We can say that the majority of humankind is starting to get environmentally conscious in 2020 now that our carelessness is starting to manifest with the different natural disasters that we are experiencing. There is no denying that the number one pollutant is plastic. And with everyone being encouraged to stop using single-use plastics, then came the surge of demand for aico-zerowaste items. 

However, this is just a small part of something big.

There are a lot of people who are starting to shift to a 100% conscious life - no meat, no dairy, no plastic, and the like. However, with our different statuses and privileges, this isn't easy for most of the population. We have to recognize the fact that some people cannot let go of meat at all and still rely on products that are packaged in disposable materials. However, there are little things that I am sure everyone can do to contribute to this movement for zero waste. We have listed down below some ways and alternatives that you can apply to your everyday life as baby steps to an eco-friendly future:

Use reusable bags when shopping.

100 billion single-use plastics are being used in the US alone. Considering that it takes 500 years for plastic to decompose, where do you think they ended up? Landfills? Oceans? In animals' bodies?

In what way can we help with this dilemma? Simple. When going grocery shopping, refuse the bags that these shops are providing. You can carry reusable bags all the time just in case you have to buy something. These bags are small, easily folded, and kept in your purse or car - no excuses.

Avoid single-use bottles.

Plastic water bottles are one of the most abundant plastic-made products that pollute the earth's ecosystem. Did you know that an estimate of 8 million tons of plastic bottles is being thrown in the ocean each year? You can start helping by buying your own reusable water bottles. You can literally buy them anywhere. If you want a particular water bottle, you can look for it here https://www.usimprints.com/category/water-bottles/

Say no to straws.

I am sure you can drink even without a straw so you should refuse to use them when eating in restaurants. If this isn't the case, stainless straws are everywhere so purchase one.

Buy in bulk to avoid disposable packaging.

This may be harder because not all of the supermarkets have bulk sections. So, instead of going to these large supermarkets, bring your eco-bag and visit your local farmer's market.

Compost your food waste.

Make composting a habit. What makes this better is it has multiple benefits. First is you help lessen the amount of waste that produces methane gas in landfills and second, you get to have a free organic fertilizer for your plants.

Do not buy what you do not need.

There is a reason why people are starting a minimalist lifestyle. The more things you have, the higher the possibility that you'll just throw away those you do not need. Stop buying excessive clothes because these materials hugely contribute to pollution.

Just like what Anna Marie Bonneau said, "We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly." So do your part because it isn't that hard at all.