Back in 2012 (or some time around that year), I was really struggling with a lot of health issues… mainly cluster migraines, but there were other issues going on that my doctors couldn’t explain. I decided to take a look at my environment, and what were some things that could be contributing to my issues. It was in this process that I stumbled upon the concept of zero waste. My journey we will discuss in another article, but for now let’s get into this!
As the impact of our everyday habits on the environment becomes increasingly apparent, more and more people are turning to a zero waste lifestyle as a way to minimize their waste production and reduce their environmental footprint. By finding ways to reduce waste through composting, recycling, upcycling, and using reusable products, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of a zero waste lifestyle, as well as a DIY furniture polish recipe using orange peels, vinegar, and olive oil.
Benefits of a Zero Waste Lifestyle
- Reducing Waste: By minimizing or eliminating waste, a zero waste lifestyle can help conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect wildlife habitats.
- Saving Money: By finding ways to reuse and repurpose items, a zero waste lifestyle can help individuals save money and reduce their consumption of new products.
- Improving Indoor Air Quality: By using natural cleaning products, a zero waste lifestyle can help improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals found in many commercial cleaning products.
- Supporting Local Economy: By choosing locally sourced products and supporting small businesses in your community, a zero waste lifestyle can help boost the local economy and reduce the environmental impact of transporting goods from far away.
- Creating a Sense of Community: By sharing resources and participating in community events, a zero waste lifestyle can help individuals build relationships with like-minded individuals and contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Promoting Health and Wellness: By reducing exposure to harmful chemicals found in many commercial products, a zero waste lifestyle can help promote better health and wellness.
- Setting a Positive Example: By living a sustainable lifestyle and sharing your experiences with others, a zero waste lifestyle can inspire others to make changes in their own lives and contribute to a more sustainable future.
DIY Furniture Polish Recipe
Materials:
- Orange peels
- White vinegar
- Olive oil
- Glass jar with a lid (preferably a used one that has been cleaned)
- Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Spray bottle
- Sweet orange essential oil (optional)
- Lemon essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Collect the orange peels and place them in a glass jar with a lid.
- Pour white vinegar over the orange peels until they are completely covered.
- Close the jar and let it sit for at least a week in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar once a day. I would let mine sit for about 2 weeks.
- After a week or two, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar.
- Add equal parts of olive oil to the vinegar mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before using.
To use the furniture polish, simply spray a small amount onto a soft cloth and apply to your furniture in a circular motion. Use another clean cloth to buff the furniture to a shine. You can store the furniture polish in a cool, dark place for up to a month.
A zero waste lifestyle offers numerous benefits, from reducing waste and saving money to promoting health and wellness and supporting the local economy. By making small changes in our daily lives, such as using natural cleaning products and finding ways to minimize waste, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. The DIY furniture polish recipe using orange peels, vinegar, and olive oil is a great example of how we can reduce waste and avoid buying commercial cleaning products that can be harmful to the environment.
