You now might be asking, but, how does this affect me personally? Which might seem insensitive but is totally fair because on the surface, it doesn’t. We are a part of the 20% — with resources available at our disposal. We have running water, a healthcare system, medicine, safe living conditions, the true impact of this problem doesn’t quite reach you yet. Though 80% of humanity is without those things.

After working two jobs for a year in my efforts to max out our payments for our mortgage, I was exhausted. It was only then that I realized I needed to find a better way to live. I decided to try adopting a zero-waste lifestyle and fully embrace a more conscious way of living. The switch has had so many benefits for my mental and physical health, relationally, and with my connection to the earth.