A good first step to starting a zero-waste lifestyle is to be conscious of the waste we generate at our very own homes. Have you noticed what kinds of solid waste are in your bins? Have you tried segregating your trash and observing what your bins usually consist of?
With personal health and safety being of utmost priority especially during community quarantine due to COVID-19, there is surely an increase in waste at home!
Going out less could mean more food deliveries or more home-cooked meals. Either way, there’s waste we cannot completely avoid: delivery packaging and food scraps from meal preps!
It is also CRUCIAL to wear face masks and face shields when there’s a need to head outside!
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) predicts that “if the global population adheres to a standard of one disposable face mask per day after lockdowns end, the pandemic could result in a monthly global consumption and waste of 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves.”
One of the things the Zero Waste Movement wants to promote is to make sustainable living the #norm and not just a trend. Thankfully, more and more businesses are turning to eco-friendly alternatives, taking the initiative to make these alternatives more common and allowing for more sustainable options when shopping.
You can purchase effective and eco-friendly COVID-19 essentials from The Loop Store such as Abaca Fiber Mask (for P199) and Bambuhay’s Bamboo-Framed Face Shields (for P149)! Let’s protect ourselves AND the Earth 
Food businesses such as Kaán Recipes by Cha now use compostable food packaging produced by Greener Genes—they’re made of plant-based materials, require less energy to produce, can handle both hot and cold foods, and are also microwaveable and refrigerator-safe! No more need for plastic packaging that might end up in harmful landfills! Reusable straws and utensil sets have also become more available: check out Sip PH, and Kaway.yan!
Eco-friendly bath and hygiene products can be bought from Ecobar PH—“free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and plastic packaging”! Additionally, you can choose from a variety of shampoo and conditioner bars by Rinse + Repeat!
There may have been a sudden and unwanted increase in waste due to quarantine, but thanks to the businesses mentioned above (and so much more!) there has also been an increase in the availability of eco-friendly solutions!
Featured image by Mika Baumeister