Tag: ecofriendly

No More Plastic Bottles?

Published on by A Shi LifeLeave a comment
no-bottled-wate2r

So, about 2 weeks ago, I noticed I was going through about 48+ water bottles every month. I would buy a pack of 24 and use them to shake up my flavor packets and then discard them. Not only that, I would keep a case in my car for easy access.

And then 2 weeks ago, I noticed I was using way too many for it to be normal or okay. I decided to not purchase any more water bottles (as long as I can help it) since then and so far? It’s worked.

What do I do then? I fill a pot with tap water and let it boil a few minutes. I do this to let any bacteria that may have contaminated the water die. That’s it! Every since I lived in China, I’ve been iffy about water quality, no matter the country but if it’s ‘safe enough’ to easily boil, I’d much rather do that.

So what do you use then? Stainless-steel water bottles and a glass jar. I have one Hydroflask, a S’Well bottle, and one huge bottle my previous company gave me. I use these because if I needed hot water, they’d keep it hot. I also use my Yeti cup that a friend bought for me. That’s mostly used for what I call ‘current water’, it’s ready to drink and accessible.

Since I do live with my parents and those Mason jars can get bulky, I only put the Mason jar in the ‘fridge. I’m more okay with room temp. water than I am with too cold or too hot (that’s why I was able to keep water in my car with no problem). Since I’ve been trying to control myself more, I’m also looking at ways to avoid generating so much dang plastic waste.

But getting things in bulk or ‘package free’, can be a hassle depending on where you live. I know, I know Wal-mart, but a lot of their fruits and veggies are non-packaged (as with some other local grocery stores). I would much rather travel to the Neighborhood Walmart than buy an entire bag of kale when I’m only going to use 2 leaves.

It’s also about balance. Living a more structured lifestyle has helped me eat more veggies! I try to make them about 85%-90% of my entire meal. I do have gastrointestinal issues so this amount works perfect for me AND I don’t have as many dairy ‘flare ups’ as I used to. I’m learning to manage myself by managing what I use.

What about your future? I hope that when I do move out, I’ll have enough storage to easily keep myself plastic bottle free. I plan to get different sized jars (I have the large mouth ones). And using them for canning, and just plain storing. I would like to start composting too! My mom wouldn’t let me make one here but if I plan on buying a house, I can take the opportunity to explore that side.

What are some tips that you have for lightening your ecological footprint? Drop them down below! And also, how can you make it work with feeding dogs? I’ll never try to give them any diet they can’t (or I can’t) handle but I would like some ideas (I know I could cook for them but I just got a job so there’s not a lot of funds going around).

Picture from: https://aquariumworks.org/2014/06/06/how-to-celebrate-world-oceans-day-and-raise-ocean-conservation-awareness/

Life Update!

Published on by A Shi Life1 Comment

Hello! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, so let’s chat shall we?

Job? I finally got a job and received a job offer in Charlotte, NC. I, unfortunately, have to decline the NC job due to making a much more financially sound decision. Working closer to where I live.

If I would have lived closer to Charlotte, I might’ve taken the gamble but metropolitan traffic is unpredictable and I didn’t want to risk being late to work. I’m taking a lower pay for safety that I can be home in 30 minutes versus 1-2 hours on the road every day after working 12 hours.

I’ve accepted a job helping people with their insurance. I’m about to embark on a journey to obtain my insurance license for all 50 states. Another credential to add to my resume which is an amazing thing.

What else? A good friend that I met in China is starting her own business and I’m helping her with it! I’m also looking at starting my own business soon. I want to become my own boss one day but it’s going to take money to start it and I’ll have to work.

Gym? I’ve added doing a HIIT class on Saturday’s and it’s been fun. I’m starting to define more of my arm and leg muscles. Hopefully my stomach and thighs follow soon.

Moving out? I plan to move out of my parents house by the end of the year. I would like to start the process of purchasing my own home. I’ve been working steadily for over two years but because I went to China, it may be difficult to prove I paid taxes (which is what one bank told me I needed it for).

My word for this year was: growth.

It took awhile for the cog to start to turn but growth is happening.

Minimalism update!!

I stopped buying plastic bottles. I now take the water from the tap, boil it, and “package it” in stainless steel and glass containers. I looked at how much I was wasting. I was doing terribly. It was actually a WASTE. I’ve juggled with becoming more eco-friendly but once I got tired of myself, I made the change, much like my weight-loss. I also don’t use plastic bags at the grocery store. I always have my reusable ones. When I get fruits and vegetables, I don’t grab the plastic to put them in. There’s no harm in my taters rolling around a bit.

Coming up?

I hope that everything goes well with the job and I can move somewhere soon. I want to start my own things. I want to be happy. And I’m reaching for happiness.