Shaliya King 1/25/25 Shaliya King 1/25/25

Zero Waste, Zero Toxicity | Plastic Elimination

Hello Everyone,

I hope all is well!

In today’s episode we will be discussing my journey towards plastic elimination via ingestion. The pervasive harm of microplastics has long been known, but I didn’t fully grasp how deeply they have infiltrated our daily lives until recently. With climate change accelerating and scientific research uncovering microplastics in human blood, brain tissue, and even breast milk, I realized it was time to take deliberate action. Eliminating plastics, particularly those that can biologically impact my health, became a priority. While this journey has been challenging, it has also been transformative. Here, I share my approach to transitioning toward a plastic-free lifestyle.

Understanding Plastic: It’s Not All Bad

Before diving into my journey, I want to emphasize that plastic, as a material, is not inherently harmful. In fact, plastic has revolutionized industries like medicine, technology, and transportation due to its durability, versatility, and affordability. It’s saved lives through its use in medical devices, enabled advancements in engineering, and made goods more accessible globally.

The issue lies in how we use and dispose of plastic in our daily lives. Single-use plastics, low-quality synthetic materials, and inadequate recycling systems have created a significant environmental and health crisis. The overproduction of cheap, disposable plastics has led to pollution, microplastic contamination, and waste accumulation on an unprecedented scale.

By recognizing where plastic is beneficial and where it is overused, we can make more informed choices. My journey focuses on eliminating unnecessary plastic in areas that directly affect my health and the environment while acknowledging its occasional utility when no better alternatives exist.

Clothing: Redefining My Wardrobe

The first major change I made was addressing my clothing. Synthetic fabrics, often made with microplastics, can leach harmful chemicals into the skin. This realization prompted a complete overhaul of my wardrobe, but it came with its own complexities:

Donating Considerations: Initially, I thought about donating my synthetic clothes. However, I decided against it, recognizing that passing these items on might perpetuate the same health risks.
Veganism and Material Ethics: As a vegan, reconciling my commitment to cruelty-free living with the need for natural, non-synthetic materials was difficult. Veganism extends beyond diet—it’s reflected in the fabrics we wear, the interiors of our cars, and even our accessories.
Developing Personal Style: Growing up wearing school uniforms left me little room to explore personal fashion. Many of my earlier clothing choices were trend-driven and mismatched, failing to reflect my evolving identity.
Commitment to Quality: I’ve come to prioritize high-quality, non-toxic materials, no matter the brand or cost. The life I envision is one of intentionality, free from low-quality synthetic fabrics.

To support this transition, I invested in non-toxic laundry detergents, sustainable drying techniques, and tools designed to protect the integrity of my clothes.

Kitchen: Creating a Plastic-Free Culinary Space

Eliminating plastic from my kitchen proved to be one of the most daunting tasks, given how ubiquitous it is in food storage and preparation. I began with tools and have gradually expanded to packaging:

Replacing Plastics with Durable Alternatives: My mother and I replaced all plastic containers, measuring tools, and utensils with stainless steel and glass options.
Upcycling Glass Jars: Glass jars have become a cornerstone of our kitchen, repurposed for storage, homemade recipes, and refillable items.
Eliminating Single-Use Plastics: Black plastics, known for their toxicity, were among the first to go, along with other single-use items. Right now, I am currently looking for an alternative to paper towels that are both pretty and lack synthetic, toxic materials. There’s also things like foil and transparent paper that I have added to my list of to-dos.

Though we are still transitioning our food packaging to sustainable alternatives like glass, aluminum, and paper, these initial steps have significantly reduced our plastic reliance.

Bathroom: A Surprisingly Manageable Shift

The bathroom turned out to be one of the easiest areas to transition. I have successfully built a plastic-free oral care routine and switched to non-toxic cleaning and scenting products. This included replacing single-use plastic toothbrushes, finding sustainable and non-toxic cleaning solutions, and reducing overall bathroom waste.

Bedding and Bath: Extending the Transition

While bedding isn’t directly tied to the bathroom, I realized that microplastics can infiltrate other intimate areas of life, such as where we sleep. I replaced polyester sheets with 100% cotton options, and my next goal is to invest in comforters and pillows made from natural materials. I am leaning towards a silk, wool, or cotton option. I’m excited to share that I’ve also found non-toxic mattresses, which align perfectly with my commitment to creating a healthier sleep environment I just also need to save up before I make the purchase lol. I also plan to get silk pillowcases, essential for protecting my curly hair and protective styles, are now paired with plans to purchase pillows free of synthetic fillings.

Haircare: Navigating Challenges

Transitioning my haircare routine has been one of the more difficult aspects of this journey. While I use professional-grade products for wash days, most of them come in plastic packaging and lack the highest levels of clean ingredient transparency. I am actively researching better alternatives for both haircare products and tools.

Body Care: Progress and Areas for Improvement

I’ve made significant strides in creating a non-toxic, plastic-free body care routine. And while my décolletage care is fully non-toxic, I am still searching for completely plastic-free solutions for certain products like my toner and lip moisturizer.

When it comes to nail care, I have retained my gel nail polish and equipment due to past investments. While I use gloves to protect my hands during UV curing, I need to find non-polyester gloves to align with my values and verify through thorough research that my Beetles Gel Polish won’t create a problem for me long-term.

Menstrual Care: A Positive Transition

Menstrual care was surprisingly straightforward to address. Through research and experimentation, I have adopted a non-toxic, plastic-free routine that feels both empowering and sustainable. The only thing I am missing is the menstrual underwear that I have found but have yet to purchase

Beyond Basics: Makeup, Furniture, and Home Goods

While transitioning my lifestyle, I have managed to find non-toxic makeup products that align with my values. However, all of these products still come in plastic packaging, which presents an ongoing challenge. While they aren’t plastic-free, they represent a step toward healthier, cleaner options for my skin. I’m continuing to research brands that offer sustainable packaging without compromising on safety and quality.

The scope of this transition extends far beyond clothing, kitchens, and bathrooms. I’m currently exploring options for makeup, furniture, and even paint. Many large corporations prioritize profit over public safety, so finding ethical and sustainable alternatives requires diligence. While these changes may feel financially burdensome at times, I firmly believe that health is wealth and worth the investment.

Final Thoughts

By sharing my journey toward adopting a zero-waste and low-toxicity lifestyle, I hope to inspire others to consider how small, intentional changes can lead to meaningful transformations. This shift has not only transformed my habits but also deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of health, sustainability, and global responsibility. As a college student, I understand the challenges of balancing academics, social life, and personal values. However, I want to emphasize that even small steps can create significant improvements—both for the environment and your overall well-being.

In the coming months, I’ll be diving deeper into each area of my transition, sharing detailed insights and resources. Together, we can work toward a future that values sustainability and wellness, creating meaningful change for ourselves and our planet.

The journey to a plastic-free lifestyle is about more than reducing waste; it’s about living with purpose, prioritizing health, and embracing quality over convenience. Though this path can be challenging and often demands both financial and emotional commitment, it’s profoundly rewarding.