What Being Zero Waste Means

by Marine Le Sager December 05, 2019

Know The Ins And Outs About Zero Waste!

Zero Waste

The latest trends of our time have given us clear signs that we are in a social, cultural, ecological and economic transition. This sudden change is pushing us to be more conscious of ourselves and the planet.
In recent decades, humans have left a harmful trail in every corner of the Earth: air pollution, draining rivers, plastic islands in the sea, mining disasters, endangered animals species, etc.

That is why many people strive every day to change this disaster trend, or at least to raise awareness to the next generations that are understanding more and more the challenges about the environment.

How can we help reverse what is happening? There are already global social and green movements that are, step by step, making big changes: as the example of the Zero-Waste.


What Zero-Waste is

Zero-Waste is a social & green movement and lifestyle that started in the mid-2000s but was created in 1995 in Canberra, Australia. The capital was the first ever to implement such as project: the goal was to avoid any waste for the year 2010. 

To achieve this objective, the movement begins with small actions and changes in the citizens' habits such as carrying reusable bags, as well as thermos flasks in order to avoid single-use plastic. These habits also include buying food in bulk or choosing those that come with a glass packaging, as it turns out to be more sustainable.

Minimalist Lifestyle

Not only a trendy topic to speak about, but Zero-Waste is also a serious and genuine organization. The movement stems from the minimalist philosophy, which the concept is to reduce physical belongings and needs to a minimum, so you only keep what is vital. The purpose is to show gratitude and respect to the planet, as well as to fight against overconsumption and dishonest corporation.

As a matter of fact, minimalism isn't a brand new concept. It takes its origin from asceticism, which is very similar to minimalism but has a religious dimension.  This doctrine has been practiced for centuries in ancient Greece, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. The aim is to connect with their divinity through THE abstinence of excess materials, in order to reach purification.

 

The Recycling Circuit

The 5 R

When you want to implement a Zero-Waste lifestyle, you first need to understand a fundamental point of the movement: the Recycling circuit. It consists of the "5R" steps:

  • Reject what we don't need,
  • Reduce what we need,
  • Reuse by modifying our lifestyle,
  • Recycle what we can't be thrown in nature or what can be transformed into something.
  • Revive by composting and give back to the Earth what it owns.

 

How To Measure My Ecological Imprint

Ecological Imprint

The second point for undertaking the Zero-Waste movement is to know your ecological footprint.

Measure your ecological imprint allow you to know how much water you use, how much waste you generate, your consumption of electricity, the ecological impact of your transport usage, the impact of your daily diet, etc.

You can click here to find out your ecological imprint!

If you calculated your carbon footprint and that this one is high, here is a tip to make it decrease. 
Avoid as much as you can any product made with plastic, or any products that are highly polluting, such as pork meat!! Actually, prefer to purchase goods that use reusable wastes-primary materials such as natural fiber fabrics: wood, glass, or biodegradable "plastics".

It is important to take into account how much water or fertilizers are used to grow our food. The plant-based diet turns out to be the best option if you want to be eco-friendly! Did you know that to produce 1 pound of beef, you need 1,799 gallons of water? At the time when we speak about the water crisis, this data is crucial to take into account! 

The more you buy local and organic, the greener you'll be!!

 

Make a Difference

You can make a huge difference by drastically change your habits, and therefore, reduce your carbon footprint.

Reduce your waste, avoid processed food and transformed product. In your bathroom, prefer to make your own detergents that you will store in a glass container.
Another tip is to swap your liquid shampoo that comes in plastic packaging, for a shampoo bar! In addition to being Zero-Waste, they are super-efficient and cheaper in the long term! Regarding cosmetics, you can make deodorant formulas and toothpaste at home.
Don't forget that composting should also be a regular habit in your home! Use the compost as a fertilizer for your plants, they will love it!


If you want to know more, check out this video by EdgyVeg of 20 tips to reduce your waste and implement step by step a Zero-Waste lifestyle

Moreover, the zero-waste movement is healthier! Because you stop using chemicals at home, it leads to a fresher atmosphere, free of compounds that are sometimes carcinogenic.
Foods being more local and organic also have a positive impact on the body.
Finally, by enjoying experiences more than material objects, you are happier, at peace, and therefore have a healthier mental state!
In short, the Zero-Waste lifestyle is quite healthy for us!

If you want to join the Zero-Waste movement, you should follow this last tip. Before buying anything, ask yourself if it's really something you need. Put the emphasis on the word "need" that is synonymous with vital.
Is what you want so indispensable in your daily life?
Sometimes we tend to buy and consume in order to fill emotional gaps. Pay attention to your emotions when you are tempted to buy something, try to shop when you are in a peace mental and emotional state.

Also, your wallet will thank you!

 

To Wrap Up

Many are skeptical when hearing the name of the movement. But you shouldn't take it literally, Zero-Waste is a lifestyle that is undertaken step by step! Just be sure that you are doing everything you can, but don't pressure yourself if you are still not able to recycle everything, or if you gave in and bought something you didn't need. Just do your best!

If you want to push harder and discover the best tips to implement a Zero-Waste Home, a great book to read is the bestseller of Bea Jonhson

Humans generate approximately 1 kg of garbage a day per individual. Now multiply it by all the inhabitants of the planet. Excessive consumption is generating tons and tons of trash every day.

The future of the animals, the next human generations, the sea, and the land, is in our hands. Have you already started to make small changes that will make a big difference? Here at birdman we are willing to make changes, especially for the planet and the animals, as a percentage of every Falcon Protein purchase is donated to the Animal Heroes Foundation, whose purpose is to fight for animal rights.

We hope that this article inspired you to be greener, healthier and happier! Check out for other sources of inspiration by discovering other articles on our Birdman blog

 

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Marine Le Sager
Marine Le Sager

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