I have always been passionate about the environment. A large chunk of my free time is spent hiking, camping, tree planting, particpating in clean ups and volunteering (using that space to spread the word about climate change and other environmental issues).
In 2016 I started 7Ks, marrying my love for nature with a potential business idea. In the beginning it was more a hobby than anything else, something to keep me occupied during a period of not when I was not employed full time.
For two years I focussed mainly on upcycling, making sea glass and coconut shell jewellery and decorating discarded wine and rum bottles, but in 2018, I decided to start my zero waste journey and thought that I could somehow incorporate it into 7Ks.
Zero Waste International Alliance defines zero waste as: the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of all products, packaging, and materials, without burning them, and without discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.
Going zero waste on a small island like Saint Lucia, with limited options is a challenge. The trick is to start with the simplest of changes, taking the smallest step. It is also worth doing research on the best available, best suited, reasonably priced options that of course also have added benefit of not having an impact on your health and wellbeing. You can put a plan in place, drawing up a list of items that you've identified can make your sustainable swap list.You are the best judge of what you can give up and when.
I started my zero waste journey with eliminating store bought body lotion and have slowly progressed with other items. I now make my own body lotion.
I no longer purchase cling wrap. I have replaced it with food wrap from Bee's Wrap and I recently finally found an option to use in the kitchen for my dishwashing from No Tox Life.
Whenever I'm out I refuse straws and try to always walk with my resusable stainless steel straw but even that's difficult because you make a point of kindly declining a straw with your drink and the waiter or bar attendant usually forgets.
Buying in bulk as much as possible to eliminate the constant flow of plastic packaging which comes with literally everything bought here in Saint Lucia is also switch you can make.
But if it's so hard to switch to sustainable alternatives in Saint Lucia, why the fuss? Simply put, I believe whatever little we can do to minimise our impact on this beautiful planet is something we all should strive to do. We can try to leave something behind that future generatons of human beings can enjoy as we did.
My journey still continues. Do watch this space for updates. 😊