A Cary business owner is asking people to do small things to help the environment, such as carrying reusable shopping bags. | Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash
A Cary business owner is asking people to do small things to help the environment, such as carrying reusable shopping bags. | Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash
Even if you don’t believe in global warming, everyone can take small steps to care for the environment and control dangerous waste that harms other species.
That is Jacqueline Tucker’s message in a nutshell, as she promotes a simple approach to zero-waste living to help make the world a better place.
“Small choices matter and even a single plastic bag, package, or bottle kept out of circulation makes a difference,” Jacqueline, co-owner of Mindful Merchant, told WRAL. The eco-friendly store opened in Cary recently. Jacqueline and her husband, Dillon Tucker, are co-owners.
Cutting down on her use of throw-away plastic bags from the grocery store was Jacqueline’s first step toward helping the environment.
“Bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store was an easy first step to being more aware,” she said. “Also, we frequented a low-waste store in the previous city we lived in, which really introduced us to many more sustainable items that you use every day.”
It is not about being so rigid that some people think you are way out of line, but it is about doing your part to keep your world clean.
“Being responsible for my choices and habits was just something my parents taught me from a young age,” Dillon told WRAL. “My dad, in particular, always encouraged minimalism, picking up litter, and having respect and appreciation for our community and environment. We’re far from living a zero-waste lifestyle, but we always just try to be mindful about our decisions.”
Everybody can do small things that require minimal effort and take little time.
"We are a busy family ourselves, so we understand,” Jacqueline said. “Being low-waste can also be low effort! Simply bring your own reusable bags when shopping and always look for products that have less plastic packaging. Switching to laundry detergent sheets, solid dish soap bars, or plastic-free dishwasher tablets are also great ways to both save a little time and reduce waste. Just pick one thing that fits your lifestyle and grow at whatever pace feels natural.”
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