their period using disposable tampons and pads. An average person uses up to 240 tampons each year and up to 11,000 tampons in their lifetime. Yet many don't know what their tampons and pads are made of and how they can affect our environment.
Because tampons and pads are considered medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, companies aren't required to share ingredients. But many experts and sustainable advocates have become alarmed by the effects of these products. According to medics and experts, companies create their tampons with harmful ingredients that can cause infections and increase cramps. They may contain bleach and non organic cotton, rayon, wood pulp and even at times a “likely” carcinogen, dixon and toxins which causes immune system suppression, reproductive problems and cancer. Non-organic cotton and rayon can contain pesticides and herbicides including diuron. Dr. Philip Tierno, director of Clinical Microbiology at the New York University Medical Center, expresses that any of these ingredients with a lifetime of usage can cause an increased exposure to disease. Tampons are created and packaged in wasteful ways. Their packaging contains non-biodegradable and potentially toxic material. The plastic used in tampons and applicators and the glue used to glue the cord onto the cotton, also contain petrochemical additives. An average pad can equal up to 4 plastic grocery bags. Not only is the plastic affecting our oceans (since most products are flushed down the toilet) but they are also affecting our body. According to the article 5 Ways To Make Your Period Better For The Environment by the HuffPost, “Preliminary research suggests that the plastic in menstrual hygiene products could cause potential health hazards.” An average person could make up to 300 lbs of period product waste in their lifetime. Worldwide, more than 100 billion hygiene products are thrown away per year. North America can gather up to 20 billion pads, tampons and tampon applicators (tampon applicators are not recyclable due to it having “human contact”) annually. For these hyene products to decompose it can take from 500-800 years. Not only do tampons and pads create a lot of waste, they also require high amounts of fossil fuels to create. They create a carbon footprint of almost 15 million tons of greenhouse emissions. This is equivalent to burning 35 million barrels of oil. What Can You Do: I recommend you switch from disposable tampons and pads to reusable menstrual cups, pads or period underwear. Why? It's better for your body and health. Your body already does so much for you, why not treat it to the good stuff and not the chemicals that are going to kill good bacteria? It's better for the environment and it saves you tons of money. A person wastes up to $60 a year on period products. This could go up to $1,800 in a person's lifetime. I want to switch but I don’t know what to use or where to get what I need? I'm glad you're willing to switch. Before you buy anything, learn about your body and what is going to work for you. How heavy is your flow? How high is your cervix and what makes you feel more comfortable? Linked below is information on different products, how they work and where to buy them. Menstrual Cups Measuring Your Cervix The Menstrual Cup for Your Body Menstrual Cups for your Needs How to Use a Menstrual Cup Buying one: Amazon, Walmart, Sprouts, Target Period underwear How do they work? How do they work? Thinx Think Underwear List of the Best Period Underwear Available at some Walmarts and Ruby Love Reusable pads Frequently Asked Questions About Reusable Pads Target Amazon Etsy I'm not ready to switch to reusable products but want to be environmentally safe. What do I do? That's totally fine. It can be intimidating and it is a big commitment. Luckily, there are companies who have created environmentally safe products. Linked below are some of my favorite products you can find in stores or online. But there are hundreds more if there isn't something that fits your needs. Tampons: Lolas Walmart Target Pads Lola Cora Women Remember you are beautiful and your period is something you should not be ashamed of. If you can’t find something here, there are plenty of resources out there that can help you. Your body is amazing and hard working so give it some love. |
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