It seems that this year more than ever people are finally turning their attention towards helping the environment. It’s such a huge topic and such a huge issue that it may feel like doing one thing might not have much of an impact. Over the next few months we are interviewing some of the biggest names in eco-friendly living, organic business and sustainability to help break down some of those barriers and to show you just how easy it can be to make a difference one plastic straw at a time.
First up meet Kathryn Kellogg founder of Going Zero Waste, forthcoming author of 101 Ways To Go Zero Waste and spokesperson for National Geographic on plastic-free living.
At what point did you realise you wanted to start living a Zero Waste Lifestyle?
I approached zero waste living from a holistic point of of view. When I moved to California, I saw the litter everywhere and I realized that plastic isn’t only bad for our personal health but also for the health of the planet.
What does zero waste living mean to you?
Zero waste living is about using your life as a way to reflect the future you want to live in. I want to live in a world with clean air, clean water, and a place where politicians and businesses respect the planet.
What are your recommendations for someone who wants to reduce waste in their community, not just their home?
There are so many things! Host a free talk at the local library, call the local newspaper and ask about a column or an article on zero waste living, show a documentary at a community space, grab a table at the local farmers market to educate others, host a clean-up, get involved with your local government, go to city hall meetings, talk to local businesses about implementing a straw on request only policy, get local coffee shops to incentivize bringing your own cup, etc.
What do you wish more people knew about zero waste living?
A lot of people think zero waste living is time consuming and expensive and it’s neither of those things. It’s depression era living. It’s about saving and using what you have instead of constantly buying new. It’s also not any more time consuming because it’s all about building habits.
What are your top tips for moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle?
I recommend that everyone start with the big four
- Say no to straws. (If you need straws or like them opt for a reusable one. My fav is glass!)
- Ditch plastic water bottles. If you have access to safe, clean drinking water get yourself a reusable water bottle. If you don’t like the taste, get a filter! Charcoal sticks are pretty inexpensive. They say they only last for three months, but I’ve been using mine for two years. I just keep boiling them and they work fine.
- Bring your own bags. If you tend to forget, get a couple that fold up real small and attach to your key ring. You’ll always be with them.
- Avoid coffee cups which are actually lined with plastic and unrecyclable in most places. The lids aren’t recyclable either. So if you forget a thermos (you can also use that water bottle you have on you!) or don’t have time to ask for a mug and drink it in the shop, go topless. You know – without the lid
What are the zero-waste items you can’t live without?
I love my insulated water bottle, snapware, my Thinx, and my bidet attachment.
What is your quote of the day?
‘Very rarely do we have waste problems; we have creative thinking problems.’
We think Kathryn would look fabulous in our bamboo yoga tops and our bamboo yoga pants.