So... here's the thing... a lot has changed in four months. I've got involved with spirituality, meditation, crystals and all that jazz, I've become vegetarian (with the goal of eventually becoming vegan) and I'm trying out a plastic-free, "zero-waste" lifestyle. Phew. Take a second to breathe - how much can one person change in a quarter of a year? Shed loads is the answer.

As part of this new, more conscious lifestyle I'm trying to adopt a "zero-waste" approach to consumption. We've all seen the David Attenborough programmes - a sea of flippin' plastic out there and it's our fault. We can't even deny it. We've completely neglected our planet.

I'm not going to lie to you, I haven't been the most eco-conscious consumer, buying into fast fashion, disposable coffee cups, plastic bottle after plastic bottle and forgetting to recycle. But, I'm putting that mindset behind me, and a much more ethical person is rising from the ashes.

Step one: replace shampoo/conditioner with a shampoo bar. 

Tick! Obviously using up any shampoo you already have, first - this is the key to going low-impact, zero waste or whatever you want to call it. Making good use of the things/products you already have so as not to make any more unnecessary waste.

A shampoo bar is a great first step, an easy transition and really doesn't take that long to get used to. You may have to work through a week or two of your hair feeling slightly residue-eeeeey (that's a word, right?) but the natural PH balance of your hair/scalp should balance out after a couple of weeks. Not much to sacrifice, really.


Step two: reusable coffee/tea cup.

I do struggle in this department, being a lover of a tiny handbag but, I'm going to take a leaf out of my forever-wonderful sister's book and try bringing a cup with me whenever I can and asking coffee shops and chains to fill my own. (Side note: why do I find this so embarrassing to do, I'm literally saving them a job and money. But no, my Britishness gets the better of me here, but just keep thinking: 'planet, planet, planet!' if you stray into awkwardness, like I definitely will.)




Step three: ditch the makeup wipes!

Another big tick. Haven't used these little blighters for a couple of months now - removing makeup with a serum/cleanser (once my cleanser has gone and the plastic container is recycled I will be looking for an even better option) and good old fashioned flannel face cloth. Money saver + planet saver = ALL ROUND GOODNESS.

Step four and possibly the hardest step for me - give up "fast fashion".

Goodbye and farewell to Boohoo, ASOS, New Look, Topshop, Missguided and all the brands I've previously endorsed. It's been a great few years but it's time for us to go our separate ways. I don't agree with the way in which these clothes are produced on a conveyor belt of underpaid/ill treated workers and poor-quality, throwaway pieces. Enough is enough. Sustainability is the only option. It's second-hand only for me now, with the exception of emergencies and buying for other people - nobodies perfect though, right? Some of my favourite second-hand clothing apps are Vinted and Depop.



And thats what I want to document on this journey (urrrgghhh "journey", what a horrible word, I prefer adventure as a synonym for such endeavours... anyway, I digress...) - I'm going to have slip ups and forget to recycle, buy a piece from ASOS because I needed it ASAP and be so on the verge of dehydration a plastic bottle is my only option. BUT, the important thing is that I'm starting, replacing, developing and growing.


With that all in mind, watch this space as I continue to write about my journey with "zero-waste" through the portal of this online diary, aka the basic use of a blog. *face palm*


For all my intentional living inspiration, I look to Sedona Christina (YouTube babe and complete waste-free goddess), Love & Joy Home (Hampshire-based eco-shop) and online shop Plastic Freedom.

FYI, Christie, her YouTube channel and podcast have been my main inspiration for this journey so HUGE shout out to her.

Little side note: "zero-waste" is a silly term really, no one is ever completely, 100% zero-waste, but, as I understand it, it's an industry term companies used to demonstrate being more ethical in their production of goods.