Introduction

We currently consume more resources than the Earth can produce. This is unfortunate, and we should learn how to reduce our ecological footprint at home to minimize the potential dangers with greater ease. Ecological footprint refers to the measure of the resources we consume.

Remember that we would need approximately three more Earth-like planets if everyone on the Earth had the same ecological footprint as the average US citizen. Americans consume more than most people from less developed countries partly due to economic reasons. Right now, humans worldwide are absorbing about 157% of the Earth’s natural resources, meaning we need at least one Earth and a half to lead peaceful and healthy lives. As the GDP of other nations like China improves, the situation is likely to worsen.

Introduction

Do you ever feel like you want to be “eco” but have no idea where to start? Do you think it’s expensive and all your good intentions go away before even starting? Have a look at my little story about how it all began for a lassie from North East Scotland and how it has continued since then…

Zero Waste traveling

Introduction

We’ve covered by now some zero-waste food essential topics. Trust me, we can get more detailed than that, but it’s totally fine to start with some basics. What’s really interesting is, going along with this zero-waste movement, have you ever questioned yourself how to travel with as little trash as possible, or even zero-waste? You know, going completely plastic free, looking for ways not to leave food behind and maybe even recycle on the go. If you were to ask my mom, she would without a doubt say it takes the relaxation out of her vacation. But honestly, what do you think? Is it possible? Is it something you can see yourself doing the next time you travel, or when you get a chance to cross the borders the minute they re-open? I can’t even explain how eagerly I’m waiting for my next expedition. Everything is planned, I just need this pandemic to magically go away, and free us all. Go ahead, laugh. But, if you ask me, it’s good to be prepared in advance.

Every day, the average person in the U.S. throws about 4.9 pounds of municipal solid waste (MSW). Of the 294.4 million tons of MSW collected in 2018, only 32.1% were composited and recycled. About 17.7 million tons of food waste were managed in other ways, but 50% of the waste (146 million tons) ended up spread across the over 2600 MSW landfill plants in the country.

Did you know that waste production is increasing at an alarming rate globally, and that threatens livelihoods? Imagine that an average person in Israel generates approximately 1.7 kilograms of waste per day. Worse still, waste production in the country is growing at 1.8% per year. Other nations are also struggling with this issue. In the United States, each person generates about 2 kg of municipal solid waste each day.

Since most of these wastes hurt the life of humans, animals, and plants and are costly to manage, the above figures clearly show that we may face many risks if we fail to act in time. Many items that often go into the landfill can be recycled at home, which shows that households have a vital role in managing waste. Read on why we need to give new life to our old items and the common ones that you can conveniently recycle at home without spending a lot of time and resources.

Introduction

In my previous article, we talked about which first steps should be taken for a less-trashed environment when it comes to food. The importance of planning your grocery shopping and when doing so to try & go as plastic-free as you can. Sincerely hoping those steps were understandable and easy to follow. Wouldn’t want to make a scramble out of your brain, right?

Humans have been active species for thousands of years and their rate of activity has increased in recent times due to industrialization, overpopulation, and technological advancements. Despite humankind’s success, the planet has suffered drastically from our progression which has created negative repercussions for the earth to endure.

Introduction

Welcome to the Plastic Age, as scientists have named it, with many types of research showing plastic pollution has rapidly been increasing in the past few decades. Therefore I guess it’s safe to say this topic is not new. We have been introduced to this environmentally changing moment for some time now.

Looking at how plastic came to be, and what it brought, it was somewhat revolutionary. Life-saving devices were brought to medicine, space travel became possible, incubators, equipment for clean water drinking, and many more. The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to throw-away culture. Today, single-use plastic takes roughly about 40% of plastic production per year. These products wrap our food, “help” it’s delivery from supermarkets to our doors, beverages are taken to-go. They may be used for five minutes or few hours, but the amount of time it takes for them to decay takes centuries. Honestly, it’s scary to even think about these consequences. Truthfully, it might feel like a huge amount of pressure. As if everything is up to you to change, and no responsibilities for others to take. Questioning what actions to be made, or simply is there a point to begin dealing with such requirements. But the harsh truth being, if we don’t start now, where will we be tomorrow?