Is it actually possible to Go Zero Waste ?

In today's world, where single-use plastics dominate our daily lives, it has become increasingly important to understand that we are either a part of the problem or a part of the solution. At Real Food Thailand, we took the effort to eliminate single-use plastics in general and offer customers already complete zero waste body care and cleaning products. In this blog post, we like to share how zero waste works, how to avoid single-use plastics and how every individual has the power to push the world towards zero waste without effort.

End Single-Use Plastics

• Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Single-use plastics are one of the biggest contributors to environmental pollution and harm to marine life. By avoiding the use of single-use plastics in our packaging and transport processes, we free our customers from the usual pile of plastic waste. Instead of relying on plastic bags, plastic films, foam or packaging materials, we opt for sustainable alternatives. Instead of plastic bags, we deliver our real food in our own wooden boxes, which we can even leave with our customers until we pick them up again at the next delivery. If products inside the box need additional packing, we use linen bags, bamboo containers or recycled paper products for packing. 
• Focus on Zero Waste Solutions: Implementing a zero waste system means to eliminate waste at every stage of the production and distribution process. This involves adopting sustainable practices and finding innovative solutions to avoid waste generation. In our network, we use zero waste strategies by promoting refillable containers and packaging options for our natural cleaning and body care products. By offering refill services, we not only reduce the consumption of single-use packaging but also enable customers to benefit from waste reduction in their homes. We collect empty containers, refill them, and bring them back to customers, creating a closed-loop system from production to the customer without waste.
• Empowering Individuals: One of the most powerful aspects of the zero waste strategy in local food networks is its support of individual actions and choices. Every person got the ability to make a positive impact by consciously choosing products from local real food networks that implement zero waste strategies. By supporting local food networks, conscious buyers contribute to the demand for sustainable packaging alternatives and encourage others to follow suit. 

 Implementing Zero Waste 

Zero waste strategies are no fancy future projects. We all know that it's either now, or never, so let's do it now! 

• Zero Waste Now: Only by adopting zero waste practices now, we can stop the waste that ends up in landfills or oceans. By avoiding waste and working with reuse and recycling, we finally ease the negative effects on our environment.
• Saving Money by avoiding Waste: Embracing zero waste strategies will lead in the long run even to cost savings. By avoiding packaging waste which turns resources straight into garbage, we use efficient reuse and recycling  systems, to keep product containers in use for a long time and if they finally wear out we recycle them,  to produce fresh containers again. This model not only reduces the costs for material but also decreases  expenses of communities to manage waste. 
• Empowering Customers: In today's life we are usually separated and we don't have much impact on the world around us. But local real food networks are growing fast everywhere around the world. Just by choosing products from local real food networks who work with zero waste strategies, we can all turn  into activists for zero waste without effort.

Using Buying Power

As buyers, we all have the power to drive change and shape the future of our planet. Here's why individual actions matter:

• Demand for Sustainable Products: As buyers, our choices shape the market. By actively seeking products from local real food networks that prioritize zero waste strategies, we create a demand for sustainable alternatives. This encourages businesses to invest in eco-friendly packaging solutions and drives innovation in the industry. By choosing products that align with our values, we send a strong message to businesses that sustainability matters.
• Spreading Awareness: Our choices as buyers have a ripple effect. When we consciously choose products from businesses that focus on zero waste strategies, we become advocates for sustainable practices. By sharing our experiences and promoting these businesses through word-of-mouth, social media, or other channels, we raise awareness and inspire others to follow suit. Together, we can create a movement towards a more sustainable future.
• Supporting Local Economies: Choosing products from local real food networks not only benefits the environment but also supports local economies. These networks collaborate with nearby farms, producers, and artisans, growing a network of sustainable and ethical practices. By supporting local networks, we contribute to the growth of local economies, job creation, and the preservation of traditional farming and production methods.

In conclusion, individual choices have the power to drive change, create demand for sustainable products, spread awareness, and support local economies. By consciously choosing products from local real food networks that prioritize zero waste, we become agents of change and contribute to building a more sustainable future.