ZERO-WASTE LIFESTYLE
I have an organic farm at home, but beyond cultivating and eating organic it is also very important to minimize/eliminate trash in order to be in long term harmony with mother earth.
I was working as a volunteer in a reforestation project in India 15 years ago. The volunteers were given handmade natural soaps and were asked to use only those for showering (and for hair only organic shampoos). I liked this idea and strict way because like this we did without effort no harm to the forest and could use the water for other purposes.
This idea of not harming Mother Nature can be discussed for many other objects in our life. It needs a decision of everyone in person if we want to live consciously. Mostly it does not even mean a loss of comfort, but just changing some habits.
It would be honorable for all humans to become a role model/ trendsetter for a Zero Waste lifestyle, so that we leave the Earth at least how we entered it or even better. – Katharina Hani
THE PROBLEM
Did you know that less than 5% of plastic in the world is actually recycled? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2008, 93% of plastic in the US that could have been recycled was thrown away. And those bottles with the redemption value? 62% were not recycled. Even if it does get recycled, most of it gets “down-cycled” and sent to developing countries like China, to create cheaper products. Basically, a single-use disposable plastic like a water bottle never returns as a water bottle again.
THE SOLUTION
REFUSE disposable plastic. There are actually 4 R’s-REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.
PRODUCTS HELPING YOU MAKE PLASTIC FREE CHOICES EVERY DAY
Each of these products is designed to help you decrease your dependence on plastics, start a conversation about conservation, and support the idea of a plastic free lifestyle. We can contribute to the needed change. Together we can bring a safe and pollution free environment for the future. Everyone is welcome to bring ideas for needed products.
1. SOAP
The first product is on its way: the soap! It’s made with love and with natural incense which have beneficial effects for our skin.
Use an organic soap instead of shower gel. It’s about not having the plastic trash of the bottles and also about the quality of the water we let behind and last but not least a good soap is love for your skin. There are so many lovely organic soaps enriched with herbs or flower fragrances. We have designed for you a handmade née tree soap wrapped in a degradable packaging. It’s good for your skin, lasts long, is lighter than a shower gel, and makes a lovely soft foam.
2. UNIVERSAL COTTON BAG
Bring your own bag to the market or store. We associate grocery bags as something easy to bring, but many times we need it and we don’t have it with us. So keep it folded in your handbag or backpack, so you will always have it ready. It is of universal use. I have several of them which I use all through the week instead of plastic bags… for groceries, books, water bottle or to carry coffee mug, lunch box….
3. STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE
Have you ever tasted bottled water after it has been in your car, under the sun? You can practically taste the plastic. Not only is it gross, but if you carry your own bottle, you won’t be drinking water with harmful toxins like Bisphenol-A (it leaches out from the plastic into the water) or all those harmful estrogen for women. If you don’t know what this means, watch the documentary… again. Carry a reusable stainless steel water bottle instead of buying bottled water and install a filter at home. It can last a lifetime if cared for correctly.
A Pledge Against Plastic Bottles: Did you know that annual bottling plastics around the world today is polluting the oceans, killing 1.1 million marine creatures every year, and releasing 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide and BPA chemicals into the atmosphere? A simple switch to steel bottles today can impact the future for generations. JUST SAY NO TO PLASTIC BOTTLES! TAKE YOUR PLEDGE
Advantages of Steel:
- It looks great
- High-quality food grade steel lasts long
- Cleans well and is dishwasher safe
- Electro polished interior retain freshness of the liquid
- Stops transference of odors
- Does not react with drinks
- Steel is sustainable
Disadvantages of Plastic:
- Deteriorates within months
- Picks up odors
- Bacteria is less easy to wash out of plastic bottles
- BPA-free plastics can contain chemicals behaving the same way as BPA
- Pollutes the environment, with a massive impact on flora and fauna
- Is not sustainable
4. THE TOOTHBRUSH
Use a recyclable wooden Toothbrush. Have a look at this wonderful short film to see why! It says more than I can write here. For me it’s a daily joy to use it! Having wood instead of plastic in my hand….