Student commits to living a sustainable, waste-free lifestyle
U of G biomedical sciences student Vicky Huang is on a mission to live a sustainable, waste-free lifestyle, and all while being an active and engaged student. I had the opportunity to talk to Vicky about her mission, what living close to waste-free looks like, and how other students can be stellar green Gryphons too.
Carolynn Whitehouse: What is your sustainability mission?
Vicky Huang: My own personal sustainability mission is adopting a plant-based, minimalist, and zero-waste lifestyle.
CW: Why did you decide to go zero-waste and what or who inspired you?
VH: I actually decided to try going zero-waste in first year during Sustainability Week. There was a zero-waste challenge and that was one of the first things that opened my eyes to the lifestyle, and I thought, “This is so cool! Why not try it?” From there, I decided to keep going with the challenge and extended it to my daily life. I did a bunch of research too, and my inspiration definitely came from Lauren Singer — she’s amazing! Her blog, Trash is for Tossers, has so many resources, including recipes for homemade products, her daily zero-waste essentials, and lots of tips and support!
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CW: What do you never leave home without?
VH: That kind of depends on what’s going on that day. Of course, there are definitely essentials that I usually never leave home without. First of all, my water bottle — my mason jar here (laughs)! But also my utensils kit with my reusable utensils and straw, my reusable bag and produce bags, food container, reusable napkin, and handkerchief. It’s super easy and simple, and I can’t tell you how much waste I’ve reduced by using them!
CW: Is there anything you wish the university was doing to improve its sustainability initiatives?
VH: So much! Yes, there are a lot of things that Guelph can be doing to live up to its sustainability values. Creating more awareness on plastic waste, promoting more plant-based meals, and of course — divesting from fossil fuels. Shifting the reusable containers as the “default” offer instead of automatically giving out single-use plates would be a great thing to change. They could also increase their advertising for reusable mugs, and instead of getting a 10 cent discount for reusable mugs, have a 10 cent increase in price for disposable cups. Although that equals out to the same price, I think that people would definitely be more susceptible to reconsider! Oh, and speaking of single-use, I do also wish that Brass Taps would stop giving straws with their drinks, and maybe only have them for people who specifically request it.
CW: How disruptive was it to your everyday life? What were the biggest things you had to change?
VH: I would say that it actually didn’t disrupt my daily life that much — at least not in the negative sense. I think it was disruptive, but in a positive way. It made me realize how much more there is to the story, how complex our system really is, and how many little things go into play in something as simple as recycling. So I guess in a way, my perspective on daily items has been disrupted, and I really see how much waste — unnecessary waste — we make, and at the same time how hard it is to spread that awareness to other people too. The biggest thing I would say I had to change was preparation for my day. I would need to know before I left home if there was an event or something I was attending, because that way I’d know if I’d need to bring something, like a container for food or my reusable utensils.
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CW: What’s been the most challenging or surprising thing about living zero-waste?
VH: I’m not sure if it’s the most challenging, but I think that something that is a challenge is to not feel too self-conscious when I’m the only person in the room who has a reusable container, or the only person with a reusable bag at Bulk Barn. I think that even though I’m feeling a little self-conscious at those times, I’m also feeling pretty proud of myself, kind of like “Yeah, it’s a reusable bag! Cool right?” Another challenge for me is not giving in to the temptation to get free food that’s packaged or going to the grocery store and buying produce that’s packaged.Like bananas that are wrapped with the tape, or fruits that have stickers, or even tofu in its non-recyclable plastic. It’s not practical, nor feasible, to just not eat those foods, so it’s just accepting as a fact that there will still be some waste but that I’m doing the best I can. As for something surprising: Probably how easy it is! And also how happy it makes me feel. I know that I’m not contributing to landfill and that I have made a difference in this world! And that I might have inspired other people to consider reducing their own waste too.
CW: How have people reacted when you share your story and personal initiative with them?
VH: This is funny because I usually don’t really share my personal initiative with others, at least not verbally. I like to “share” my initiative through my actions, and to lead by example. Because I feel like my actions speak louder than what I’d be able to say in words. I’d like to think that people have reacted pretty positively, as I think that I mostly come from a place of understanding and support, and to not shame or judge anybody, but instead encourage and empower them! I think that by sharing my story through my actions while staying positive really helps people to react in a much more open and accepting way!
CW: Do you have any tips for students or anyone else who’s thinking about reducing or going zero-waste?
VH: Yes! I know that it may seem like a huge step to go zero-waste, but don’t feel overwhelmed! There are so many little steps that you can take. Start by remembering your reusable bottles for water and coffee or tea, your reusable grocery bags, bringing your own utensils and containers to a free food event, or asking for your water or drink with no straw next time you’re at a restaurant.If you menstruate, maybe take it a step further and consider switching from disposable pads and tampons to a reusable menstrual cup or reusable pads. Or try buying in bulk, using shampoo bars, thrifting your clothes, or making your own products. There’s no right or wrong place to start!
CW: Anything else you’d like to add?
VH: Just that it may seem like it’s challenging and hard, but honestly every little thing makes a difference, and every baby step is special and should be celebrated! I just want everyone to know that wherever you are on your sustainability journey — if you’re in the process of taking another baby step, or just starting out — I’m supporting you and sending you all the positive energy! Nobody is perfect. But we can all try our best, and when I say try — actually do try! You’ll be surprised and proud of what you can accomplish.
Photo by Carolynn Whitehouse/The Ontarion