Having a zero-waste lifestyle is no easy task and one thing’s for sure: It never happens overnight. One thing that people should realize before making the shift is that it’s more than just a trend of detaching yourself from plastic usage. More than anything, it’s a mindset that requires a deep commitment of living a more thoughtful and conscious life, all for Mother Earth. We already know that our natural environment is in danger so what can normal people like us do?
We become more cautious of the products that we purchase and consume to lessen environmental impact. Single-use plastics are still on the rise and it takes a while to break free from old habits and get used to new ones. It would seem difficult at first to refuse something as simple as plastic utensils but these small acts, cliché as it may sound, go a long way.
Before jumping in, the first step is to actually check what you already have. Being sustainable means reusing items you can find at your home. Otherwise, you can start your year right (FYI, January is also Zero Waste Month in our country) by knowing exactly where to get eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items.
For reusable utensils
Go Zero
Go Zero has already been selling metal straws even before the whole low waste revolution caught on with a lot of people. Aside from the three types of straws (bending, straight, milktea), their tikog pouches (sold separately) are also sustainably sourced from Leyte and are handcrafted and woven by locals. They also sell bamboo toothbrushes.
Last Straw MNL
Last Straw puts a twist to plain stainless utensils. Their straws and cutlery sets (comprised of a spoon, fork, and chopsticks) come in different colors: black, gold, rose gold, and rainbow. One of their newest products is the stainless and gradient-colored tumbler that each come with a matching straw.
For body and hair care
Melusch Home Body Soul
Self care doesn’t have to be wasteful. Melusch sells handcrafted soap and shampoo bars using natural ingredients. Shampoo and conditioner bars are a great alternative to several plastic bottles and sachets we waste every year. If stored properly (and depending on your usage), a shampoo bar can last a good month or two.
Paralúman
Paraluman has gone a long way since it started out with its water-conserving shampoo and conditioner bars. Now, they offer all sorts of feminine care products such as reusable panty liners and cotton rounds, tooth powders, and wooden combs. They even have pencils containing plantable seeds that you can pop in a pot as soon as you finish it all up.
For one-stop shops
Panda Shop
The Panda Shop is part of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines’ sustainability efforts. The online shop sells a wide array of items ranging from metal straw sets, tumblers, canvas bags to mugs, shirts, and more. Most of the proceeds go to WWF’s conservation programs across the country.
The Craft Central
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The rustic art supply store you may have seen in different parts of Manila also carries eco-friendly products from different brands. Glass jars, tote bags and pouches, reusable utensils, tumblers, you name it. You’re sure to find something that you can put into great use in your everyday life.
Read more:
Glorietta store sells sustainable clothes for P100 to P500
7 shops where you can buy shampoo bars
Skip the gift wrapper and do these eco-friendly wrapping tips instead
Read more by Jill Chua:
South Korea’s taking back their garbage but Canada has yet to follow suit