Zero Waste: Saving the Earth with Small Practices in Daily Life!

Zero Waste Style in Everyday Life Created Together by Companies and Consumers

Brands Practicing Zero Waste: Allbirds, The North Face, Healthy Human, Marhen.J

[Culture & Life Department Reporter Choi Jeonghwa] The daily disposal of masks, delivery boxes, disposable products, and other waste at bomb-like levels resembles a 'mountain of garbage.'

The normalization of non-face-to-face culture due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has led to a surge in delivery food and online shopping, causing serious waste problems. Around this time last year, the use of disposable cups in cafes was restricted to reduce waste. Additionally, campaigns such as zero waste and upcycling, involving companies, celebrities, and netizens, were spreading, creating a social atmosphere that heightened interest in eco-friendly lifestyles.

Above all, with personal hygiene prioritized these days, cafes serve drinks in disposable cups instead of in-store cups, and most restaurants provide plastic packaging containers. The waste from disposable masks consumed daily is also increasing exponentially. It is not easy to decide whether personal hygiene or the environment should take precedence, but it is time to have a sense of crisis about the future if we continue the current lifestyle recklessly.

Let's start by practicing zero waste lightly in our daily repeated routines. How about choosing style items made from eco-friendly materials as much as possible and using a tumbler that has been cleaned thoroughly, even if it is a bit inconvenient?

Allbirds “The Most Comfortable Zero Waste in the World”

Allbirds Tree Dashers. (From left) Black (Obsidian), White (Quartz)

Living up to the reputation of ‘the most comfortable shoes in the world’ and ‘eco-friendly knit shoes,’ they are as soft and comfortable as wearing socks.

This summer, the eco-friendly shoe brand Allbirds, which landed in Korea, is also a brand invested in by Hollywood actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio.

The recently released ‘Tree Dasher’ not only achieves carbon neutrality using sustainable natural materials but also perfectly implements the use of wood with excellent durability and breathability, a seamless design that provides outstanding stability, and a midsole made from sugarcane extract that offers the best cushioning and stability, ensuring it does not miss its function as a comfortable shoe.

Allbirds, a brand pursuing ‘the most comfortable shoes in the world,’ is an eco-conscious brand that continuously practices zero waste by self-imposing a carbon tax aiming for 100% carbon neutrality and investing part of its profits in projects to reduce landfill gas emissions. Allbirds Tree Dashers

The North Face “Zero Waste for the Whole Family”

The North Face 'Save the Earth Fleece Hooded Jacket', 'Save the Earth Fleece Jacket'

Fleece jackets are expected to remain popular this year as well. Sports brands and casual brands alike are releasing fleece jackets one after another early on.

The North Face, which has been consistently practicing eco-friendly fashion, introduced an eco fleece collection made from recycled PET bottles this FW season. In the case of the 'Save the Earth Fleece Jacket,' 50% of the product material, and for the 'Save the Earth Fleece Hooded Jacket,' up to 70% of recycled PET bottle material is applied, recycling approximately 10.82 million PET bottles for this campaign. Kids' products were also released together, allowing the whole family to participate in the zero waste campaign, receiving a positive response. The North Face 'Save the Earth Fleece Hooded Jacket,' 'Save the Earth Fleece Jacket'

Healthy Human “Zero Waste You Can Practice Every Day”

Healthy Human Insulated Bottle. (From left) 950ml Blue, Purple Marble / 621ml Gray, Mint, Brown

Zero waste that can be easily realized daily in everyday life is using a tumbler. Simply using a tumbler instead of disposable paper cups and plastic cups discarded daily can contribute to reducing the mountain of waste. If you use a tumbler made from eco-friendly materials, you are already a zero waster.

Healthy Human tumblers are eco-friendly tumblers finished with eco-friendly stainless steel inside, perfectly blocking harmful substances. With special coating that prevents water droplets and a carabiner included with all products, they are convenient to carry during outdoor activities. Healthy Human Thermal Bottle 950ml/621ml

Marhen.J “Stylish Zero Waste”

Marhen.J Coyback. (From left) All Black, Olive Green, Taupe

If you are a zero waster who cares about health and the environment, your bag should be vegan-friendly too. The Marhen.J Koi Bag, which uses vegan leather handles, is a vertical body-type tumbler bag suitable for storing tumblers. It can be used in various ways, including commuting, going to exercise, or as a one-mile bag. Marhen.J Koi Bag

Editor-in-chief = Reporter Choi Jeonghwa

Photo shoot = Reporter Kim Heeyoung

Photography = Reporter Kim Taeyoon