My Zero Waste Life in Cebu, Philippines

My name is Maui. I am from Cebu, Philippines. I live my life as a vegan and i am an advocate of a zero waste life.

My journey started when I accepted a job offer as Director, Community Awareness, Relations & Extension Services at University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. I have been exposed to communities as a Community Health Nurse focusing on public health and wellness. Little did I know that I will be exposed to minimalism and eventually appreciate the zero waste life.

Plastic packaging is seen in almost any product sold. When you go to the grocery, seldom do you see plastics in glass containers or paper packaging. Ninety-five percent of the time, you will see plastic containers. Even fresh produce are wrapped in plastics with price tags made of plastic materials. And when I see all the plastic materials in my home, I have realized, I was part of the problem.

Eventually, I made up my mind to be part of the solution. I refused plastic packaging and reused those that I can. I increased my fresh produce consumption which led me to become vegan. I made decisions in purchases with great consideration of the packaging. I focused on glass bottles, paper, wood, and biodegradable packaging.

Little by little, I removed plastic items at home. It led me to minimalism. I decluttered and was concerned of plastics in my possessions. It took me two years to remove plastics at home. It was all over my place. From shampoo to condiments, hangers and accessories, even my pens and diaries, all of them have plastics.

Now, I am proud to say that I make decisions not only on the quality of the product but also on how they are wrapped. In the Steemit platform, join me as I share how I make these decisions and live a zero waste life!