Less Clutter, Less Waste

Wanting to own less also got me wanting to try to lessen my consumption of unnecessary and non-reusable/non-recyclable products. One way to do that is to cut down anything disposable. Here are the steps I have taken so far:

I bought and now use a menstrual cup

Sanitary napkins are really uncomfortable. Ever since I started using them when I got my first period, I have always hated the feeling whenever I had them on. I never knew any other way to protect myself from those bloody stains except for that itchy disposable cushion on my underwear. When I went to study abroad, I learned about the wonders of tampons. I made the switch and eventually avoided the discomfort from the sanitary napkin but I would constantly worry if I got them out in time or even at all! Not to mention that they were much more expensive and difficult to find and buy in the Philippines. I was on the look for another alternative - one that would not give me discomfort and would cost less. My quest to find that accidentally led me to also helping the environment. I heard about menstrual cups from a friend who uses one and is an advocate of preserving the environment. She suggested I buy myself one from the local pharmacy (in France) and give it a go. I purchased my Fleur Cup online while I was (still) in France (where it is readily and easily available). Ever since, I never looked back. It costs 20 EUR (~1,000 Php) but I’d never have to regularly buy napkins or tampons from the supermarket. The cup is reusable for at least the next 3/4 years. All I have to do is to sterilize the cup at the end of every cycle and I’m ready to reuse it for my next period. 

I carry around stainless steel chopsticks and spoon

During my 17-hour layover in Taiwan last January 2017, I took advantage of the free transit tour in the suburbs of Taiwan. Our Taiwanese tour guide gave each of us a souvenir at the end of our one-hour trip. It was a pouch containing a metal spoon and a pair of chopsticks. I thought it would be wise to keep it with me at all times. That giveaway also saved me a purchase ; I didn’t have to buy a souvenir. Having these utensils with me is a constant reminder of that trip. Instant souvenir! 

I try not to use straw...

When I was a kid, I’ve always noticed that my father never made use of, or refused straws in restaurants. From that observation, I realized : why do we need straws if we can drink straight from the cup? In college, my Theology professor mentioned that she did not use straws for the same reason. In one of my conversations with my best friend, Kat, she told me a sad story about dolphins dying because they choke on straws they accidentally swallow from trash that unfortunately float in the ocean. So, whenever I can, I refuse to use straws offered to me at restaurants. 

...And if I do, I make use of reusable straws

I recently purchased reusable straws from sip.ph (as recommended by my good friend, Rina) in my favorite color - rose gold, to match most of my stuff. The pair of slim and milk tea straws, its brush and pouch I got online cost 200 Php. A friend of mine (hi Dee!) got hers from somewhere else for only 50 Php, though. This is perfect whenever I would inevitably need to use straws for milk teas or if I need to drink in a moving vehicle. 

I refuse bags when I can

In a quiet corner in our kitchen lays a stack of bags : tote bags, plastic bags, brown bags, paper bags… from purchases we did in different stores. One day, I went through them and kept only those we can really reuse like grocery bags I got from Carrefour, E.Leclerc, etc. When we do grocery shopping, I make it a point to carry one or two of these large reusable grocery bags so we could do away with more brown bags and cartons from the groceries. For personal buys, I carry with me a foldable bag and politely ask the cashier to not put my items in their bags anymore.

I wish that day would come when I would produce zero waste. While that dream seems to be far-fetched (especially while in the Philippines where it is almost not an option), I am all about trying to lessen my consumption of disposable products.