Zero Waste Imperfectly
Welcome to Zero Waste Imperfectly, the podcast where we embrace the journey towards a greener lifestyle, one small step at a time. Hosted by Sheila, each short and unedited episode is designed to fit seamlessly into the busy lives of families looking to make a positive impact on the environment without the pressure of perfection.
In just a few minutes, we provide practical tips, simple swaps, and inspiring stories that make sustainable living accessible and achievable for everyone. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your eco-friendly habits, Zero Waste Imperfectly offers easy-to-implement advice for reducing waste and living more sustainably.
Join us as we explore topics like reducing household waste, sustainable shopping, eco-friendly pet care, and much more. Perfect for families on the go, our episodes are packed with actionable insights that make it easy to incorporate zero waste practices into your daily routine.
Tune in, get inspired, and remember: every little bit helps, and it's okay to be perfectly imperfect on your zero waste journey.
Zero Waste Imperfectly
Green Living Through the Eyes of Gen Z
Imagine sitting down for a heartwarming chat with a vibrant, eco-conscious teenager who's as passionate about the planet as she is about her latest school project. That's exactly what unfolded in our latest episode of Zero Waste Imperfectly, where I, Sheila, along with my teenage daughter Kayla, peel back the layers of what a zero waste lifestyle means to the younger generation. Kayla, with her youthful wisdom, dives into the significance of reducing waste and shares how her school is contributing to sustainable practices. Her perspective is a breath of fresh air in a conversation often dominated by adults, proving that the passion for change is ageless.
During this family affair, we discuss the practical changes our household has made and those we're still striving to achieve. From swapping to reusable containers in place of personal care products, to the simpler switch of carrying a metal water bottle, Kayla's actions speak volumes to her commitment. She even shares anecdotes of influencing her friends to make more eco-friendly choices, demonstrating the ripple effect one person's actions can have. As we navigate through the successes and the less-than-perfect attempts at going zero waste, such as our trial with reusable feminine hygiene products, you'll find yourself nodding along and perhaps even inspired to make a change. Don't miss this intimate episode that bridges generational gaps and lights the way for future eco-warriors.
Hello, lovely listeners, and welcome to Zero Waste Imperfectly, the show that talks about all things zero waste with kids. I'm your host, sheila. I am the owner of Life Essentials Refillery and the mother of three beautiful girls, and today I have one of my three daughters here with me to interview her and ask her some questions about sustainability and zero waste. So this is Kayla, and Kayla say hi, hi, all right. So first thing I'm going to ask is how old are you? 15. Okay, and what do you know about zero waste lifestyle? What do you think of it? How would you describe it to somebody?
Speaker 2:Eco-friendly and safe for the planet.
Speaker 1:Okay, all right. And why do you think it's important to reduce waste?
Speaker 2:We already throw so much trash away onto the planet. It's not going to get any better unless we do something to change that.
Speaker 1:That definitely makes sense. So in your school do you see evidence of anything about sustainability or zero waste practices?
Speaker 2:Some.
Speaker 1:Like what? What's an example?
Speaker 2:We have recycling bins next to every trash can that's it. And we do all of our work online instead of wasting paper.
Speaker 1:That's good. That's a huge step forward. What are some of the things you're doing in your life to reduce waste?
Speaker 2:I use reusable containers for all of my makeup products and personal hygiene products.
Speaker 1:And what do you carry with you everywhere you go?
Speaker 2:Metal water bottle.
Speaker 1:And has that been a big? Was that a big change going from plastic to a metal water bottle, a stainless bottle?
Speaker 2:Not really. It became much easier other than plastic bottles everywhere.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. And is there something you absolutely love about having a metal water bottle, an insulated water bottle? Does it stay colder?
Speaker 2:Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 1:Okay. So how do you feel and you have to answer these questions honestly so how do you feel about the amount of waste your household generates? Do you think we can do better?
Speaker 2:Definitely.
Speaker 1:What is one of the areas that you think we should do better in?
Speaker 2:Less plastic to go with our foods and Amazon packages.
Speaker 1:That is true, definitely, and let's see what are some of the creative solutions that people could do to reduce waste.
Speaker 2:Switch to metal water bottles and, instead of printing things off of online, just doing it on their iPad or computer.
Speaker 1:So in your school do you still see a lot of kids with plastic water bottles?
Speaker 2:Not really Everyone switched to metal earlier this year, I think, when they figured out that it was better to bring a metal water bottle to practice instead of plastic, which they can easily forget. That makes sense.
Speaker 1:So what are some small steps that you could take right now in your personal life to reduce waste?
Speaker 2:Testing out other brands that have reusable containers. For what For?
Speaker 1:things like lotion, makeup, okay, so do you find that's easily accessible, those kinds of things, if you look in the right places? Yes, okay, that makes sense, and let's see how can you encourage your friends to do better about reducing waste.
Speaker 2:Tell them about how much easier it is to have reusable things around you All right.
Speaker 1:Do you think they'd listen?
Speaker 2:Yes, I've already influenced one person who switched to a metal water bottle.
Speaker 1:Yay, all right. Do you think social media is a great tool to spread awareness about living a less waste lifestyle?
Speaker 2:Definitely. Some people don't even know it exists until they search it up online.
Speaker 1:And do you think kids your age are open to that idea, or do you think they're more resistant to change and want to stick with the way things have always been?
Speaker 2:I think people, when told the truth about how reusable containers work, can be willing to switch.
Speaker 1:All right, is there something you have tried or your family has tried that you said, uh-uh, this is not for me, or?
Speaker 2:your family has tried that. You said uh-uh, this is not for me. We're useful pads Like feminine hygiene?
Speaker 1:Yes, all right, so you draw the line there. Yes, so what has been your favorite zero-waste tip or hack that you've learned so far?
Speaker 2:Making lotion at home without all dyes and scented things and putting it into a reusable glass jar. That's awesome.
Speaker 1:And you use that every day, right, I do and how do you feel about your personal progress towards living a zero-waste lifestyle?
Speaker 2:I have a lot more reusable containers like deodorant, lotion, some makeup, which is better than before.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you've changed a lot. Huh, you've made a lot of changes, and what more would you like to learn about or do to reduce your waist footprint?
Speaker 2:Maybe eventually switching some more makeup products that are healthier for my skin.
Speaker 1:Okay, but you're already pretty good at looking at EWG right.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm looking at most makeup products, but some things like my foundation, I haven't switched yet.
Speaker 1:Okay, all right. So to all the teenagers that might be out there listening, do you have one piece of advice that you can give them about living a less race lifestyle?
Speaker 2:Do more research about your products. You never notice how many scented things and chemicals are in there that make no difference at all. That are harming yourself.
Speaker 1:That's good advice. Well, thanks for being here. I know it wasn't easy. Well, thanks for tuning in. You can find us on all platforms, at Life Essentials Refillery, and we would love to hear how your kids have embraced, or completely not embraced, the zero waste lifestyle. So send us a comment and we'd love to hear from you.