With global temperatures on the rise, countries on fire around the world, and polar bears drowning in the arctic due to melting ice caps, Americans are beginning to realize the gravity of the climate crisis.

While most of us know that limiting our meat consumption, turning off the lights when we’re not using them, and walking or biking instead of driving are all simple ways to reduce our carbon footprint, those efforts can often feel futile in today’s climate – pun intended.

As defined by Medical News Today, Eco-anxiety encompasses the “fear of environmental damage or ecological disaster. This sense of anxiety is largely based on the current and predicted future state of the environment and human-induced climate change.

According to a survey conducted in 2018, nearly 70% of people in the country are worried about climate change, and around 51% feel a sense of helplessness in the matter. While it’s easy to think we have no ability to relieve the negative impacts of global warming, that simply isn’t the case.

Through our daily actions, choices, and habits, we can contribute to lasting change. At bukit, it’s important that we highlight Reno businesses that are ethically and ecologically conscious. We bring you the best of Reno through the convenience of your smartphone. Today, we’re outlining four things you can do to aim for zero waste.

With the right products from the right people, we can build a more sustainable future together.

Some Statistics

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans discarded nearly 300 million tons of waste in 2018. That number has undoubtedly grown since then. That’s almost 5 pounds of waste per American per day.

The U.S. produces more waste than any other country in the world. Alarmingly, 43% of the country’s waste is generated within individual households. While this statistic is frightening, it puts us in a unique position to implement zero waste strategies that can lead to real change.

Waste is harmful for a number of reasons. If we consider that 30-40% of America’s food supply goes to waste, it stands to reason that nearly 40 million U.S. citizens are dealing with food insecurity. Both food and solid waste is responsible for extreme ecological harm, with most recycling ending up in landfills, polluting our water sources and forests.

Simply put, America’s waste crisis is a big problem, but that doesn’t mean we can’t implement small solutions for valuable change.

Bottles & Containers

If there’s one wellness tip you’ve heard over and over again, it’s to STAY HYDRATED. And with good reason. Our bodies’ cells are made up of nearly 80% water. Drinking water is a simple but effective way to boost your energy and keep you feeling your best from the inside out.

Staying hydrated is cool. Plastic water bottles are not. Grab yourself a reusable water bottle like this one by Fit 36 Clothing Company so that you always have something to sip on no matter where you go. You’ll save money in the long run, you’ll steer clear of harmful plastics in your water, and you’ll be taking care of the Earth.

If you want to double up on your zero waste potential, consider investing in reusable bags for your lunch and snacks. Sure, plastic baggies might be convenient, but reusable containers and bags contribute far less to waste and are better for the environment.

Plastic baggies are made from low-density polyethylene (or LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (or HDPE) which are both considered plastic films. According to the EPA, “4.2 million tons of plastic bags and films were generated in 2018 and 3.04 millions tons ended up in a landfill.”

There’s so much to do and see in the beautiful city of Reno. Don’t let hunger, thirst, or single-use plastics get in your way.

Cleaners & Detergents

It’s a common misconception that cleaners aren’t effective unless they contain harsh chemicals. The Waste Less Shop in Reno is here to prove you wrong.

The Waste Less Shop houses an entire line of cleaners, detergents and body products that are ecologically conscious and made with natural ingredients. Shampoo and cleaners run down your drain and into local sewer systems and can be incredibly harmful to local biodiversity.

The ECOS all-purpose cleaner by the Waste Less Shop comes pre-diluted for general household cleaning use, as well as specialty professional carpet cleaning. It effectively removes dirt, grime, scum, and grease from any water-safe, non-porous surface, including sealed stone, hardwood floors, painted surfaces, linoleum, vinyl, porcelain, chrome, stainless steel, wood & more. The non-toxic, readily-biodegradable, pH-balanced formula is made using only sustainable, plant-based ingredients.

Looking for new haircare? This Olive and Blackseed conditioner is gentle and easy to rinse. Blackseed (cumin) oil and olive extract promote a unique softening and moisturizing effect. This nutrient-rich blend helps promote the hair’s healthy shine and volume, and improves the appearance of brittle hair.

If you want to take your zero waste habit to the next level, consider making your own shampoos and detergents, or buying them in bulk in reusable containers.

Feminine Products

In recent years, we’ve seen a much-needed feminine hygiene revolution. More and more women in Reno and across the country are realizing that they have more options than just tampons and pads.

Period products are not one-size-fits-all, and traditional options are expensive and can be physically and environmentally harmful.

According to Global News, a person who menstruates is predicted to throw away roughly 400 pounds of packaging from hygiene products, “and those harmful plastics often end up in landfills, sewer systems, and waterways.”

If that weren’t enough, sanitary napkins and traditional tampons are laced with harmful chemicals. According to The Period Co., “sanitary pads are not naturally pure white. The fibers in pads are chlorine-bleached to give them their clean and sterile appearance. This bleaching process creates dioxin, a highly toxic pollutant.”

It’s easy to assume that dioxin levels in sanitary pads are low and don’t pose a significant threat. But dioxin actually accumulates in the fat stores of the body over time and can stay in the body for up to 20 years. Dioxin exposure can cause a number of negative health effects including  pelvic inflammatory disease, hormone dysfunction, endometriosis, and various forms of cancer.

And if you think you’re in the clear because you use tampons, think again. Tampons aren’t viewed as medical devices by the government, which means that their ingredients don’t need to be listed on product labels or even disclosed by the brands that sell them.

Thankfully, there are a number of environmentally-friendly alternatives that are also friendly to your health. It’s important to do your research in order to understand what options are best for you; some options to consider are cloth pads, menstrual discs, and menstrual cups.

For example, The Dot is a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup that can be worn for up to 12 hours and used for up to 10 years.

For just $36 on bukit, you get two cups. For every cup purchased, Dot gives one to a girl in need, which allows her to go to school or work and continue doing the things she loves, regardless of her menstrual cycle.

Dental Hygiene

If you’re dedicated to your oral hygiene, you probably already know that things like plastic toothbrushes, chemical mouthwash, and dental floss are environmental enemies.

Approximately 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are discarded each year in the United States which totals about 50 million pounds of plastic being added to landfills annually.

Similarly, because traditional dental floss is made out of nylon – a non-biodegradable material – it takes longer to decompose in landfills. But the even bigger issue is that not all dental floss even makes it to landfills.

Dental floss and other small plastics are swept up in the disposal process and end up in the ocean. Because floss is designed not to tear, it creates significant problems for marine life. Like other plastics, dental floss can suffocate marine animals or cause serious health issues, such as digestive problems.

To make your bedtime routine more zero-waste-friendly, consider swapping to a bamboo toothbrush such as this one by The Waste Less Shop. Bamboo decomposes in just six months and is much more environmentally sound than traditional plastic options.

Consider silk dental floss and natural mouthwashes as well, which are biodegradable and non-toxic.

 

---

 

If you’re struggling with eco-anxiety and aren’t sure how to grapple with your feelings, remember that it’s all in the little steps. While it can often feel like a hopeless effort, making small changes in your daily life creates a ripple effect of positive change.

Remember, don’t hold yourself to a standard of perfection. Instead, do your best every day to take actions that are both sustainable for your lifestyle and the Earth.

You don’t have to go zero waste overnight, but you can incorporate simple switches in your day-to-day that will make you feel less complacent in the climate crisis.

At bukit, we’re so proud of everything that Reno has to offer. Local merchants, artisans, and small businesses thrive thanks to our supportive, ever-growing community. That’s why we aim to reduce our carbon footprint wherever possible, and promote like-minded businesses.

Because we want to build a better Reno for those who have yet to discover all it has to offer. Shop all your Reno, zero waste faves at bukit.com.