PLEATSMAMA | Editorial Vol.1

After eating out at restaurants became nearly impossible due to the widespread impact of COVID-19, the practice of ordering in quickly established itself as a part of my daily routine. It initially seemed like a no-brainer. My spontaneous cravings of the day would be delivered to my doorsteps within minutes at the touch of a button, while the hassles of doing the groceries, meal-prep, or cleaning up afterwards would no longer weigh me down.

However, it became difficult to ignore the conspicuous amount of waste—including disposable plates and plastics—being produced as a result of my convenience.

I started working on this editorial in June at the height of feeling this exigency for change.

Knowing there were people out there struggling with the same problem I was experiencing, I thought it would be a good idea to cover some books that offered guidance. And so—without knowing exactly what I was looking for—I visited the local bookstore. Upon leafing through a plethora of diverse books, I discovered two that were not only easy to read, but also full of easily implementable tips on how to effectively pursue a “zero waste” life.

I am hoping these short introductions will provide some assistance to those who find themselves in the same position I was in months ago, effectively alleviating some of the anxiety involved in implementing quotidian measures to protect the environment.

“I’m sure there are those who see what others are doing to protect the environment and think, ‘Maybe I should try as well.’ If there’s one goal I want to achieve through this book, it is to empower people to grow into the role of the ‘other’ they were inspired by. If this book motivates people to make immediate changes in their lives to reduce waste—great! What more could I ask for? But it doesn’t have to be an earth-shattering change of pace or direction. Simply being inspired to switch to a wooden toothbrush is more than enough. I hope this book works as a nudge to assist readers in pursuing the zero waste lifestyle they want.”

The entirety of the zero waste life I was familiar with consisted of simple measures, such as using tumblers instead of disposable cups, carrying groceries in my own reusable bag, and purchasing items from brands—like PLEATSMAMA—that utilize recycled or upcycled material. Although these efforts are important in themselves, I wanted to go beyond. I yearned to find diverse, yet specific ways to protect the environment and incorporate them into my daily life.

As I read this book, I constantly received the feeling that the author knew exactly where I was coming from. She described in detail the changes she made in her life and the daily measures she was still consistently implementing. The book contained a wide range of examples, such as using body butter instead of body lotion that is sold in plastic containers and switching to wooden toothbrushes from conventional, plastic ones. As someone who enjoys drinking drip coffee, replacing disposable paper filters with a reusable, stainless one was an especially attractive measure I could immediately carry out. Personally, the book was useful in reframing the concept of zero waste, ultimately making a lifestyle that adheres to its principles all the more approachable and appealing.

It is no understatement to say that we currently live in a world where the increasing weight of environmental anxiety can be felt more acutely with each passing day. Zero waste, eco-friendliness, and sustainable consumption are only a few of the many movements people have started to carry out on an individual level to improve the declining state of environmental well-being. The author soberly recognizes the fact that average people can still be disillusioned in their efforts to save the planet, especially considering the fact that most of us are not full-time environmental activists. However, by coining the term “modest environmentalist” and applying it to herself, she reminds readers that participating in extensive campaigns or becoming a member of a big environmental organization are not the only ways to make a difference; small-scale strides achieved on a daily basis can be just as meaningful. This book helped me realize that living a zero waste life is not an impossible goal shrouded in lofty ideals, but something I can reify through my actions every day. Why don’t we all collectively try to become “modest environmentalists?”

“Veganism has established itself as a pro-environmental philosophy, basing its practices on the abstention of using and consuming animal products. Vegans are against general acts of violence enacted upon animals, including unethical experiments and wearing fur, while placing the highest significance in choosing to coexist with nature. ‘Ten people open to vegan living is better than one vegan’ is a common saying among those who adhere to the lifestyle, reminding those involved about the importance of communal living.”

Never had I considered the environmental impact of consuming meat. Perhaps, as an avid meat-lover, I willfully avoided the topic and did not think twice about consuming animal products during each meal.

Needless to say, I was shocked to discover through this book that the meat industry is the second biggest environmental polluter, trailing just behind the fossil fuels industry. This means that if humans were to reduce meat consumption even by 10%, it would mitigate problems related to climate change, animal cruelty, and the spread of various diseases. The author outlines how veganism goes beyond the scope of improving one’s personal health to become a positive movement enhancing the Earth’s environmental well-being.

However, despite knowing the benefits, the process of applying vegan principles entails its own challenges, since completely cutting meat out of every meal is not as easy as it sounds. Instead of pressuring readers to follow the rigorous standards of an inveterate vegan, the author promotes the more liberal, yet still wholesome lifestyle of someone who is “open to veganism.” In this context, she suggests several vegan recipes that can be prepared without much difficulty by anyone aspiring to embody environmental sensibilities, such as tempeh made from fermented beans, seasonal herbal dishes, and plant-based meat substitutes. The list seemed to go on and on, including diverse, delectable recipes. I caught myself thinking, “If these are the types of food that vegans eat, even the average meat-lover would be compelled to try it out.”

Epilogue -

These days, my daily routines are starting to look a little different. I carry a tumbler in my bag whenever I go out. Instead of using conventional products, I now use a shampoo bar and body butter. I’ve switched over to carbonated water that comes in glass bottles instead of plastic ones. Also, I attempt to try new vegan menus at new restaurants at least once a week. Just as the books have taught me, I’ve been trying to implement daily measures for change.

Although these efforts may not be large in scale, I realized the importance of incorporating environmental sensibilities into even my small actions. I found myself wondering why I even pushed off living a zero waste life in the first place.
I hope to be consciously innocuous in the world I live in and in the scope of my daily life. My own journey in this matter is perhaps the prerequisite to expecting a world full of wholesome, consciously innocuous people.

After eating out at restaurants became nearly impossible due to the widespread impact of COVID-19, the practice of ordering in quickly established itself as a part of my daily routine. It initially seemed like a no-brainer. My spontaneous cravings of the day would be delivered to my doorsteps within minutes at the touch of a button, while the hassles of doing the groceries, meal-prep, or cleaning up afterwards would no longer weigh me down.

However, it became difficult to ignore the conspicuous amount of waste—including disposable plates and plastics—being produced as a result of my convenience.
I started working on this editorial in June at the height of feeling this exigency for change.
Knowing there were people out there struggling with the same problem I was experiencing, I thought it would be a good idea to cover some books that offered guidance. And so—without knowing exactly what I was looking for—I visited the local bookstore. Upon leafing through a plethora of diverse books, I discovered two that were not only easy to read, but also full of easily implementable tips on how to effectively pursue a “zero waste” life.

I am hoping these short introductions will provide some assistance to those who find themselves in the same position I was in months ago, effectively alleviating some of the anxiety involved in implementing quotidian measures to protect the environment.

“I’m sure there are those who see what others are doing to protect the environment and think, ‘Maybe I should try as well.’ If there’s one goal I want to achieve through this book, it is to empower people to grow into the role of the ‘other’ they were inspired by. If this book motivates people to make immediate changes in their lives to reduce waste—great! What more could I ask for? But it doesn’t have to be an earth-shattering change of pace or direction. Simply being inspired to switch to a wooden toothbrush is more than enough. I hope this book works as a nudge to assist readers in pursuing the zero waste lifestyle they want.”

The entirety of the zero waste life I was familiar with consisted of simple measures, such as using tumblers instead of disposable cups, carrying groceries in my own reusable bag, and purchasing items from brands—like PLEATSMAMA—that utilize recycled or upcycled material. Although these efforts are important in themselves, I wanted to go beyond. I yearned to find diverse, yet specific ways to protect the environment and incorporate them into my daily life.

As I read this book, I constantly received the feeling that the author knew exactly where I was coming from. She described in detail the changes she made in her life and the daily measures she was still consistently implementing. The book contained a wide range of examples, such as using body butter instead of body lotion that is sold in plastic containers and switching to wooden toothbrushes from conventional, plastic ones. As someone who enjoys drinking drip coffee, replacing disposable paper filters with a reusable, stainless one was an especially attractive measure I could immediately carry out. Personally, the book was useful in reframing the concept of zero waste, ultimately making a lifestyle that adheres to its principles all the more approachable and appealing.

It is no understatement to say that we currently live in a world where the increasing weight of environmental anxiety can be felt more acutely with each passing day. Zero waste, eco-friendliness, and sustainable consumption are only a few of the many movements people have started to carry out on an individual level to improve the declining state of environmental well-being. The author soberly recognizes the fact that average people can still be disillusioned in their efforts to save the planet, especially considering the fact that most of us are not full-time environmental activists. However, by coining the term “modest environmentalist” and applying it to herself, she reminds readers that participating in extensive campaigns or becoming a member of a big environmental organization are not the only ways to make a difference; small-scale strides achieved on a daily basis can be just as meaningful. This book helped me realize that living a zero waste life is not an impossible goal shrouded in lofty ideals, but something I can reify through my actions every day. Why don’t we all collectively try to become “modest environmentalists?”

“Veganism has established itself as a pro-environmental philosophy, basing its practices on the abstention of using and consuming animal products. Vegans are against general acts of violence enacted upon animals, including unethical experiments and wearing fur, while placing the highest significance in choosing to coexist with nature. ‘Ten people open to vegan living is better than one vegan’ is a common saying among those who adhere to the lifestyle, reminding those involved about the importance of communal living.”

Never had I considered the environmental impact of consuming meat. Perhaps, as an avid meat-lover, I willfully avoided the topic and did not think twice about consuming animal products during each meal.

Needless to say, I was shocked to discover through this book that the meat industry is the second biggest environmental polluter, trailing just behind the fossil fuels industry. This means that if humans were to reduce meat consumption even by 10%, it would mitigate problems related to climate change, animal cruelty, and the spread of various diseases. The author outlines how veganism goes beyond the scope of improving one’s personal health to become a positive movement enhancing the Earth’s environmental well-being.

However, despite knowing the benefits, the process of applying vegan principles entails its own challenges, since completely cutting meat out of every meal is not as easy as it sounds. Instead of pressuring readers to follow the rigorous standards of an inveterate vegan, the author promotes the more liberal, yet still wholesome lifestyle of someone who is “open to veganism.” In this context, she suggests several vegan recipes that can be prepared without much difficulty by anyone aspiring to embody environmental sensibilities, such as tempeh made from fermented beans, seasonal herbal dishes, and plant-based meat substitutes. The list seemed to go on and on, including diverse, delectable recipes. I caught myself thinking, “If these are the types of food that vegans eat, even the average meat-lover would be compelled to try it out.”

Epilogue -

These days, my daily routines are starting to look a little different. I carry a tumbler in my bag whenever I go out. Instead of using conventional products, I now use a shampoo bar and body butter. I’ve switched over to carbonated water that comes in glass bottles instead of plastic ones. Also, I attempt to try new vegan menus at new restaurants at least once a week. Just as the books have taught me, I’ve been trying to implement daily measures for change.

Although these efforts may not be large in scale, I realized the importance of incorporating environmental sensibilities into even my small actions. I found myself wondering why I even pushed off living a zero waste life in the first place.
I hope to be consciously innocuous in the world I live in and in the scope of my daily life. My own journey in this matter is perhaps the prerequisite to expecting a world full of wholesome, consciously innocuous people.