Zero-Waste Life

Building Zero-Waste Meals

Building Zero-Waste Meals

I have never been a fan of Recipes. Instead I want to encourage interpretive Zero-Waste Creations!   If you have seen me in the kitchen you know this method speaks to my heart. I whole heartedly appreciate recipes for their thoughtfulness and design, however I feel that instead of feeling encourage to cook in general they can feel confined and too serious which can discourage cooking instead of making it feel accessible to all! Here is what they bring up for me: Encourages buying: You have to plan, make a list, and buy things... I hate the planning and feeling that you...

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AREPA; "A-RE-PA"

AREPA; "A-RE-PA"

A Venezuelan/Colombian Staple with a twist ZERO-WASTE  GLUTEN-FREE BREAKFAST  |  LUNCH  |  DINNER   They are an oaty heart healthy version of the classic arepa and a perfect landing zone for ANYTHING! Avocado / Salad / Beans / Vegan Cheese / Sautéed Veggies / Hummus They have been gifted the name "fitness arepas" by our dear friend Hannah Johnson.   Like all things I make, the recipe is a loose translation, and can be taken lightly. Dump, estimate, season, and change it up to however you are feeling. With this you can add a gluten-free flour if you choose, I've...

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DIY Toothpaste Plastic Free

DIY Vegan Peppermint Toothpaste

Toothpaste  |  The dark truth I made the switch to making my own toothpaste originally to avoid the plastic non-recyclable tubes it comes in. I didn't know I would find a laundry list of ingredients that have no place in my mouth. My biggest concern in switching to my own toothpaste was if the homemade version would do all that it needs to do. I was not about to abandon my healthy teeth for a cavity filled mouth, but I did some research, talked to my dentist, and after almost 2 years of using this recipe, I can say it is a...

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Cotton Reusable Bulk and Mesh Produce Bags

Easy ways to reduce PLASTIC

For us, we could no longer take out the trash, or go to the beach, without the evidence of our choices weighing heavy on us. We made the decision to go plastic-free on a Monday and by Friday I think we had cleared out house and taken strict inventory on the plastic we were bringing in what we could replace with reusables or more permanent solutions. I have to say, Franco is just as particular, fair to say even OCD, as I am, so we were lucky to have the support of one another. We understand how this might not be...

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Van Life Hawaii Zero Waste

How did we get here? 'AINA VAN LIFE in Hawaii

Yes, we lived in a van. Not a fancy camper van of your nature adventure dreams, but more of a soccer mom style van. A Toyota Sienna to be exact. We liked how her classic silver styling blended in with 40% of every parking lot, better to keep it discreet. How did we get here?? Why did we ever wish this for ourselves? In April of 2019 we began the mission, the mission of selling the bed, the chairs, the blender, the french press. The few things that filled our "tiny home." A simple old Hawaiian 1 bedroom, that had been safe...

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