Post on 16-Oct-2021
A story of balance in doing the right things within my lifestyle & values
Zero Waste Journeyby Samantha O’Hara
Samantha O’HaraContact Details
Samantha O’Hara
samantha.ohara@veolia.com
Key MessagesSummary
Everything is about Balance
Energy
Water
Biodiversity
Health
Finite Resources
Key MessagesWhat is your impact?
Energy
Water
BiodiversityHealth
Finite Resources
Beneficial Impact
Effort
Everything has a lifecycle
Started in the ground or grown
Where will it end up?
Key MessagesWhat is your impact?
You recycle, but don’t go veggie!
You quit dairy, but leave the lights on!
You went plastic free in the bathroom, but always take a plastic bag!
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Key MessagesWhat is your impact?
Make YOUR differences for YOUR
own reasons: Take control of your
decisions
Tell colleagues, family & friends what you are doing!
- You are making a difference to them
- You are making a difference to buyer habits so to companies!
Key MessagesWhat is your impact?
Be the reasonable
activist, not an extremist!
What do I do?
In the Kitchen
Ideasby Samantha O’Hara
In the KitchenLow or naked packaging Take your own
fruit & veg bags
Go for the per kilo rather than pre packaged
Pick a supplier who delivers bulk with zero packaging
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メIm
pact
Effort
Less Litter
Plastic exposure
Less oil
In the KitchenCleaning Products
Make your own or use water for in between cleans
Use eco branded products
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メIm
pact
Effort
Eco toxicity
Natural products
Less water
Bioplastic
In the KitchenRecycling
Check in your building
Check external providers like the RecApp
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メIm
pact
Effort
Less landfill
Reduce reliance on resources
Know your recyclable materials Wash it out: NO Contamination
Less virgin material manufacture
In the KitchenFood
Buy only what you need (doesn’t just apply to food!)Think about your food:
- Dairy/meat impact
- Sustainable fish
Know your food:- Type of food- Does it smell?- Is it mouldy?- Perishable vs non
perishable!
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pact
Effort
Fish ecosystem
Organic Know your labels- Expiry- Best Before
Not just for food!
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✓Less CO2/ methane
from landfill/land
use
In the KitchenLeftovers Recipes that use up everything,
just throw it all in:- Stew- Risotto- Curry- Bubble & squeak
Home composting
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メIm
pact
Effort
Healthy garden Less water in
growing
Reduced use for growth Save in for later
with tupperware
✓Less CO2/ methane
from landfill/
What do I do?
In the Bathroom
Ideasby Samantha O’Hara
In the BathroomLow or naked packaging
Make your own
Use eco branded products
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メIm
pact
Effort
Eco toxicity
Natural products
Less water
Bioplastic
Pick low packaging options
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In the BathroomShowers & Heating
Aim for 8 minutes!
In Dubai, turn off your water heater during summer!
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メIm
pact
Effort
Less water
Less energy in heating
In the BathroomWipes & Nappies
Reusable nappies
Reusable face wipes (which can even mean no need for face wash!)
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メIm
pact
Effort
Bamboo toilet paper (much faster growing that usual wood)
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toxicity
Healthier options
Reduced material
use
What do I do?
In the Home
Ideasby Samantha O’Hara
In the HomeSmart Home
Aim for 24oCTurn off in winterEven go smart!Avoid drafts!
LED low energy lighting
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メIm
pact
Effort
Smart wifi plugs or lights to control use by a schedule
✓Less energy
used
What do I do?
In the Garden
Ideasby Samantha O’Hara
In the GardenEco Garden
Local native plants like palms & grasses or desert plants
Home compostingMakesoil.org to donate to others
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メIm
pact
Effort
Local biodiversity
Fresh fruit & veg
Less water
Home grown food
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In the GardenGarden Chemicals
Add used coffee & used tea bags to soil
Check for alternative pest control
- Soap & water for aphids
- Cinnamon or lemon oil for ants
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メIm
pact
Effort
Eco toxicity
Natural products