The inspiration for this blog post came while at a F&B sustainability event a few months or so back. There are many passionate people working towards a greener and more sustainable future. There is also so much green washing happening.
Living a zero-waste lifestyle can seem daunting, but it’s a fulfilling journey that contributes meaningfully towards environmental sustainability. In Vietnam, where rapid urbanization and development have impacted the environment, adopting zero-waste practices is not only beneficial but necessary. Here’s your ultimate guide to embracing on and embracing a zero-waste lifestyle while residing in Vietnam.
Understanding Zero-Waste, I was pleased to realize that zero is not actually zero, because that would seem a little extreme. Zero-waste living is about minimizing waste production, maximizing recycling and composting, and making conscious consumer choices that support sustainability. It’s a mindset that encourages reducing consumption, reusing what we already have, and understanding the lifecycle of products we bring into our lives.
Assess Your Waste:
Begin by assessing your daily waste. Identifying where most of your waste comes from – whether it’s food scraps, packaging, or plastic bottles can be an eye-opener and a guide for where to initiate changes.
Changes are obvious, buy only the food you need, prep and freeze. Avoid bottled water (not only from a waste perspective, but dare I say microplastic!)
Embrace the 5 R’s:
Refuse: Say no to what you don’t need, especially single-use plastics like straws and plastic bags. Consider if you know a place that does not wrap their fresh produce in plastic (hint we don’t use single-use plastic such as cling wrap or trays).
Reduce: Cut down on what you actually (think you) need. A good place to start is to make a weekly dinner plan and maybe introduce left-over day. This may not sit well with all family members, but name it “weekly buffet”.
Reuse: Choose durable products over disposable ones. Carry a reusable water bottle, tote bags, and cutlery. Make it a habit to always bring a shopping bag and your water bottle when you go out. I “trained” myself to always bring a shopping bag by making the rule that i could not buy a bag at the store, so either I could buy what I could carry or go home and get a bag. It only took a few times where I would forget the bag before it would become a habit to bring bags.
Recycle: Be familiar with local recycling options in Vietnam. Engage in sorting your waste and know what materials can be recycled. Again, letting you know that we happily take back the jars and bottles from our dairy products to be reused. We also return the egg boxes. Our delivery boxes clearly state that we would love to take them back. We are making a conscious choice!
Rot/Composting: Consider composting your organic waste. Vietnam’s climate is perfect for maintaining a small composting system even in urban settings. However, do make a note of not making your compost a rodent buffet. Make sure to compost in a safe manner.
Adopting a zero-waste lifestyle in Vietnam or anywhere for that matter, requires mindfulness and commitment, but the rewards are plenty. From reducing your carbon footprint to contributing towards a cleaner environment, your efforts make a significant impact. Vietnam offers rich traditions and natural beauty that deserve preservation, and by choosing a zero-waste lifestyle, you help ensure these remain vibrant for generations to come.
