10. Don’t think that a sustainable lifestyle is expensive
“We are living in a fast-paced world, people tend to choose what is convenient, cheap and easy to the expense of our environment. People think the eco-lifestyle is expensive, but it is not. Getting back to basics is the way.” – Angelica U Chongco of Mayumi Organics, 39, @mayumiorganics
9. Refuse single-use
“Refuse single-use plastic products as much as you can. If you can’t avoid it, reuse and then dispose of them properly in eco-bricks or put together your clean and dry plastic trash to be given to NGO’s who work with furniture manufacturing companies who transform them into furniture.
Bring your reusable utensils, water jugs, cups, tableware, wraps, containers and eco-bags everywhere you go so you have a reason to Refuse.
Recycle anything you have. Reuse them. Repurpose them. Give them a second life, a third life, a fourth?
Support slow fashion. Buy from thrift shops. There are so many goodies in secondhand shops. Circular economy is in style.” – Malou de Joya of Kalikhasan, 51, @kalikhasan
8. Bury your biodegradable trash
“If you can go a step further, bury your biodegradable trash. Spray some good enzymes or good microbes on your compost pit trash and they turn into fertilizer. Mother Earth would love you for that.” – Malou de Joya of Kalikhasan, 51, @kalikhasan
7. 4 R’s: Remove, Re-use, Recycle, Return
“Remove your perception that eco-friendly packaging materials are expensive. Re-use materials that are still functional, continue researching about the benefits of Recycled/ Upcycled packaging items and don’t forget to Return Back to Nature those that can biodegrade and be composted!” – Dominique Sevilla of EcoNest Philippines of Econest PH, 30, @econestph
(ALSO READ: 22 Filipino Eco-Entrepreneurs Who Inspire to Make the Greener Switch)
6. Don’t buy “pretty” zero-waste alternatives if you don’t need it
“Buying less – is definitely one of the most sustainable and less wasteful things you can change in your lifestyle. Only buy things you need, and which you’ll constantly use in the long run. You honestly don’t need to buy ALL the pretty “zero waste alternatives” you see on social media. Use the things you already have at home — cutleries, snack boxes, water bottles, etc.” – Rizza Lana – Sebastian, 29, @rizzalana
5. Remember that a zero-waste lifestyle is not impossible
“Be a mindful consumer. Consuming less also comes with reducing your waste. Remember your reasons why you want to change your lifestyle, but don’t pressure yourself into living a waste-free life because it is not possible! There will be days when you will forget to bring your containers or you will tire of repurposing items you have lying around the house, but don’t let it defeat you. It happens, and that’s okay.” – Jaye Aliyah A. Ong of Berde, 24 years old, @jayealiyah
4. Be consistent with your zero-waste habits
“Start small but be consistent! So if you want to skip straws, commit to that and even if you fail once in a while, get back on it! Progress is better than perfect.” – Reese Fernandez-Ruiz of Rags2Riches, 34, @rags2richesinc
In case you didn’t know, we have a page dedicated to all things business. Check it out here!
3. Consider the outside world as an extension of your home
“When I am outside home, I’d like to think that my surroundings are an extension of my home. My trash is to be kept by me or disposed of by me, nonetheless. When for example, you are eating at a fast-food store, try using silverware instead of plastics, and clean up your table afterward — finishing your food, putting them clean aside, or even throwing them to the bin. Not only you can help produce less food and plastic wastes, but you can also help the crews finish early too.
Let’s try to think not only of our own convenience but of others too. The world is created for everyone so it’s only right to care for it and for others as much as we want to care for ourselves. Our resources are limited and so are ourselves. If we continue to mindlessly produce more wastes, there will come a time that even we won’t be able to clean them all up.” – Joane Fides, of Papel De Letra.S, 22, @papeldeletra.s
2. Help educate others
“Always use the resources that are available in your own home because reusing and upcycling are always better than buying something new. We always hear that we should be creative in adapting to the lifestyle but it is really needed in order to consume less. And aside from adapting I think the main thing that we should really take note of is we have to respect each other’s journeys and help educate the ones who need it the most.” – Czareena Macaspac of Daily Convos Shop, 24, @dailyconvosshop
1. Inspire change in this consumerist society
“Make use of what you already have or make your own. As Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist said, “The most environmentally friendly product is the one you didn’t buy.”
Remember that it’s not our fault to be born in a consumerist society, but it is our responsibility to change it and it should begin with rethinking our consumption habits.” – Chiara Karenina Manuel of Knitty Gritty by Chiara, 24, @knittygrittybychiara
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad!
