Jul 11, 2018
In episode 122, Kestrel welcomes Anita Vandyke, the author of
A Zero
Waste Life: in thirty days, to the show. A rocket scientist,
blogger, and current student of medicine, Anita is passionate about inspiring others
to be every day activists by making small, individual steps
to reduce their waste.
"Zero waste living to me means reducing your waste, but also at
the same time, it means not wasting away your life - so, not
wasting your time, your energy, and finding purpose in your
life."
-Anita Vandyke, Author of A Zero Waste Life
In this episode, Anita shares more on her path toward a
more zero waste life, how she wasn't always a minimalist, and
how she gradually evolved from her past maximalist lifestyle.
Additionally, Anita
shares some really digestible, accessible tips to help us think
about reducing waste while traveling and beyond. For her,
there isn't one specific way to work toward a more zero waste
lifestyle, which is why she built a tiered system that offers
options for you, depending on what's going on in your life at
different time periods.
For Anita, it's about
having grace for yourself throughout the process, and always
understanding that life happens.
The below thoughts, ideas + organizations were brought up
in this chat:
- Dr. Sylvia Earle,
founder of Mission Blue / The Sylvia Earle
Alliance
- Anita's 3 Steps To Zero Waste Method:
1) Reduced Waste Option
2) Low Waste Option
3) Zero Waste Option
- "It's also a big reminder when you go into a thrift store that
fashion has become almost worthless. So, when you see the sale of a
jacket or a dress for $3.99, which is less than a coffee in San
Francisco, you have to question yourself: how far have we come that
fashion is so worthless?"
- "I like to use the terminology that we have
enough."
- "You can be passionate about a way of living such as zero waste
living, but you don't have to be militant about it."
- Anita suggests to bring your own Zero Waste Kit with you when
you travel, including the below:
+ napkin, stainless steel straw, reusable coffee cup, reusable
drink bottle + cutlery
- "It's like any muscle, though - if you make a conscious
decision, it's a muscle that you work at - mindfulness is a muscle,
so if you keep practicing at it, it will get easier."
Book Recommendation
From Intro:
Give A Shit | Do Good. Live
Better. Save The Planet by Ashlee Piper