Five Mexican Lifestyle Habits To Help You Become Zero Waste
Being exposed to different cultures can be an amazing manner in learning new ways to become more zero waste! One culture in particular that naturally embodies zero waste habits are Mexicans. Habits range from how food is stored to the way clothing is repurposed and refashioned into new garments.
This environmental conservation comes from both economic reasons and out of custom in being “cultural environmentalists”. This term means that they are trying to remedy the effects of contamination and pollution that are disproportionately affecting them through small, everyday actions. Consider the following five Mexican habits to help reduce the amount of waste you produce:
1. bolsas de mercado aka “Market Bags”
Consider using a heavy duty, plastic based reusable bag that can endure years of use. For bolsas de mercado, these are traditional Latino reusable bags. They are made out of plastic fiber or ixtle fiber from a maguey plant and come in a variety of bright shades.
These bags are bigger and wider than normal, fabric based reusable bags. In addition, they can be easily washed, aren't prone to getting dirty because of its plastic base and are extremely heavy duty. You don’t have to worry about seams ripping, about any leaks irreversibly staining it or that it won’t last.
They are super affordable and can be bought at a number of different Mexican grocery stores and flea markets. However, they do come in bright colors and patterns that are quite see through. This may not be the best option for minimalists and for consumers that want to keep their purchases hidden.
2.Eat All Your Food
Being zero waste can be as simple as eating all the food on your plate! It is likely that you throw away the food you don’t eat, which will end up in the landfill. To avoid having that happen consider strategizing how much food you need for the people you are feeding and to how much will be eaten everyday. This will take time and commitment so make sure to take it one meal at the time. There is no need to rush!
If you notice you aren’t finishing your food and forget to eat the leftovers, consider making a compost bin. It can be as simple as designating a corner of your backyard to throw away food waste. This can be a source of food for the local birds, rabbits and funky creatures in your community. However, this obviously may not be not be an option for everyone.
3.Store Food in Plastic Yogurt Tubs
If you have food to store, consider washing the tub of yogurt you finished. If you don’t have a tub of yogurt, consider any other tub that your food came in. Consider buying in bulk or larger quantities instead of buying individually wrapped products. This can help reduce the plastic you are consuming and will allow you to get free storing containers. If it helps, label the tub with what you are storing in it. This can be helpful for you and/or your family to not get confused about what is actually in them. Ongoing jokes in the Mexican community emphasis the surprise in discovering that, instead of yogurt, there are soups in the containers!
Consider a plastic sour cream tub
4. Share What You Have
Mexicans are big on bringing people together and being one big familia (family) ; this is especially seen with the distribution of food. There seems to always be enough despite a limited quantity of food. This ethos is essential in the zero waste movement because consumerism should be connected to the needs of the community. Strive in finding the gaps of where others could benefit with what you do own. In this manner, you can begin to appreciate what you have and how you can use it for the greater good of the community. Hopefully, this will further encourage the idea that items can be an extension of our values and love for the earth.
5.Hand Sew/ Mend Pass Down Clothes and Shoes
Have you ever received a garment that has been passed down from four other people? For low-income Mexicans, this may be the norm as a way to save money by using resources already in their possession. It is common to mend the holes and stains in the worn in jeans, shirts, sweaters and shoes that probably belonged to your mother, sister and./or cousin. In addition, clothing can be made by hand instead of buying them new to save money. It can actually be surprising what a small needle, thread, time and creativity can achieve when you put your mind to it.
Consider who would benefit in receiving your free and used clothing. You never know how much use one shirt can actually provide! Also, make sure to get curious on how to restore the slightly damaged clothing in your closet to bring it back to life for more use.
