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5 Local Products To Jumpstart Your Shift to Zero-Waste Sustainable Living

Love the earth, love local



We live in a time when we’re hitting record-hot temperatures, more intense typhoons are entering the country, and the rising humidity levels are but an everyday reality. Sure, all this is to be expected of the summer, but the issue of climate change is proving well worth our attention now more than ever. It’s crucial to pinpoint the root cause of all this, and with enough environmental documentaries and social media posts available to educate us, we don’t need telling twice: it’s pollution.


Essentially, man is still held responsible for the pollution taking our planet apart in the worst ways. Many continue to purchase plastic containers and don’t dispose of them properly. A whopping 91% of plastic isn’t recycled, which has led to the creation of 8.3 billion metric tons of disposable products with most ending up in the trash. However, this can be addressed and improved by making just a few lifestyle changes.


To give the planet a fighting chance, we should each be doing our part—starting with the products we take from the shelves every time we shop, whether it be through cash or credit card, instore or online via a little mobile surfing. Maintaining a zero-waste sustainable lifestyle is a massive step in making sure we all live lives worth living (and live them longer!).


Up ahead, we get you started on the right foot with a selection of local products you can support in making the big shift to sustainability.


RELATED: 8 Summer Destinations For Every Budget


Toiletries

Minka Bamboo Toothbrush

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Image via Human Nature


Skipping plastic can start with something as simple as your toothbrush. A bamboo toothbrush is a popular pick for people on the hunt for a biodegradable alternative. It’s eco-friendly, has natural anti-microbial properties, and has soft bristles that make brushing your teeth and gums feel good. What’s not to love?


You can purchase your Minka bamboo toothbrush at your nearest Human Nature store.


Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

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Image via The Eco Shift


Shampoo and conditioner, when in bar form, can eliminate the need for plastic bottles. On top of that, they’re all-natural, made out of plant-based ingredients via cruelty-free processes that make them safe for both the hair and scalp.


Get your shampoo and conditioner bars online at The Eco Shift!


Menstrual Cups or Reusable Cloth Pads

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Images via Binibining Lakambini and Sinaya Cup


Sanitary napkins, necessary as they might be, could eventually find their way to the ocean if not disposed of properly. A zero-waste alternative for your consideration are reusable menstrual cups or cloth pads, which can be washed and used whenever needed.


Heads up, ladies! You can shop for cloth pads from the convenience of home via the Binibining Lakambini store on Facebook. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, are available on the Sinaya Cup website.


Household Items

Collapsible Cup

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Image via Eco Heroes PH


An eco-friendly alternative to single-use cups is the collapsible cup. Besides the fact that it makes for a cool pop of color to any surface, it’s particularly great for those who dislike carrying bulky tumblers around. You can use it for coffee, tea, and any other beverage (yes, even your favorite summer-worthy taho can be stored in there). Spill-proof, it’s made of BPA-free silicone and can hold liquids of up to 350 ml.


Get yours at Eco Heroes PH. Keep one closeby—you’ll never know when you’re going to need it!


Travel Essentials

Bamboo and Metal Straws

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Images via Remind PH and TRVLR PH


Plastic straws have long been wreaking havoc in the ocean, which means it’s high time we quit using them. After all, do we really need to sip our juices and margaritas through a straw?


If you find that a straw truly is a necessity, there are two alternatives to consider: bamboo and metal straws. Both can be reused, which puts a stop to plastic polluting the ocean, and each comes with its own plusses. Bamboo straws come with anti-microbial properties, while the steel versions typically come with handy cleaning kits.


Join the movement. Get your bamboo straw from Remind PH and steel straw from TRVLR PH via BeautyMNL!


RELATED: Ditching Disposables: 5 Things To Get You Started



Despite environmental issues worsening at an alarming rate, it’s worth remembering that now isn’t too late a time to start caring. All it takes is a small adjustment to your existing lifestyle habits—whether that means thinking twice before reaching for a straw or being more mindful about your household essentials. When all our efforts are combined, they ultimately amount to bigger, braver actions that can eventually save the only place we can call home.



Art Alex Lara

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