Te.cycle

Snapped a quick photo during yoga today while staring in the sky.

When was the last time you admired the blue sky, fluffy clouds and the sun (don't look straight into the sun)?

I don't remember because all I see are buildings around me.

This is a reminder to myself (and maybe you too) to explore the world outside of the concrete jungle and see what nature has to offer.

Goodnight y'all
🤍

I love meal prepping and here's one I just made today and am proud of!

I'm not good at following a recipe so here's what I came up with after reading a bunch of potato salad recipes and used what I had on hand and on sale.

[Loaded Potato Salad]
All ingredients are eyeballed

Chopped green onions from a few plants .with.emree gave me to grow 🤍
Can of navy beans
Baby tri colour potatoes (steamed in instant pot for 10 mins high pressure)
Chopped red and orange bell peppers
Salt
Pepper
Nutritional yeast
Tumeric
Dill
Apple cider vinegar
vegan ranch dressing

Let me know if you want to see more meal prep posts 🙌

What I ate in a day - Saturday edition

1️⃣ I whipped up a smashed banana with cinnamon, protein powder and peanut butter on toast. I'm not sure if this is a common way to put bananas on toast but I got the idea from smashed avocado toast!

2️⃣ I had to clean out my fridge and pantry before grocery shopping so I made a quick pasta with zucchini, last of the frozen corn, smoked tofu , basil, vegan shredded cheddar

3️⃣ By the end of the day, I did not want to make anything so I cooked a batch of Asian yams in the instant pot and had one of them for dinner

This is a realistic weekend for me when eating in. It's nothing fancy and sometimes I have to get creative in order to finish off the remainder of the groceries.

Some weeks I feel like I've got it under control by buying only what I need and some weeks there will be a surplus.

What creative ways have you used to clean out your fridge/ pantry? Let me know in the comments below! 👇

It was that time of the month that I revisited my "stuff" and determined things I want to keep and things I wanted to let go of.

But wait, what do you mean you're letting go of your "stuff"?  Isn't that not sustainable?

Keeping things you no longer need or want, is not sustainable but rather quite the opposite.

They take up space in your house and subconsciously, in your brain leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unorganized.

By taking control of what comes into your home that takes up space, we allow more valuable, and important things to come into our lives.

This is a loose definition of what slow living is all about.

⚠️ Warning hashtag photos of may distort the reality of what slow living truly means

P.S. I let go of my stuff using my local buy nothing group 🔆

It's a garden hose nozzle 🌼
..but what about it that I need to make a post about it?

I reached out to my neighbours to see if anyone had one I could borrow to clean/wash my bicycle because the strata did not have a communal one for us to use.
All of them were happy to lend to me.

Yes, I could have purchased one myself.

Back in the day, communities would knock on people's doors to borrow flour, sugar, drills, sewing machines, you name it. Nowadays, the majority of us are closed off to ourselves that we might not even know our neighbour's name.

Reaching out to borrow a garden hose nozzle is more than just that.
It creates a sense of community belonging, reduces consumption, resources and home clutter.

As we step into the weekend of Earth Day, I hope this post brings you reflection on what community means to you and how we can collectively, as a community, make our Earth a better place to live.

🌍💛

Sad to see a gem on Main street closed down 😢

Here's a throwback to my first time visiting and having the most amazing flatbread. Hope to taste it again in the near future.

Until next time!
✌️

For those that followed me for a while know that I religiously meal prep.

Want to know why?

I simply feel more at ease when I know one of the major tasks of life is complete and I don't have to worry about it during the week when time is limited.

I know not everyone can carve out time like I do on a Sunday to meal prep, so even as simple as washing, prepping and storing away your veggies ahead of time can simplify your weekday meals that much more.

Do you meal prep as well? I'd love to hear your take on meal prep!

Hi Zero-Wasters!

Thanks for hanging with me over the last few years.

I've completed another trip around the sun and what better time to do an introduction!

My name is Teresa and I live on the West Coast of Canada where I'm lucky to be close to the mountains, sea and land.

I started my low waste journey and wanted to use this page to document some experiences, tips and stories along the way so I did some sketches of my logo/ brand on a notebook back in 2019. A few months later, the vision came to life by using a freelance graphic designer on an app.

I wanted this to be a place to be a realistic version of being zero waste and it is far from perfect.

Feel free to connect with me and chat about the environment, zero waste, or anything else in between! 🤍

Roses are beautiful, delicate flowers that bloom 6-8 weeks in the warmer months of the season (Spring to early Fall).

In the Northern hemisphere, roses tend to die off and stay dormant to conserve energy for the next season of blooms in February, the time when roses are most sought after.

What does this mean?

This means roses that are coming through the supply chain to the colder regions, are most likely from far away and travelled long distances to get in your hands.

If roses are on your mind this year and you live in a climate where roses are not surviving, try looking for alternative flower options that bloom in the winter such as pansies, violas, Iceland poppies and English daisies.

Spread love this Valentine's day! 🏵️

The snow has come and gone in Vancouver in a blink of an eye.

Have you noticed during a snowfall, it seems more peaceful and quiet?

That's because snow absorbs sound from the beautiful snowflake structure.

The porous of the snow crystal shapes absorb sound through the space between each snowflake.

Nature is fascinating, isn't it?

I hope this brings you memories of your snowfall walks!

Happy New Year! I've taken some time off on IG to reflect on my values and vision for this page and I am back and excited to share more thoughts and facts with you guys 🤍

Living in a world where we post the most perfect side of us on social media gives us a distorted version of how zero waste living reality looks like.

It's hard to not compare yourself to others that are showing a picture perfect cupboard of stainless steel lunch containers and glass jars all labelled alphabetically.

However, it's also so easy for us to compare others that are not doing what you think they are supposed to be doing.

Have you caught yourself looking at a post and trying to judge what they are using or what they are wearing?

Remember everyone's journey is different. 🤍

[Swipe ◀️ to read] Today is Black Friday...Green Friday... however you want to call it, is a sale to entice us to purchase more.

Most big box company websites usually say something along the lines of:
- hassle free returns
- 60 day money back guarantee
- don't like it? just sent it back!

This is to make you think it's okay if you make an online purchase and change your mind.

It's no surprise this practice is at the expense of our planet and us.

Today (should be everyday), I encourage you to be an intentional consumer, and really think of every piece of item you bring into your home!

The holidays are just around the corner and most of us are likely to spend more money. 🎄

I've always lived a similar lifestyle, unintentionally sustainable, to save money.

Turns out, these habits are good habits to keep for the Earth and your wallet!

Let me know some of your ways to save the Earth and save money at the same time during the holidays in the comments below! 👇

It was International E-Waste Day on October 14 and I would like to take the opportunity to remind us of some facts and things we can do to reduce e-waste.

Of the 57.4 million tonnes of e-waste generated, only 17.4% of it was properly recycled.

Even though recycling your used electronics is an option, we shouldn't lean on it as our way out of the problem.

Let's start by reducing our consumption of new electronics! 📱 🖥️

[Light Pollution Part 2]

Let's unravel some of the information on light pollution to continue from my last reel. If you haven't checked it out, go check it out!

This is a fascinating topic to go down that rabbit hole when you have time. It definitely lit some "light bulbs" in my head when I was researching.

What is most shocking to me is the amount of animals such as sea turtles, birds, bats, etc that are dying by this due to the confusion of the lights during their migration!

Light pollution is an adverse effect of industrial civilization; but there are ways we can help!

If you are interested in going down that rabbit hole, type 💡 in the comments below! 👇

So I did a thing over the weekend... I hosted a clothing swap!

And truth be told, it did not attract enough people and I ended up only having a handful of us show up to the event. THANK YOU for those that came to support and did some swapping! 💃

I hope you guys will learn a thing or two from my first clothing swap I wish I did.

Swipe to the last slide to see the spread! ⏩

If this doesn't scare you, then you'd be shocked to find out this number is ONLY from North America textile waste.

Come join me in the movement of reducing textile waste to a neighbourhood clothing swap.

I'll be at Minoru Park from 1-3pm on Sept 10 and I'll find a nice cozy spot by a tree.

Comment below and let me know if you'll be there! 👕 👗

Being a low waste content creator, the most challenging thing is to talk about the fact that you STILL buy items in plastic packaging despite the information I share on how harmful plastic is.

Here are the 4 top questions I ask when I make my decision on purchasing a plastic packaging product.

Comment below if you have any other questions you ask yourself as well! 👇

For more eco tips and sustainability content, like this post and follow me .cycle ❣️

Hey neighbours! 👋

I am looking to gather some friends and neighbours around to do a clothing swap.
If you have not heard of a clothing swap, you are missing out!

It's simple. Bring a picnic blanket and lay your clothes you wish to swap and meet some new friends and neighbours!

There are no rules but the intent is for us to gather as a community and know that we don't always have to throw away our clothes and shop new.

Second hand fashion is all the rage. Maybe you'll find a favourite piece or two that will be loved in your closet!

This event is weather permitting so please follow me for the latest updates!

Location: Minoru Park in Richmond
Time: 1-3pm - feel free to come and go as you please but I will be here for the entire duration

DM me if you plan on attending 😉

We talk about the impacts of fossil fuels a lot, so let's switch it up and talk about grease, fats and cooking oil!

It's commonly known that grease, fats and cooking oils are off limits for the drain. To break it down, here's why:

Pipes are meant to flow through water based liquids, not oil based byproducts.

The consequences not only are expensive, but also long term damages and contaminating the surrounding water beds, soil and wildlife.

It also increases the chance of bacteria growing in our sewer systems and fresh water supply.

If you found this information useful, like and follow me .cycle for more tips and content to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle! 🫶

"Success is the product of daily habits, not once-in-a-lifetime transformations." James Clear

I recently finished an audiobook, as you may already recognize from the quote, Atomic Habits. This audiobook dropped a lot of nuggets on just how daily habits are vital to the success of every goal we want to achieve.

What does this have anything to do with bringing a reusable water bottle out?

Well, like everything else, it all starts with a habit.

If you make it a habit to bring your own cup, container, bag out every time you head out the door, it will become second nature.

Daily habits define our success in being able to live a more sustainable life, at an individual level.

It defines us, which in turn also reflects on society and creates a ripple effect on the economy.

I highly recommend reading or listening to if you have not already. Let me know in the comments below if this resonates with you! 👇

Reminder: don't be too hard on yourself when you have to buy a few items in plastic packaging.

Plastic is everywhere and it's not our fault. We all must function in the system in which we find ourselves. It's impossible to be perfect, whatever that even means... Go here for dealing with environmental guilt syndrome (EGS): https://zerowastechef.com/2019/02/14/how-to-cope-with-environmental-guilt-syndrome-egs/

It's no surprise that we all know this fact: every piece of plastic ever made still EXIST!

Being a Procurement professional, I can see all the behind the scenes and politics behind companies making the switch from plastic to a more sustainable option material. It is not an overnight change, however, conversations need to be had, NOW.

What are the worst plastic packaging products out there you CANNOT stand?
Mine is WATER BOTTLES.

Companies that make water bottles make profits off water sources that they DO NOT pay for and bottle them up in plastic bottles.

Our solution as individuals can be as simple as out so the demand for plastic water bottles decreases.

What is the one product you wish was not in plastic packaging?

I stumbled upon this art installation that was designed by to raise awareness of the impacts of plastic consumption and the culture of convenience.

The Plastic Bag Store located in New York City the time it was installed.

To kickstart this year's Plastic Free July, I invite you to look up and understand the deeper meaning and reality of what plastic is doing to us.

Comment below on one thing you'd like to accomplish for the month of July to reduce plastic waste!

Hello everyone!

In anticipation of Plastic Free July, I am looking for 1 lucky winner to get these 100% cotton, non-dye reusable produce bags to try and use for their grocery trips!

With the use of reusable produce bags, you'll be taking part to help reduce single use plastic bags. Of course, these are also versatile and can carry other items other than to carry your produce home. Be creative!

TO ENTER:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Follow T | low waste living 🍃]
3️⃣ Tag a friend that you think would love a set of these reusable produce bags! (unlimited entries)

I will be drawing a name on Sunday July 3. The winner will need to pick up in Richmond, BC.
The giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.

Follow me for more low waste, eco tips as we head into Plastic Free July! ✨ T | low waste living 🍃]

Since I started burning candles again, I was intrigued by what paraffin wax is and why we shouldn't be using products that have this ingredient.

I briefly talked about it in one of my reels and I wanted to share more with you.

It should be no surprise that paraffin wax is used in our everyday products even though it is toxic to our health and environment.

I hope this helps you in your everyday purchasing decisions!

This is a reminder to clean up your email inbox on a regular basis!

This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint believe it or not.

Each email you send out emits an average of 4g of CO2.

In the grand scheme of things, it is not a lot, however, it's the least we can do to free up some storage space on the servers that are mainly powered through fossil fuels currently.

So let's unsubscribe to the fast fashion company promotional emails, delete emails that you don't need and be ready to feel lighter!

I recently got a new phone case and I couldn't be more happier that I chose

I have heard of Pela for a very long time but now I finally have the need to purchase one and the cool story about Pela is that it was founded in Saskatoon, Canada!

Pela's products are made from flax straw that is left from harvesting and a mix of plant based biopolymers, making it 100% home compostable when you are done with it.

I wouldn't say this is a typical phone case cost (around $45-75 depending on the style and phone), but for the amount of time you will be using the phone case, it is definitely worth it to reduce one more plastic item on the planet!

Will you consider a compostable phone case the next time you are in need of a new one? 📱