Benefits of using canvas bags for shopping
For quite some time now plastic bags are really really out. We could say out of fashion. Old fashioned. Whatever…
5 minutes
![]() | Veronika Mikec is a full-time student, writer, and future revolutionary. |
I know, I know, you’ve read the title and now you may be wondering what ‘zero waste’ is all about. What does this phrase actually mean? It is an environmental strategy with which each individual can contribute to a cleaner environment. The main idea of the movement is to use only those products which do not create waste – or rather, create waste that can be reused, and thus contribute to the cyclical movement of materials and consequently a smaller amount of waste.
Did you know that the average person ingests about 50,000 plastic particles each year? No, we’re not talking about people from the famous TV show My Strange Addictions, but about me, you, all of us. We consume these particles through countless meals – yogurt in plastic cups, a sandwich wrapped in a saran wrap, fruit stored in a plastic bag… Microparticles pave their way into our food each day. However, they are found not only in our food, but also in water (especially the one sold in plastic bottles). However, we are not the only ones at risk – our waste, especially plastic, pollutes the habitat of countless species of animals and plants.
For this reason, more and more individuals are opting for an environmentally friendly lifestyle – while the average person produces about 680 kg of rubbish in a year, those who avoid unnecessary waste produce only about 200-500 grams of it. Here’s a visual for you: 700 kg is the average weight of a wild Asian water buffalo, while 500 grams of trash can be stored in a mason jar.
It is important to realize that changing your habits will be difficult at the start. We’re talking about a huge number of small changes, which at first glance seem quite trivial, but may soon turn out to be hard to get used to. Even though you may think you’re not actually creating excess waste in your daily life, you’ll soon realize you’re wrong. Disposable plastic bags, coffee-to-go cups, pastry bags… These are just three types of waste that each of us throws away several times a week.
It’s impossible to achieve a zero waste lifestyle in a single day – it can take several months before you actually consciously avoid creating unnecessary waste. Even if you don’t end up reaching your zero waste goal by the end of your experiment, that’s not the most important thing – with the slightest change, you definitely contribute to a healthier and cleaner environment. Plus, you never know – maybe the small changes in your life will also inspire someone else to do the same.
To help you get started, I’ve prepared some tips on how to implement changes into different parts of your life.
1. REFUSE what you don’t need.
2. REDUCE unnecessary waste.
3. REUSE what you can.
4. RECYCLE what you cannot reject, reduce or reuse.
5. ROT what is left (compost the biological waste).
With these tips in mind, it’s much easier to keep track of whether you’re actually following the rules of a waste-free life. Let’s now move on to some concrete examples.
You won’t believe how much plastic waste we actually throw away every day! Plastic shopping bags, unnecessary straws, bottles, plastic cups in offices… Why not replace these products with sustainable ones? Use cotton bags instead of plastic ones, and a bamboo toothbrush instead of non-degradable plastic ones that are not usually recycled. Instead of buying a bottle of water every time you visit the store, invest in a reusable bottle. Not only will you contribute to a cleaner environment with these changes – your wallet will be grateful to you too!
As far as your bathroom is concerned, you can make a huge difference – use uncolored toilet paper, as this is the only way you can be 100% sure that it will be recycled. Instead of wasteful deodorant and expensive toothpastes, you can use body-friendly baking soda, and replace liquid soap with a bar soap, which is often sold without wasteful packaging as well. As for period products, it is good to invest into a menstrual cup, as it replaces a 10-year supply of pads and tampons! You can also avoid buying bathroom cleaners and replace them with vinegar, cleaning alcohol, and baking soda – by doing this, you’ll avoid using unnatural chemicals as well!
If you are seriously deciding on a lifestyle with as little junk and waste as possible, it is important to make changes to your closet as well. We know that it is often difficult to give up old pieces of clothing – especially those to which we attach sentimental value. It’s even harder to avoid clothing sales, which tempt us into buying new articles of clothing every month. To finally get rid of that ugly patterned shirt that has been rolling around the closet for years, ask yourself the following questions:
1. When was the last time I wore this piece of clothing? If you answer with anywhere from six or more months ago, then it’s time to get rid of the item. Don’t throw it in the bin – donate it to a charity that will make sure that your pair of pants finds a new home.
2. Can I wear this piece with more than five outfits? The most useful pieces of clothing are those that can be combined with the rest of the wardrobe in several different ways – this is especially true for scarves, hats, gloves, and other fashion accessories.
3. Does this piece of clothing still fit me? We often forget about a pair of pants or a dress – but in the end it turns out that we might have put on or lost some weight during that time. Away it goes! But if you’re really set on keeping a specific piece of clothing, feel free to have it tailored.
Hopefully, I was able to inspire you to join the zero waste movement – you can start your journey today! Even if you start with extremely small changes, these can lead to something bigger in the years to come. Why not? We only have one planet – it’s time to start taking care of it.
For quite some time now plastic bags are really really out. We could say out of fashion. Old fashioned. Whatever…
Coffee makes the world go round—from pick-me-ups in the morning to cups of Joe to keep us awake and productive…
When coming up with a new business idea, or upgrading one you’ve already developed, always ask yourself—what added value am…
Everyone gets excited with new trips coming up—days of complete relaxation are right around the corner, and we’re in desperate…
Good business partnerships are one of the cornerstones of successful companies. While first impression is undoubtedly the most essential moment…
In the dynamic world of marketing, promotional gifts remain a steadfast strategy to boost brand visibility and customer loyalty. As we dive into this year’s…
Promotional gifts are a tangible way for companies to express their brand values, build relationships, and make a lasting impression. In a world cluttered with…
Promotional gifts have always been at the forefront of strategies that brands use to engage their audience. These are not just mere ‘freebies.’ They are…
In a world that’s becoming increasingly interconnected, businesses face the challenge of navigating the complexities of both local and global markets. A crucial aspect of…
Swedish brand Vinga is a shining example of craftsmanship, elegance, and a deep-rooted commitment to the environment. Rooted in the principles of Scandinavian design excellence,…
Fall may have only just started, but companies are already planning out their promotional Christmas gifts. While the holiday season is still a few months…
In a realm inundated with mundane promotional products, the power of the unconventional cannot be underestimated. In fact, it’s often the unexpected and unique gifts…
In a world that is becoming increasingly diverse and interconnected, businesses are challenged with finding ways to connect with a wide range of audiences. One…
In recent years, a promising trend has emerged in the corporate world – the growing popularity of wellness retreats for corporate teams. As businesses recognize…
Retirement signifies the end of an era and represents a significant milestone in the lives of employees who have dedicated their time, energy, and expertise…
Enhancing one’s daily routine refers to making improvements or implementing changes to one’s regular activities, habits, and schedule with the intention of improving overall productivity,…
When it comes to promotional gifts, the impact of the packaging should never be underestimated. In today’s competitive business landscape, standing out and leaving a…
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle has become increasingly important. The demands of work, family, and various responsibilities can often leave individuals neglecting…
In today’s globalized business world, travel has become an integral part of many professionals’ lives. Business trips offer opportunities for networking, expansion, and collaboration. To…
In today’s competitive business landscape, cultivating a strong company culture is vital for success. A positive and cohesive company culture not only fosters employee engagement…
The promotional gifts industry is an ever-changing landscape, with new consumer preferences and technological advancements emerging constantly. With the rise of e-commerce and social media,…
A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind, which can have a negative impact on your productivity and creativity. If you’re finding it hard…
Promotional gifts have long been a staple of marketing campaigns. Whether it’s a branded pen, mug, or tote bag, giving away a promotional gift is…
Promotional gifts are a great way to attract and retain customers, create brand awareness, and boost sales. However, for many businesses, it can be difficult…
Custom promotional products have the ability to communicate your brand’s story in a way that resonates with your target audience. By incorporating your brand’s values,…
Pantone has recently announced its Color of the Year for 2023, and it is none other than the vibrant and vivacious Viva Magenta 18-1750. Viva…
Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace is essential for creating a positive, equitable, and productive work environment. By fostering an inclusive workplace culture, companies…
In this post, we will be discussing the various ways in which a cluttered environment can negatively impact one’s mental health and well-being, such as…
When it comes to buying promotional gifts, budgeting is an important consideration. Not only do you want to stay within your means, but you also…
Good promotional gifts have great potential for just about any business; however, it is not promised that all entrepreneurs will actually succeed in making use…
We are all aware that it is necessary to make our lifestyle and way of work sustainable, both at home and in business. Long-standing habits…
With business gifts, we aim to show how much we value our relationships with customers, employees, business partners, and suppliers. Such gifts build strong long-term…
Customers are becoming more and more unpredictable in their relationship with companies- they expect to get an immediate answer to a question, an immediate response…
There’s nothing a person needs more than some colour in their lives during the gray autumn and winter months. A pop of colour here and…
Even in the world of business gifts, the choice is dictated by current trends, which should not be neglected. In order to choose a truly…
Building a promotional campaign directed at children often seems quite demanding, as we have to prepare an advertising campaign that convinces both children and their…
Even though we are surrounded by countless promotional gifts, companies usually opt for some cheap products that do convey promotional messages, but are not particularly…
Although many of us are adapting our homes to be more environmentally friendly, most of us forget about the office and the workspace. In order…
The modern world offers many opportunities, and it is up to us to recognize these opportunities in the first place and of course take advantage…
A brand is only worth something if consumers recognize it, so one of the biggest challenges in building a brand is how to achieve good…
Colours help us to express ourselves, and with their help, we’re able to communicate and change our well-being and surroundings. Our ancestors already knew in…
Everyone looks forward to summer, because we associate it with holidays, relaxation and fun. In addition, summer is usually filled with events and activities that…
The culture of business gifting is not as well established and developed in some countries as it is in some other parts of the world,…
The advantages of one technique or another vary from case to case and only one is certain. Both printing and embroidery are durable and high…
There’s risk in everything once you open and run your own business, even in something as innocent as gifts. Especially with business gifts, that are…
The art of gifting is as old as humanity and is still the best way to show friendship, respect, gratitude, and forge interpersonal bonds. The…
Everyone knows about the benefits of promotional gifts, and everyone loves to receive them. But what exactly is it that makes this type of promotion…
Every year, we celebrate World Water Day for numerous reasons – on this annual international day all of us are given an opportunity to not…
We’re only a couple of weeks away from starting the new year! And, as is expected, the year 2022 will introduce us to new materials…
The goal of this article is to help you, in a slightly different way, achieve probably the main goal of your company: higher sales. We’ll…
The goal of this article is to help you, in a slightly different way, achieve probably the main goal of your company: higher sales. We’ll…
Your employees are the foundations of your company – and showing them you care about them as people, not just as the working force, lets…
Business gifts and promotional gifts are part of relationships with target groups. Proper gifting begins with planning, that is, setting goals and analyzing the target…
It’s been a year of trials and triumphs, and we have been fortunate enough to have completed our goal of providing high-quality promotional and business…
We’re only a couple of weeks away from starting the new year! And, as is expected, the year 2022 will introduce us to new materials…
Have you ever asked yourself what kind of gift is most likely to succeed in promoting your company? Well, promotional gifts that are practical, unique,…
It’s always scary starting out somewhere new, especially when you’re expected to properly do a job that takes skill, confidence, and effort. Being a newbie…
We constantly talk about building and maintaining relationships with your clients – but what about the other people you do business with? What about your…
There’s so much more to gift giving than meets the eye; it’s not always about buying the most expensive items in order to impress your…
Think back to the years when you went shopping for Christmas gifts – did you make your way to the mall just before the holidays…
Expressing your gratitude for your employees and clients’ loyalty is beneficial to you as it is to them – a gift with your company’s logo…
In recent years, we have come to realize the importance of promotional gifts as a subtle yet powerful tool that can deliver great results, even…
In recent years, we have come to realize the importance of promotional gifts as a subtle yet powerful tool that can deliver great results, even…
Some of us hate shopping, while others enjoy it immensely. But no matter which group of shoppers you belong to, we can all agree on…
When it comes to creating a design to be put on your promotional products or even just designing your company’s logo, there’s a lot of…
Have you planned what, when, and who to surprise with promotional gifts yet this year? You may have noticed that a lot has changed in…
Over the years, brands have developed different techniques that are supposed to appeal to different generations of consumers. In recent years, for example, companies have…
Promotion is about so much more than just trying to lure new clients to use your services or buy your products – it’s about making…
When running a business, there’s a tonne of vital things to consider – and it’s not just making sure your products are in stock or…
Every year we strive towards a more inclusive work environment, deepening our understanding of the various struggles many minorities face. And while there are some…
Whether you work in finance or tourism, it’s important you develop and maintain client relationships. Nurturing them will lead to a successful and booming business,…
Personalization comes in many forms. In the most basic sense, personalization already means including the customer’s name in the subject of the email. It is…
When starting your own company, there’s a long list of tasks awaiting you. Some of them are the globally despised administrative procedures, which seem to…
When it comes to branding your promotional gifts, it is very important to consider the different printing techniques that can be used when putting your…
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited to embrace the changes this new decade is bringing. However, with new beginnings come new business…
I don’t know about you, but I love maintaining good relationships with my favourite brands. Not only does it make me feel good to know…
The new millennium brought about new problems we had to somehow deal with. Some of them we dealt with successfully, others not as much. The…
We all know about the importance of brand awareness – it’s the number one deciding factor in whether or not our business will flourish. It’s…
Effectivity is something I personally struggle with on a daily basis—I don’t let it stop me, though. But I know some of you might have…
Eco-friendly promotional products will still be trending in 2021 – why is that? Haven’t we done enough for the well-being of our planet? We replaced…
In the age where more and more human interactions consist of electronic communication instead of face-to-face conversations, it is imperative that business owners nurture their…
Are you already having trouble finding the perfect business gift for your clients, employees, and business partners? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one! It’s…
We’ve all been there. Everything seems to be going great: employees are productive, projects are being finished on time with new clients coming in every…
It’s often hard to stay motivated when we constantly worry about having to finish countless tasks, take care of our health, and keep our mind…
In times of recession and similar uncertain financial situations, most companies reduce their spending of money in order to maintain economic stability – this is…
A lot has been said about promotional gifts in the past few years – though a big part of it has been proven true, there’s…
It’s not always fun at work. There are days when you’d much rather stay in bed in order to avoid the long working hours, those…
We all know how hard it is sometimes to find the time to sit down and have a meal, especially during busy office days. Normally,…
There’s a reason why more and more entrepreneurs decide on surprising their co-workers and employees with business gifts. Not only do they raise brand awareness,…
A big number of entrepreneurs still doubts the importance of promotional gifts, despite the continuous and unwavering success they bring. It has been proven countless…
Believe it or not, Christmas holidays and end-of-year parties are not always the ideal times to surprise someone with a corporate gift. Depending on who…
Believe me, not too long ago, I used to think these two were the same thing. Imagine my surprise once I realized they were complete…
A lot of decisions go into picking and choosing the ideal promotional gifts—from traditional apparel and flash drives, to more innovative products in the leisure…
I like people around me, even when I am working. They give me warm feeling of being surrounded by the people that share the same…
Good business partnerships are one of the cornerstones of successful companies. While first impression is undoubtedly the most essential moment of a partnership, keeping it…
When coming up with a new business idea, or upgrading one you’ve already developed, always ask yourself—what added value am I offering my buyers? Knowing…