Changing how you have always done things is not easy. The typical American way of life is just messy and trashy to say the least.
Climbing your way out of all you have ever known is not easy. You have to go through dark moments of unlearning and learning that can take you through it and have you straight up pooped.
I have been through those trenches of learning and unlearning. Although it was necessary for me to get where I am at in my low waste journey, not all trenches you have to go through.
Like I always tell people, you don’t have to break your arm to know if it hurts.
With that floating in your mind, I wanted to help you out- so you can be the boss person you were meant to be that lives sustainably.
So I am sharing a few things I wish I knew before going low waste:
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Changing your mindset is harder than any eco-friendly swap
- Change how you’re looking at things. Things you used to pay $2 for you now pay $20 because you are accounting for the materials to make it and the for the people that made it.
- Advice: Reaffirm yourself often on all the reasons you are living a low waste lifestyle. Whether you are writing it down or saying it loud, it matters.
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Not everybody will get your lifestyle
- It’s okay that they don’t understand. Just do you.
- Advice: Extend patience to your family and friends as you go through this journey. Be open to answering questions and using your lifestyle as a way for your community to learn.
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You’re going to have to do research on businesses
- Finding products with the environment in mind will require work on your end. Don’t be afraid to do research.
- Advice: If you’re not trying to spend hours searching for sustainable businesses you can also use resources like AYOlogue that have over 150 sustainable businesses all in one place, all owned by BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color).
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BIPOC people are in sustainability spaces
- Starting my journey about 4 years ago all I saw was white middle class women in the sustainability/zerowaste spaces. It felt wrong this experience I was having. I knew there were other people of different backgrounds in this space. Happy to say I was right and I have come across so many BIPOC influencers whatever you want to call them in the space.
- Advice: Following people of different backgrounds in sustainability spaces helps you gain a more holistic perspective of the movement. If you’re looking for Black, Hispanic, or Asian sustainability influencers to follow, I gotch you!
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Clothes Swaps are a great alternative to fast fashion
- It sounds like the name- you exchange clothes with one other person or a group of people. Clothes swaps are typically free or for a low cost if there is shipping.
- Advice: Try a clothes swap if you’re itching to get something new in your wardrobe but you don’t want to spend too much money.
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Fancy eco-friendly swaps are not needed
- All the stainless steel, bamboo, or glass swaps are nice but shouldn’t be your first thought.
- Advice: Your first thought should be to use what you have until you can’t anymore. Once they are done then look at these more sustainable alternatives.
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Planning is apart of the lifestyle
- It’s annoying but that’s where we are until substantial policies change that fight climate change. Knowing it’s a part of the journey should help you feel less pressured.
- Advice: Embrace planning before you do activities. This actually makes a low waste lifestyle easier at times and is a great way to avoid eco-guilt.
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You don’t have to fit your trash in jar
- It’s a trash idea that should stay in the trash. It puts unrealistic expectations on newbies starting this journey to take on responsibilities that are not all yours for the fight on climate change.
- Advice: Don’t listen to this idea.
I hope that this has you feeling more prepared as a newbie entering the low waste lifestyle. I want you to know there is a place for you in this lifestyle. You bring something unique and you’re needed if we are actually going to make the change that we dream of.
Don’t go at this lifestyle alone. You are not alone. I care about you and know the value of having a community and accountability. Joining the A.Y.O. Newsletter you get that genuine accountability right to your email. Not only that but a weekly encouragement boost right in the middle of the week when you need it most. You have support here at A.Y.O.