Reusable jars filled up with products sold at Numa’lo Refillery, a local business founded by Mina Flores-Cantrell that encourages waste-free living.
In this undated photo Mina Flores-Cantrell, No Waste Nen columnist, enjoys a Guåhan waterfall.
Harvested basil, dill and peppers.
Reusable jars filled up with products sold at Numa’lo Refillery, a local business founded by Mina Flores-Cantrell that encourages waste-free living.
Buenas and welcome to the first No Waste Nen column — a tips & tricks resource to help you begin a zero waste lifestyle and reduce your waste consumption.
As we continue to learn the vast environmental and health consequences of plastic pollution, it becomes paramount for us to make a conscious and collective effort to re-channel our reliance upon it.
It’s also Plastic-Free July— a perfect time to kick-off some waste-reducing habits! In this month’s article, I’m thrilled to share my top 5 tips to empower you on this lifelong journey to produce less waste.
A little backstory: When I embarked on my own zero waste journey in 2018, I was definitely aspiring for perfectionism (aka: the impossible).
I remember feeling so overwhelmed with all the plastic in my house that I literally threw every single piece of it away. I’m not exaggerating here.
Plastic spice jars, mechanical pencils, shampoo and soap bottles, cleaner containers, packaged ingredients— Every. Single. Piece. I even went without washing my hair for almost a month before finding a waste-free alternative.
I’m here to tell you that was not the right way to approach this lifestyle. In fact, my plastic purge entirely contradicted the essence of sustainable living (use what you have- don’t toss it!). I made the mistakes for you, and I’m sharing the insight I’ve gained through the trials and errors of living this lifestyle for the past four years.
In this undated photo Mina Flores-Cantrell, No Waste Nen columnist, enjoys a Guåhan waterfall.
I mean it. Jump into the ocean and watch the waves breathe. Go into the jungle (with permission from the taotaomo’na, of course) and feel the years of ancestry fill your spirit.
Sit in an open field and watch the wind dance through the grass. Take a walk in the woods and appreciate how the trees protect you with their shade. Having empathy and a sincere desire to protect and care for our home, our Earth, starts with rooting and connecting with her.
The next time you take the trash out, assess what kinds of items you’re tossing. Narrow down what you throw away most.
Is it to-go containers? Plastic water bottles? Bags? Whatever plastic you’re always tossing- find a zero waste alternative.
Put 2-3 Tupperware containers in your car trunk to use as to-go boxes when you eat out. Invest in a reusable water canteen. Buy a couple of washable totes to have ready when grocery shopping. There is always a sustainable swap waiting for you to invest in.
Harvested basil, dill and peppers.
When we go out to shop, more often than not, we come back with more than what we intended to buy. When we purchase out of the mere convenience of something being available, we end up accumulating more waste. Before you go out, make a list of what you need.
Check your kitchen pantry before going to the grocery store— don’t just guess what you should buy when you’re already wandering the aisles. If you need new clothes, visualize what sort of items you’d like and how many of each. This is called “consciously” consuming.
Be fully aware of what’s essential and dedicate your hard-earned money towards your true needs. This also saves you money in the long run!
When we think of waste, sometimes we forget that includes more than what ends up in the trash. Waste can also be defined in terms of energy, production, and time.
When you buy something made outside of your region, there are many waste factors that make it available for your convenience. For example, items made overseas come at the cost of tons of fossil fuel energy spent from the airplanes that ship these items to your location.
When we purchase locally, that usually means resources & products are made from within our own region- and therefore, produce less waste.
Shop at the farmers market, support local artisans & vendors, or purchase something made closer to home. If you’re really up for it, start your own garden or DIY your own products!
Reuse & refill are two vital principles to producing less waste. If you can reuse anything, do it! There is so much power in valuing the items we already have in our homes.
This can be anything from reusing pasta and mason jars into cups or plant pots or even transforming a t-shirt into a DIY bag or napkins. You can also take reusing a step further by shopping at a refillery.
Shop at Numa’lo Refillery to refill your old and used containers with home and personal care products. If you live down South and find that the store is too far, turn the visit into a fun family outing or day trip! You can stock up on your items in bulk so that you can make the trip last a couple of months before making your next visit.
I hope you receive these tips in sincerity, as I do share them with confidence that they will help you succeed in this new journey.
Remember: Transitioning to a zero waste lifestyle is a slow and purposeful act that makes a true impact on the health and safety of our earth through achievable, practical measures. All it takes is dedication and small steps.
Mina Flores-Cantrell is a zero waste practitioner, climate justice activist, and founder of Numa’lo Refillery. You can contact her at
We are very excited to announce the start of a low-waste living column entitled, “No Waste Nen,” written by Mina Flores-Cantrell.
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