In this program, we’ll introduce this vegan zero-waste advocate, who is the creator of the blog “Wasteland Rebel,” and the author of “Zero Waste: Simple Life Hacks to Drastically Reduce Your Trash.” The couple started pursuing a zero-waste lifestyle in 2014 when they realized that “our wasteful ways are literally draining this planet.” To reduce their negative effect on the environment, they follow a vegan diet, live in a relatively small studio apartment in Cologne, and purchase only secondhand goods.
Regarding a better way to solve the garbage generation problem, she writes in her book, “Zero Waste. […] It is not about recycling more. It is about wasting less.” She also proposes living by such principles as “small is beautiful,” “less is more,” and “quality over quantity,” etc. In the book, the waste minimalist cites various academic works and research reports to support her arguments. The German zero-waste advocate further cites the findings from the “Happiness Index” survey to support her position that more consumption doesn’t necessarily result in greater happiness. She says that we have complete control over our consumption, so we should support ethical enterprises and purchase their commodities, such as sustainable, organic, and non-toxic products manufactured with minimal waste and packaging.
She has created the 5 R’s of zero waste living: “RETHINK what you really need; REDUCE what you do need; REPAIR what you have already; REUSE what you consume; RECYCLE what you cannot refuse.” The topics of her book range from greening one’s home to avoiding trash on the go, and includes where and how to shop (even without bulk food stores), food prep and storage, housekeeping, wardrobe and fashion, paper waste, and much more.
We will now conclude our program with enlightening and uplifting words from our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) on why reducing waste and safeguarding the environment are important: “If things are dirty, we can wash them, but the Earth can’t. We cannot keep giving poison to the Earth because it will stay in the soil forever and keep building up generation after generation. And we are the ones who will suffer unhealthy consequences. Because where can the Earth wash? All the toxins will go to the food, the plantation of food and the drinking water source, etc. So we have to really do our utmost to keep the environment healthy, to keep the Earth healthy, so we and the next generation, and generations and generations will stay healthy. I thank all of you who put an effort to do this.”
