Home 13 Simple Steps to Kickstart a Zero Waste Lifestyle at Home 4:55 PM 13 Simple Steps to Kickstart A Zero Waste Lifestyle at Home Ever thought about how much waste we generate as a society and the role we play? The statistics are shocking yet thought-provoking: only 9% of global plastic waste has ever been recycled. So, if you've been asking how we can make zero waste at home or how a zero-waste lifestyle can save you money, you're about to get your answers in this easy-to-follow guide. What is Zero Waste Lifestyle? The zero-waste lifestyle is more than just a buzzword. It's a commitment to living in a way that produces as little waste as possible. It's about finding ways to reduce waste, reuse items, and recycle what we can't reuse. But it's not only eco-friendly—it's economical too. You'd be surprised how a zero-waste lifestyle can save you money and contribute to your personal development. So, how can you have a zero-waste lifestyle with minimum effort? Here are 13 zero-waste lifestyle tips that can jumpstart your journey.1. Start small.Like any other lifestyle change, it's best to start small. Begin by identifying easy waste to reduce in your daily routine. It could be the plastic water bottle you buy daily or the disposable coffee cups you use. If you're cooking with veggies, instead of throwing the peels away, use them as compost or veggie broth. Remember, every little bit counts. 2. Bring your own bags.Plastic bags contribute significantly to waste. A simple switch to reusable bags can drastically reduce this. Reusable bags aren't just for groceries—they're also great for all shopping.3. Switch to reusable water bottles and coffee cups.Consider investing in a good-quality water bottle and coffee cup. You'll reduce waste and save money in the long run. For example, Super Sparrow is a certified Climate Pledge-friendly insulated water bottle with a beautiful design. It's great for when you travel or work out. 4. Buy in bulk.Buying in bulk can significantly reduce packaging waste. Choose stores that offer bulk goods, and remember to bring your reusable containers.5. Switch to loose-leaf tea.Did you know some tea bags contain plastic? Make a more sustainable choice by opting for loose-leaf tea. Or choose tea brands that use plastic-free and compostable materials, such as:Art of TeaLoose Leaf MarketNumi TeaTiesta Tea6. Consider using menstrual cups.Ladies, it's time to consider menstrual cups. They're not only reusable but also a healthier alternative to disposable products.7. Make your own cleaning products.It is common for cleaning products to be contained in plastic packaging that may contain harmful chemicals. Making your own can be cheaper, healthier, and less wasteful. Here are three DIY cleaning products that are sustainable and easy to make at home with simple ingredients. All-Purpose CleanerIngredients:1 cup of white vinegar1 cup of waterLemon rindRosemary sprigsInstructions: Combine the vinegar, water, and enough lemon rind and rosemary sprigs to create a pleasant scent in a spray bottle. Let the solution infuse for a week before using it. Shake the bottle before each use. You can use it on almost any surface but avoid using it on granite and marble, as vinegar can etch these surfaces.Glass CleanerIngredients:2 cups of water1/4 cup of white vinegar1/2 teaspoon of dish soapInstructions: Mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle. Shake the solution vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed for optimal results. Next, apply the solution evenly onto glass surfaces and use a dry cloth or newspaper to wipe away the solution and achieve a flawless, streak-free shine.Grease CleanerIngredients:2 cups of hot water1 tablespoon of baking soda20 drops of lemon essential oilInstructions: Combine the hot water and baking soda, then add the lemon oil. Mix well until the baking soda dissolves, then transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Spray the solution on greasy surfaces, leave it on for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.Each of these DIY cleaning products is not only effective but also contributes to a zero-waste lifestyle. They're made from natural ingredients, which are better for the environment and your health. Plus, by using reusable spray bottles, you're helping to reduce plastic waste. So, you're not only keeping your home clean but also doing your part for the environment. 8. Go digital.Opt for digital versions of everything, from books to bills, whenever possible. It's one of the simplest ways to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle. Paying for your bills online is more convenient and quicker. I shifted to Kindle Paperwhite (thanks to my amazing and thoughtful husband!), and I've read 90 books this year. That's a significant difference from the 45 books I read last year. So, I've been shopping less, reading more, and helping the environment simultaneously. It's a win-win! 9. Say "no" to unnecessary packaging.Whether ordering takeout or buying groceries, it's not for you if it's wrapped in too much plastic. It's surprising how many products are over-packaged, resulting in unnecessary waste. Here are four examples:Individually Wrapped Items: Whether it's fruit, vegetables, or baked goods, individually wrapped items constitute a significant source of unnecessary packaging. For instance, a single banana or potato wrapped in a plastic film contributes to plastic waste and seems redundant since these items come with their own natural packaging.Multi-Layered Packaging: Many products come with multiple layers of packaging. For instance, a cereal box might come in a plastic bag, inside a cardboard box, wrapped in plastic again. The inner plastic bag and outer plastic wrap are usually unnecessary.Single-Serve Packages: While single-serve packages of snacks, drinks, or meals might be convenient, they contribute significantly to waste. For example, a bag of single-serve chips has much more packaging waste than a giant bag of the same product.Over-Packaged Online Deliveries: With the rise of e-commerce, the over-packaging of online orders has become quite common. Often, small items are shipped in large boxes filled with plastic air pillows or bubble wrap, which is excessive and wasteful.10. Repair, don't replace.Next time something breaks, try to repair it before replacing it. It can save you money and reduce waste. For example, before you discard that shirt with a missing button or those pants with a small tear, consider mending them. Basic sewing skills can save you a lot of money over time and reduce waste. You can even re-style older clothes to give them a fresh look.11. Compost.Food waste is a big part of household waste. Composting is an eco-friendly way to utilize this waste, and it's great for your plants. Here's a quick and easy way to compost kitchen scraps from the Washington Department of Ecology.12. Shop secondhand.Secondhand items are often just as good as new ones. Plus, they come without all the excessive packaging and cost less.13. Educate yourself and others.The more you know about the benefits of a zero-waste lifestyle, the easier it is to stick with it. Share your knowledge with others to help them understand why it's crucial. Why is a Zero Waste Lifestyle Important? Zero waste living is not only about reducing waste—it's about contributing to a more sustainable future. With the zero-waste packaging market expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2021 to 2026, more businesses are recognizing the trend and acknowledging the need for change. But why is it so crucial that we all embrace this concept? Here are five benefits of a zero-waste lifestyle: Environmental Impact A zero-waste lifestyle is vital for our planet. The vast amount of waste we generate is wreaking havoc on our environment. Overfilled landfills leak harmful chemicals into our soil and waterways, while garbage in our oceans threatens marine life. By committing to reducing waste, we can directly combat these environmental threats. Resource Conservation A lot of resources go into making the products we use every day. When we throw away things, we also throw away the elements and energy used to make them. By embracing zero waste, we make more sustainable use of these resources. Financial Benefits Embracing a zero-waste lifestyle can be a boon for your wallet, too. Consider buying less, repairing more, and reducing consumption, which can lead to significant savings. Also, many steps you can take to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, such as buying in bulk or reusing items, often lead to cost savings over time. Promotes Creativity and Mindfulness Living a zero-waste lifestyle encourages creativity and mindfulness. You become more aware of your consumption habits and learn to find innovative ways to reduce waste. It prompts you to ask before each purchase, "Do I really need this?" Mindful consumption can enrich your life unexpectedly, helping you appreciate what you have and reduce clutter. Before throwing anything away or replacing it, you can let your imagination go wild about how to repurpose or reuse it. Here are 32 creative ways you can recycle plastic from 5-Minute Crafts PLAY.Community Building When we engage in zero-waste living, we often connect with like-minded individuals, creating a community of people striving to make a difference. This can lead to increased social interaction and a sense of belonging, both of which are beneficial for our mental health. You Can Lead a Zero-Waste Lifestyle at Home How to live a zero-waste lifestyle? It's easier than you think. Beyond reducing waste, it's about contributing to a healthier planet, conserving resources, saving money, fostering creativity, and building a better community. So, if you've been contemplating how to practice a zero-waste lifestyle, the answer lies in these 13 simple steps. I'm sure you can find more, but these are great ways to start! How will you practice a zero-waste lifestyle?
How-To 7 Simple Sustainable Living Tips To Save The Planet Right Now 11:03 PM 7 Simple Sustainable Living Tips Everything we do, from waking up in the morning to calling it a night, impacts the planet. You don't need a significant change to be a better earthling. Just do these seven simple, sustainable living tips to save the planet right now.What is sustainable living?Cambridge Dictionary defines sustainable as "causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time."Sustainable living is choosing a lifestyle that reduces your carbon footprint or negative environmental impact.For me, living sustainably is ensuring the next generation has enough natural resources left for them to survive and thrive.Is it hard? Here's what you can do:1. Turn off and unplug.Turn off gadgets and appliances when not in use. But that's not enough...Unplug them too! Even when idle, plugged electronics still consume energy. 2-10 watts or 6-10% of your appliance consumption comes from electrical items on "standby" mode.Unplugged appliances can be a fire hazard even when not in use.Living sustainably is as simple as turning off the light or unplugging the coffee machine.Giphy2. Reuse.Don't throw away that pasta sauce glass container yet. Instead, clean it and use it for keeping items or food.These bottles usually have tight and secure lids perfect for keeping the bugs out.Watch video tutorials on how to reuse plastic water containers, old clothes, tea bags, candle wax, and other used items instead of discarding them. With the information at your fingertips, there's no excuse for not knowing these awesome hacks.Tenor3. Be a conscious shopper.Always check the label. See if the ingredients being used are eco-friendly or cruelty-free. Opt for more sustainable alternatives at the grocery store, like picking paper stem cotton buds instead of plastic.Shopping for clothes? Avoid those that are made from non-biodegradable materials like nylon and polyester. Choose more environment-friendly organic cotton or Tencel.Gfycat4. Go paperless.Choose paperless invitations and notes. Thank God for technology; communication and sending information can now be done without printing paper.Read the news online.Choose email subscription or paperless receipts.Giphy5. Plant.What can be more sustainable than growing plants and trees? People may take plants for granted, but it gives us more than we can ask for. It provides us a sustained supply of food. It's the source of oxygen our body needs to survive and function.Plants can also be used as medicine and are good sources of nutrition.Plus, plants provide cleaner air, not to mention a gorgeous, calming view.Nature is a gift that keeps on giving. Agree?Giphy6. Go plant-based.Speaking of plants, choose plant-based food. Plant-based or vegan food is healthier for your body, rejects violence (no animal harmed!), and is safer for the planet.What would you pick to choose between growing your own food and killing a sentient being for a sandwich? Would you really do it if it's up to you to wrestle and kill the animal for food?Lucky us today because there are companies that produce sustainable products. Healthier meat alternatives are now available in giant food chains and are seeing a high increase in revenue."In mid-March (peak), sales of plant-based foods were up 90% year-over-year. For the 4 weeks following, plant-based food sales at retail grew 35% faster than total retail food sales." -Julie Emmett, Senior Director of Retail Partnerships at Plant-based Food AssociationThat's one heck of a growth!7. Support local, organic, sustainable brands.Buying locally means lesser shipping costs and a lower carbon footprint.Let's help sustainable organic brands grow because their products provide us a better option than what's available in the market.What natural, sustainable brands do you support? I personally recommend Human Nature. It's an ethical company with world-class, award-winning quality.GiphyEvery little thing you do impacts the planet. From the food you put on your plate to the shampoo you use, small daily habits like turning off the faucet when not in use, and adequately throwing your trash...you make a huge difference, my friend.You can leave the world a little better than you found it or make it unlivable.Never think that what you do doesn't matter. It does. You matter. You, dear one, maybe a tiny speck in the vast universe, but you can make an effective change and leave a dent.The question is, what kind of change are you making?Be a good earthling and steward to the creation. Follow these seven simple, sustainable living tips. The planet and future generations will thank you for it.
Health & Wellness 3 Ways To Create A More Natural Lifestyle 7:00 PM 3 Ways To CreateMore Natural Lifestyle The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. -Ann Wigmore, Holistic Health Practitioner, and NaturopathWe are exposed to toxins every day. Harmful substances are everywhere, from the food we eat, synthetic medicines we take, and the air we breathe.But we can protect ourselves if we create a more natural lifestyle.And it's easier than you think. 1. Eat more plants.One of the easiest and fastest ways to create a natural lifestyle is to choose a plant-based diet.The health benefits are incredible. Studies show that a plant-based diet tremendously affects glucose levels. This results in reduced or reversed Diabetes in patients. Plants are rich in antioxidants that protect us against certain cancers. A vegan or plant-based diet does not clog the arteries, thus allowing a healthy flow of blood and oxygen.Because plants are fiber-rich, those who follow a vegan diet have better digestion and experience weight loss.Find local organic groceries to avoid consuming GMO foods. 2. Opt for green living. Electric cars and natural gas gen-sets (if you are providing power to many people) are great ways to be fuel and cost-efficient. Install solar panels to power your home. If you live by a lake or river, you can make a mill to produce hydroelectric power.Reuse and recycle old items around the house.Support ethical, sustainable, and cruelty-free brands. 3. Use essential oils. While prescription medication may be easy to get, it shouldn't always be your first answer. It's amazing how everything we need is already provided by nature. For our health needs, there are different essential oils that we can use.Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. They contain potent chemicals that can be used for different health issues.Here are some examples.Best essential oils for headaches and migraines:Peppermint oilChamomile oilEucalyptus oilGinger oilLavender oilNeroli oilOrange oilBest essential oils for colds and sinus congestion:Lemon oilPeppermint oilThyme oilChamomile oilClove oilEucalyptus oilOregano oilClary Sage oilRosemary oilBest essential oils for cough:Frankincense oilPeppermint oilNutmeg oilCinnamon oilBest essential oils for anxiety:Jasmine oilLavender oilChamomile oilBasil oilRose oilVetiver oilGeranium oilMarjoram oilFennel oilLemon oilNeroli oilYlang-ylang oilBest essential oils for boosting energy:Lemon oilGrapefruit oilCedarwood oilOrange oilCinnamon oilPeppermint oilRosemary oilCopaiba oilBergamot oilBest essential oils for bloating and a gassy stomach:Cardamom oilPeppermint oilLemongrass oilGinger oilBlack pepper oilCypress oilJuniper oilOrange oilThis post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.Your common questions about essential oils answered by WebMD in this video:The little everyday things you do can significantly impact your life and the environment. Create a more natural lifestyle for better health and for a greener planet.Now you:Do you think it's necessary to live sustainably?How will you create a natural lifestyle?
Guest Blogger Important Vitamins For Damaged Hair 8:00 PM Important Vitamins For Damaged Hair Don't you wish you have beautiful long hair that's shiny and healthy? Nobody wants to have damaged hair. 🤷On average, human hair grows about six inches each year. When your hair becomes damaged and broken, hair growth diminishes. There are important vitamins and supplements you should take especially if you have damaged hair. Now that more people are taking better care of their hair, there are a lot of companies to choose from when it comes to purchasing vitamins. Many private label vitamins Manufacturer companies are becoming more successful than ever. 7 Important Vitamins for Damaged Hair and a Bonus Here's a list of essential vitamins for healthy growing tresses:Vitamin C Vitamin B Biotin Niacin Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Let's learn a little bit more about each of these vitamins. Where to find them and what they can do for your hair.So you can flip it sexy like Denise Richards over here. ⤵ Giphy1. Vitamin C Vitamin C is a popular vitamin found in everyday food.orangesbroccolikalebrussels sproutspapayastrawberrieskiwired bell peppers Vitamin C is known for boosting the immune system to protect us from cold and illness. What many people don’t realize is that it works well to strengthen and help hair grow because it contains collagen---a vital protein for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Along with eating vitamin C-infused food or supplements like Vitamin C powder, there are also hair products that contain this ingredient. 2. Vitamin B There are 8 different types of Vitamin B and they each have their own benefit (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12). Vitamin B 12 is the most important of the vitamin B complex. Some sources of Vitamin B are:nutsgrainsvegetablesnutritional yeastfortified plant-based milkB vitamin affects our metabolism, energy, nerves, skin, nails, and hair.The main role of this vitamin is to promote cell growth hence it is essential in hair growth. 3. Niacin Niacin is still part of the Vitamin B family (Vitamin B 3) but is indispensable that it needs to be mentioned separately. It helps nourish your scalp and promotes hair growth. Without the correct amount of niacin, there is a risk of your hair becoming dry and brittle. This vitamin can be found in:avocadopeanutswhole grainsmushroomsgreen peaspotatoes 4. Biotin Biotin is Vitamin B7 and plays an important part in hair growth.It creates glucose which breaks down the protein into amino acids that helps strengthen and protect your hair. It's important to combine a mixture of both biotin-enriched foods and hair care products that contain it.The best foods sources of Biotin are:mushroomsavocadopeanut buttersweet potatoescauliflowertomatoes5. Vitamin AVitamin A is necessary to add to your diet especially for your hair. It promotes the growth of your hair cells. Vitamin A contains sebum which is an essential oil that hair needs to grow healthily. Foods that contain this are:(orange) sweet potatobutternut squashcarrotspinach and other green leafy vegetablesdried apricotskalecantaloupe melonspring greens 6. Vitamin D You know well that Vitamin D comes from the sun. A few hours a day is enough to give us healthy and nourished hair. This is easy to fulfill when it's the summer months. It becomes tricky during winter though.Here are some foods enriched which Vitamin D you can consume during the gloomy season: soy milkmushroomsalmond milkorange juicerice milkfortified cereals 7. Vitamin E Vitamin E is vital for healthy hair, skin, and nails. It helps promote hair growth because of its antioxidant properties.These foods are rich in vitamin E:seedsnutsavocadoalmondbroccoliIt's not only beneficial to take this vitamin internally but it's also known to be good when rubbed onto your scalp. This leaves the hair healthy and shiny. Bonus: Important Minerals for Damaged HairIron for damaged hairAlthough iron is not a vitamin it is an essential mineral that we need for our body to function correctly. Without enough iron, our hair would become dry, dull, and brittle. Foods with iron: lentilschickpeasbeanstofucashew nutschia seedsground linseedhemp seedspumpkin seedskaledried apricots and figsraisinsquinoa Magnesium for damaged hair Eating rich in magnesium food helps make sure you're giving your scalp what it needs to stay healthy. It also helps your hair grow strong and shiny. Foods rich in Magnesium:beanspeasgrainssoyseedsnuts Proteins for damaged hairProtein is an essential mineral for hair. When you're protein-deficient, your hair gets damaged and breaks off. Adding protein to your diet fills in gaps in damaged hair follicles. Foods that are rich in proteins are:tofu, tempeh, and edamamelentilschickpeaspeanutsalmondsspirulinaquinoamycoprotein What's your favorite hair food? About the author: Francesca Jaques is the author and editor of www.hairday.co.uk. Beauty therapist by day and writer by night, she reviews every hair product available, finding the best of the best and giving you all the tips possible to make life easier for you. For hairstyle ideas, tips and reviews, you can find them on her:Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
