Going Low Waste with Tere of Before 1907
In a world where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly crucial, the journey towards a low-waste lifestyle is not just an individual endeavor; it's often a collective effort that starts within the confines of our own homes. Today, we're delving into the inspiring story of Tere, the founder of Before 1907, a bay area low-waste shop that has not only transformed her family's life but also made a significant impact on her community. Tere's journey began with wanting going fragrance free to address her daughter's severe allergies and it ultimately led her to embark on a mission to reduce waste, provide clean and safe products for her family, and extend her reach to those in need. Join us as we explore her journey and discover the mindset shifts required to embrace a low-waste lifestyle. Let's also unveil Tere's top five low-waste swaps that can kickstart your own sustainable journey.
Meet Tere of Before 1907
Tere's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of a single decision to change the course of not just one life, but an entire family's and community's. It all started with a crisis, as many transformative journeys often do. Facing a family health scare with her daughter's severe allergies caused by artificial fragrances, Tere realized the profound connection between our choices and the well-being of our loved ones. This pivotal moment ignited her passion for pursuing a low-waste lifestyle and led her to found Before 1907.
Making a Difference - Providing Clean & Safe Products for Your Family & Those in Need
Before 1907 isn't just a store; it's a beacon of hope for individuals and families seeking a cleaner, greener way of life. Tere's mission extends beyond her own household to provide clean and safe products that resonate with eco-conscious consumers. More importantly, her commitment to making a difference goes beyond the shelves of her store. Before 1907 is deeply rooted in community, actively supporting those in need and promoting a sense of responsibility toward our planet. Through Tere's journey, we discover that living low-waste isn't just about reducing our carbon footprint; it's about building a sustainable, caring world for ourselves and future generations.
Now, let's delve into the mindset shifts required to embrace a low-waste lifestyle and learn about Tere's top five low-waste swaps that can help you make a positive impact on the environment while improving the quality of life for your family.
Mindset Shifts to Go Low Waste
Transitioning to a low-waste lifestyle isn't just about swapping out products; it's about embracing a new mindset. Tere emphasizes that anyone can embark on this journey, and the first crucial step is to be patient and kind to yourself. Sustainability is a process that requires time and adjustment. Here are some key mindset shifts to consider:
Patience and Kindness: Understand that transitioning to a low-waste lifestyle takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and your family as you make changes.
Awareness of Choices: Recognize that you don't always choose this lifestyle; sometimes, it chooses you. Consider simple changes, like using smaller napkins or opting for products with less packaging.
Questioning Habits: Reflect on your everyday habits. Do you really need that large napkin, or can you make do with a smaller one? Challenge the notion that bigger is always better.
Sensory Perception: Understand that our senses have been conditioned to certain product features, like the size of paper towels. Be open to experiencing new textures and sizes.
Start Small: Begin with one eco-friendly swap that works for you and your family. This could be something as easy as using wool balls in your dryer.
Embrace Change Gradually: Know that as you make one successful change, the next one becomes easier. Over time, your family will adapt to a low-waste lifestyle.
Product Experimentation: Don't be afraid to try new products, even if they don't work for you. Experimentation is part of the journey.
Question Perceptions: Challenge perceptions like the need for excessive suds in cleaning products or strong fragrances. Understand that these features might not necessarily equate to better performance or safety.
Value Natural Scents: Embrace natural scents over artificially created fragrances, as they tend to be milder and safer for your family.
Mindful Consumption: Consider how much you consume and whether you can reduce waste by being more mindful of your purchases.
Tere's Top 5 Low Waste Swaps
Now that you're prepared with the right mindset, let's dive into Tere's top five low-waste swaps that can make a significant difference in your family's sustainability journey:
Wool Dryer Balls: Replace traditional dryer sheets or fabric softeners with wool dryer balls. They are reusable, eco-friendly, and reduce energy consumption. Shop here.
Soap Bars: Choose high-quality, eco-friendly soap bars for washing dishes, hands, and even your body. These bars often come in minimal or recyclable packaging. My favorite linked here.
Bamboo Utensils: Replace disposable plastic utensils with reusable bamboo utensils. They're durable, easy to clean, and a sustainable alternative. Shop here.
Silicone Food Storage Bags: Opt for reusable silicone food storage bags instead of disposable plastic ones. They are safe for both the environment and your food. Shop here.
Vinegar & Lime to Clean: Put 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water, and the juice of a few limes into a spray bottle for a cheap, easy, & planet friendly natural cleaner for your whole house.
Transitioning your family to a low-waste lifestyle is not only about reducing your carbon footprint but also about fostering a deeper connection with the environment and the community. Tere's inspiring journey, driven by a family health crisis, has led her to not only change her own life but also make a positive impact on others through Before 1907. By adopting the right mindset and making small, sustainable swaps in your everyday life, you can contribute to a greener future while enhancing the well-being of your family. Remember that this journey is a gradual process, and every step you take matters. Together, we can create a world where living sustainably is not a trend but a way of life, just as Tere's shop name, "Before 1907," suggests—a return to simpler, more mindful living.
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