AMANDA CONNER FIGHTS THE PLASTIC EPIDEMIC

www.amandaandzeke.com

@amandaalohayoga

Aloha! I’m Amanda Conner, and you can usually always find me near or in the ocean. I’m a yoga instructor, surfer, hydration specialist and passionate about sustainability.

The very first time I ever did a beach clean up was when I was volunteering full time at a non-profit humanitarian organization in Hawaii. I had never picked up so much trash and cigarette butts in my life, and it was truly eye opening. Little did I know it would ignite a small fire within me to do something about it.

We all know the plastic epidemic is a real thing, but here are some facts for you:

• 100 million marine animals die each year from plastic waste alone
• 1 million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute
• Worldwide, about 2 million plastic bags are used every minute
• The average person eats 70,000 microplastics each year
• The average time that a plastic bag is used for is 12 minutes but takes over a thousand years before it decomposes

"100 million marine animals die each year from plastic waste alone."

Now here are some facts about sustainability:

• Recycling one aluminum can can provide enough energy to run a TV for 3 hours
• By going vegan, one person can save approximately 219 gallons of water a year
• Recycled paper produces about 25% fewer total emissions than conventional paper
• Recycling prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials

Reducing my plastic intake

Fast forward to today, I have successfully been working on reducing my plastic intake, upping my sustainability and doing my part daily to help the environment. The biggest and best decision I made was investing in a water ionizer that produces 7 different pH levels. From 2.5pH to 11.5ph, I was able to replace all my kitchen cleaners, medicine cabinet items and even sanitizers! I no longer have to buy chemicals in plastic packaging. I have now replaced over 70 items in my house with just one machine, which means I have reduced my plastic intake drastically. And what I love most, is that it's my job is to help others get this machine in their homes. Helping others live more sustainable lives is my absolute joy!

"I have now replaced over 70 items in my house with just one machine, which means I have reduced my plastic intake drastically."

On a smaller scale, I always have my “reusables” with me everywhere I go. Reusable bags, water containers, to-go coffee cups, metals straws, cutlery, and biodegradable wipes. I’m proud to say I have not used a plastic straw or drank from a plastic water bottle in almost 2 years! (And side note: we all know drinking water from a plastic bottle is horrible to our health too!) And every year, I make one more small change. This year I’m working on using reusable containers rather than ziplock bags. These small changes are slowly turning into life altering lifestyle changes.

Trash pick ups

Then there’s the trash pick ups. Everytime I pick up any type of litter, I imagine myself taking ownership of my city, or place I’m staying in. It’s humbling and empowering picking up trash that wasn’t yours. So every time I do so, it’s like I’m saying “this is my city, and I’m taking ownership to see it clean.” Even when surfing in the ocean, I’ll miss a wave to grab a piece of trash and stick it in my bathing suit to throw it away once I’m back on land. Doing my part to keep the oceans clean brings me so much joy! There’s nothing in the world like surfing with turtles or dolphins in the waves with you, and knowing you’re doing everything you can to keep their “home” clean.

Purchasing sustainably

And lastly, I have chosen to purchase more from ethical and eco-friendly brands. Not only am I supporting more local and smaller businesses, but also supporting their missions of saving our beautiful planet. This also includes the products I use for my health and wellness. I ask myself these questions before purchasing: Does this product align with my sustainability morals? Is this product vegan/cruelty free? Does this company give back to our planet and others? Is their packaging eco-friendly, or at least trying to go that way? Not all “hit the mark” but I can definitely get on board with a company that is at least trying! I’m also not perfect, but hey, I’m trying, and that counts!

From remote tropical islands to the streets of Skid Row, I’ve seen it all. And no matter where we are in this world, we can ALL do our part. Whether it’s saying no to that one plastic straw, investing in a 7 level pH water ionizer, making your own toothpaste or organizing a beach clean up once a month, it is MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

I hope after reading this, you are inspired today to make one small change this month, and see how it goes. You might be surprised with how much more you will fall in love with this beautiful place we get to call home: EARTH.