How to start your journey of less plastic usage

So eleven months ago, I made a huge transition in my life. Aside from changing my goal to embody work-life-balance for real, I pledged to lessen my consumption of items in single-use plastic. Though its a part of my personal advocacy ever since I was a kid, I knew I had to be really consistent - to stand firm and make it so.

I know not using any plastic materials at all is tough especially because it's almost impossible for us to live without the use of these disposables. These include tampons, diapers, wrappers of frozen goods, and other materials we use it on. But many research studies show that decreasing the number of single-use plastic production and proper waste management can still make a huge impact on our futures. We can sacrifice a few and it won't hurt -- we promise!

Looking at my record/planner, being consistent when it comes to this cause has brought joy to my life. And I believe you can do it, too!

Let's start with small, baby steps! Think that this cause can bring a sense of fulfillment. You are contributing to a cause that has a greater impact -- knowing that you are extending the life of Mother Earth. (Like dying a little less slower? I know, I know… The idea is too morbid but waking up while understanding the grim reality helps)

Anyway, let me help you start your new journey! How? Let me share with you some of the things I did. 

• Biodegradable (nabubulok) – substances that include food wastes such as vegetables and fruit peels, dead plants  and animals, egg shells, and garden wastes. These are items that decompose or break down naturally.
• Non-biodegradable (di-nabubulok) – consists of plastics, polystyrene, metals, plastic and aluminum cans, toxic chemicals, paints, and tires. These can be constantly reused and they are harmful to the environment because they create pollution.

2. Bring and use your own reusable utensils - these can be utensils that are made of bamboo/metal/silver or gold. It's up to you as long as it sparks joy and you can use them over and over again. 

Here are other mindsets that you should practice possessing at all times:

• Refrain from being extra sensitive (or maarte) by asking for disposable spoons and forks at fast food chains and restaurants. We know you think it's a health risk, so that's just another reason why you should bring your own utensils. 

• Is it a hassle? Ask yourself - if I use disposable utensils, is it really worth it? Then, think of those whales and dolphins you often see on your feed. They are indirectly and directly intoxicated by our wastes. 

• Feeling too lazy to bring and wash your own utensils? Did you know that washing your own dirty utensils will only take a minute of your precious time and it could actually encourage a state of mindfulness, which has been linked to improved well-being, reduced stress levels, and even an immune system boost.

• No one should judge you if you bring your own utensils! If they do, you shouldn't care because living in a sustainable manner is NOT OUT OF FASHION. Ever. 

3. Bring your own water bottle. Very basic, right?

• Considering some health risks? We understand that too! That's why it is best to familiarize yourself with places where you can bring your own filtered water with you. Bottled water is expensive - it costs around 25 to 50 pesos and it's equal to only one glass of water at home. Think about it. You won't just be helping the environment - you'll also be saving money.

• If you're going to the airport or public areas such as railway transits or recreational parks that prohibit containers with liquid content, don't worry because you can still bring your empty containers! There are usually water refilling stations at public places like malls (food courts) and recreational parks. 

Did you know that items packed in multiple plastic packaging or in singles are more expensive than those sold as wholesale? Here’s a simple explanation:

• Wholesale - You are paying for the items' amount (mL) less the packaging cost because it is much easier to produce.

• Item sold per piece - You are paying for fewer amounts with a higher cost for packaging and manpower. This is the bad side of corporations/companies who are not being socially responsible - items wrapped in single-use plastic packaging are difficult to produce . Some might say that this perspective is from someone who can buy in wholesale, but NO. We cringe every time we see a price hike flashed on our TV screens.  We just want to break this connotation because it is not cheaper.

So there, after eleven months, I was able to save 5,000 pesos in cash, save Mother Earth (somehow), and boost my self-awareness, confidence, and hope that the next generation can still have access to the best of our world.

There you go! Ready to start your journey? 

We have this picture you can save and use as reference too!