Sin Yee Tay

Established in 2022, Mindful Zero Waste began its journey as a distributor of solid shampoo soaps, gradually expanding its offerings to encompass a wide range of zero waste products.Founded with the aim of promoting a zero waste lifestyle in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, Mindful Zero Waste has since evolved into a robust business dedicated to fostering sustainable practices within the local community.As a passionate advocate for zero waste living, business owner, and content creator, I have embraced online platforms to promote and operate my business effectively. Mindful Zero Waste maintains active social media profiles on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and XiaoHongShu, allowing us to connect with individuals and spread awareness about sustainable living practices. Additionally, our online shops operate seamlessly through WhatsApp Business and Shopee Malaysia, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our customers.While our online presence remains robust, Mindful Zero Waste also actively participates in local offline events, including artisan markets and educational pop-ups. We have established partnerships with local artisanal studios, salons, and solo distributors to consign our products, further expanding our reach within the community.The inception of Mindful Zero Waste was rooted in a simple yet powerful mission: to promote zero waste living in Miri. Despite the city's designation as a green city in 2005 (Ho et al., 2012, l. 1), there are lack of significant progress by the city council towards achieving this goal until recent years (Ringgit, 2024) (Mahadi, 2023) (Choo, 2023). While the Miri City Council has implemented measures such as "Say No to Plastic " and “Say No to Styrofoam” banning single-use polystyrene packaging at eateries (Mayor Message, n.d., para. 4), there remains much to be done in addressing issues such as water pollution, open burning, landfill waste, and single-use plastics in the community (Ho et al., 2012b, para. 9) (Smart World Sustainability (SWS) Curtin Malaysia, 2021) (Sidi, 2019) (Liong et al., 2021).While various private sectors and corporations have made commendable efforts towards sustainability (Hassan, 2021) (Rantayy, 2023) (Raphael, 2023), there remains a disconnect between these initiatives and the wider community. Many individuals are unaware of the significance of these efforts and do not perceive them as relevant to their daily lives (DayakDaily, 2020) (Then, 2019).Mindful Zero Waste aims to bridge this gap by serving as a conduit between the community, local authorities, and corporations, with a focus on addressing environmental issues aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 and 13.SDG 12 focuses on responsible consumption and production, while SDG 13 addresses climate action (Goal 12 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.) (Goal 13 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.). Mindful Zero Waste integrates these goals into its business practices through various strategies:1. Zero Waste Packaging: We implement zero waste packaging for product deliveries and checkouts, refusing single-use plastics and utilizing compostable materials where necessary. Every product has a smaller environmental impact the more times it is used (United Nations Environment Programme, 2021). By refusing the use of single-use plastic flyers and reusing bubble wraps, we aim to minimize our environmental footprint and promote sustainable packaging practices.2. Compostable and Reusable Products: Products can become waste for a variety of reasons, such as being made for single use, failing as a product, or becoming antiquated or out of style or technology (Awasthi et al., 2021). We offer a curated selection of compostable and reusable products, promoting responsible consumption and waste reduction. Our product range includes items such as linen soap nets, bamboo cotton facial rounds, and cotton sanitary pads, all of which are designed to easily decompose in home compost systems.3. Natural Solid Cleaning Products: The UN's 17 sustainable development goals for environmental protection can be met by herbal soaps made of plant-based renewable resources according to the green chemistry principle. These goals include the development of clean energy, good health, sustainable community development, ensuring a safe life, and providing high-quality water (Chirani et al., 2021). Mindful Zero Waste prioritizes natural solid soap cleaning products without excessive packaging, to reduce plastic bottle usage in regular liquid cleaning products. Our range of natural soap cleaning products offers effective cleaning solutions while minimizing environmental impact.4. Locally Sourced Products: There is pressure from stakeholders to lessen adverse environmental effects as a result of the extensive use of the logistics and transportation network, which is primarily dependent on fossil fuels and produces a high output of carbon emissions (Herold & Lee, 2017). We include locally sourced products in our inventory to reduce carbon emissions from logistics, support local producers, and promote the use of local materials. For example, our Engkabang Body Bar series features "tree butter," a local ingredient sourced and manufactured by local soap makers, reducing the need for imported ingredients, and supporting local economies.5. Textile Mending and Upcycling Services: Mindful Zero Waste provides textile mending and upcycling services to promote the reuse and prolong the lifespan of textiles. Textile wastes with blends of different fibers make recycling more difficult and occasionally impossible (Celep et al., 2023), making reuse and upcycling essential strategies for reducing textile waste and minimizing environmental impact.6. Upcycled Textile Handicrafts: We offer upcycled textile handicrafts to promote local artisanal products and repurpose textiles. Our range of upcycled products includes items such as bags, accessories, and home decor, all handcrafted from reclaimed textiles, reducing waste, and supporting local artisans.Looking ahead, Mindful Zero Waste is committed to expanding its impact within the community. Future plans include establishing a physical refill shop, producing products locally to reduce reliance on imports, and initiating community projects such as community gardens and educational talks. The possibilities for collaboration and positive change are endless, and Mindful Zero Waste remains open to partnerships and opportunities to further advance its mission of promoting sustainable living in Miri and beyond.ReferencesAwasthi, A., Cheela, V. R. S., D’Adamo, I., Iacovidou, E., Islam, M., Johnson, M., Miller, T. R., Parajuly, K., Parchomenko, A., Radhakrishan, L., Min, Z., Zhang, C., & Li, J. (2021). Zero waste approach towards a sustainable waste management. Resources, Environment and Sustainability, 3, 100014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resenv.2021.100014Celep, G., Tetik, G. D., & Yılmaz, F. (2023). Limitations of Textile Recycling: The Reason behind the Development of Alternative Sustainable Fibers. In IntechOpen eBooks. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105118 Chirani, M. R., Kowsari, E., Teymourian, T., & Ramakrishnac, S. (2021). Environmental impact of increased soap consumption during COVID-19 pandemic: Biodegradable soap production and sustainable packaging. National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149013 Choo, J. (2023, February 13). Miri the first in Sarawak to adopt smart city initiative. Borneo SDG Summit 2023. https://borneosdgsummit.org/miri-the-first-in-sarawak-to-adopt-smart-city-initiative/ DayakDaily. (2020, December 22). MCC could save millions in waste management if people reduce daily waste. DayakDaily. https://dayakdaily.com/mcc-could-save-millions-in-waste-management-if-people-reduce-daily-waste/ Goal 12 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Goals 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. (n.d.). United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12 Goal 13 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Goals 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. (n.d.). United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal13 Hassan. (2021, February 20). Miri girl guides join global push to reduce plastic usage. Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2021/02/21/miri-girl-guides-join-global-push-to-reduce-plastic-usage/ Herold, D. M., & Lee, K. H. (2017). Carbon management in the logistics and transportation sector: an overview and new research directions. Carbon Management, 8(1), 79–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2017.1283923 Ho, P., Lew, T. Y., Goi, C. L., Wu, M., Tang, F. E., Tan, C. K., Motalebi, F., & Ho, C. (2012a). Sustainable Development: A case study of Miri City using the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF). Curtin Insight Article. https://news.curtin.edu.my/insight/2012-2/sustainable-development-a-case-study-of-miri-city-using-the-low-carbon-cities-framework-lccf/ Ho, P., Lew, T. Y., Goi, C. L., Wu, M., Tang, F. E., Tan, C. K., Motalebi, F., & Ho, C. (2012b). Sustainable Development: A case study of Miri City using the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF). Curtin Insight Article. https://news.curtin.edu.my/insight/2012-2/sustainable-development-a-case-study-of-miri-city-using-the-low-carbon-cities-framework-lccf/ Liong, R. M. Y., Hadibarata, T., Yuniarto, A., Tang, K. H. D., & Khamidun, M. H. (2021). Microplastic occurrence in the water and sediment of Miri River Estuary, Borneo Island. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 232(8). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-021-05297-8 Mahadi, N. (2023, July 18). Lee: Innovation, new approaches the way to realise vision for Miri to be liveable resort city. Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/07/18/lee-innovation-new-approaches-the-way-to-realise-vision-for-miri-to-be-liveable-resort-city/ Mayor message: Introduction of Miri City. (n.d.). Official Website of Miri City Council. https://miricouncil.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_view/48 Rantayy, B. (2023, March 12). 250 participants remove 2,363kg of trash from Miri beach. DayakDaily. https://dayakdaily.com/250-participants-remove-2363kg-in-trash-from-miri-beach/#:~:text=250%20participants%20remove%202%2C363kg%20of%20trash%20from%20Miri%20beach,-Mar%2012%2C%202023&text=The%20event%20gathered%20250%20volunteers,praised%20NSJA%20for%20its%20effort. Raphael, J. (2023, December 21). Miri’s EcoBrick Project gains entry into Malaysia Book of Records. Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/12/21/miris-ecobrick-project-gains-entry-into-malaysia-book-of-records/ Ringgit, M. (2024, January 27). Car-Free Day focuses on greener, happier city | New Sarawak Tribune. New Sarawak Tribune. https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/car-free-day-focuses-on-greener-happier-city/ Sidi, K. (2019, May 12). Open burning by pineapple farmers causes haze in Sarawak. NST Online. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/487777/open-burning-pineapple-farmers-causes-haze-sarawak Smart World Sustainability (SWS) Curtin Malaysia. (2021). Consumption, waste generation and recycling practices in Miri amid COVID-19 and the future. Curtin Insight Article. https://news.curtin.edu.my/insight/2021-2/consumption-waste-generation-and-recycling-practices-in-miri-amid-covid-19-and-the-future/ Then, S. (2019, November 28). Ugly habit leads to dirty works. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/07/17/ugly-habit-leads-to-dirty-works-solving-miris-river-pollution-may-require-workers-to-haul-up-waste United Nations Environment Programme. (2021, November 23). How to reduce the impacts of single-use plastic products. UNEP. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/how-reduce-impacts-single-use-plastic-products

Embarking on the path of zero waste living in a small Malaysian town, like Miri, brought its fair share of challenges. The absence of a community made the initial steps feel lonely, and the curious glances from locals sometimes made me question my choices. However, my journey into zero waste began with a revelation during my final year project in fashion design—textile pollution was a significant contributor to environmental harm (Bailey et al., 2022). In 2021, I decided to actively participate in the Zero Waste Malaysia movement, volunteering to contribute my efforts. This marked the official commencement of my zero-waste lifestyle, guided by the 7R principle—the beacon illuminating the path toward responsible waste management. The primary focus is crystal clear: prevent or prolong waste from reaching landfills, thereby averting potential harm to the environment and its inhabitants. Discovering the 7R Principle: A Path to Zero Waste MasteryAt the core of the zero-waste philosophy lies the 7R principle, originally introduced by Bea Johnson as 5R Johnson (2013) and subsequently expanded by Jestratijević into 7R (Jestratijević et al., 2022). This principle serves as a comprehensive guide to waste management, escorting individuals through each tier and ensuring their waste aligns with the corresponding principle. The journey unfolds with the refusal of unnecessary items, followed by the reduction of consumption, and the imaginative reuse of existing possessions.Each tier—rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle, and rot—lays out a roadmap to achieve the goal of zero waste, contributing to the overarching objective of minimizing waste that reaches landfills, a true menace to the environment and its inhabitants. A substantial amount of the substances found in landfill leachates is hazardous and toxic to human health and the environment, underscoring the critical importance of adopting sustainable waste management practices (Vaverková, 2019). The First Step of Zero Waste: Rethink Similar to the concept of minimalism, rethinking helps me to take my time before making any purchase, thus contributing to the circular production loop rather than the linear one. An economic system that is intended to maximize resource extraction and minimize waste generation for disposal is known as a circular economy (Deutz, 2019). Every action we take is a part of the linear production process, and I try to think twice before jumping into any loop, possibly trying to jump into a circular one instead. When purchasing something, I ponder: Do I really need it? If online, I place it in the cart for a few days before purchasing, research online for reviews before proceeding to check out, or contemplate how I will handle it at the end of its life. It is a constant practice of a conscious mind, to really look at myself and find out what I really need or want.Refuse, Reuse, Reduce: The Foundation of Zero Waste Refuse Single-Use Plastic: A Pivotal First Step The first steps in my zero-waste journey revolved around the fundamental principles of refuse, reuse, and reduce. Refusing single-use plastic packaging by bringing my own containers and bags (BYOC/BYOB) was not just a practical move but a statement of commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. Creative Reuse: Embracing What You Already Have A rule of thumb is to creatively reuse existing items rather than immediately resorting to purchasing new, labelled "ECO" products. Encourage creativity by repurposing existing possessions. A beautiful bag or container might already reside in your home, waiting to be rediscovered for a new purpose. Reduce Through Minimalism: Quality Over Quantity Simultaneously, I embraced the concept of minimalism. According to Kang et al. (2021), minimalism is a sustainable way of living that includes doing away with clutter, shopping with caution, utilizing things for as long as possible, and learning how to live independently (Blackburn et al., 2023). Minimalism becomes a guiding philosophy in the pursuit of zero waste. Creating a shopping list, contemplating the longevity of purchases, and minimizing overconsumption are pivotal aspects. By adopting a minimalistic approach, I found that less truly is more. In the spirit of minimalism, repairing items instead of discarding them contributes to waste reduction. Appreciating and maintaining what you own not only extends the lifespan of your possessions but also showcases gratitude for the resources that went into creating them. Repurposing and Thrifting: A Community Approach Repurposing: Finding New Purpose Beyond reusing items, repurposing involves finding alternative uses or homes for possessions. Freecycling groups, second-hand apps, and thrift shops provide avenues to repurpose and give away items, fostering a sense of community. Thrifting: A Sustainable Shopping AlternativeShifting towards second-hand shopping has become a key aspect of my zero-waste journey. Thrift stores, freecycling groups, and online platforms not only provide sustainable alternatives but also contribute to the vitality of the community. Embracing second-hand items has proven financially beneficial and environmentally friendly (Lane, R., 2009) (Borusiak et al., 2020) (Padmavathy, 2019) (Kawulur et al., 2022). Recycling: The Last ResortWhile recycling is often hailed as a solution to waste management, its limitations must be acknowledged. Not all materials can be effectively recycled, and there’s not enough recycling centers to recycle all types of materials. The bulk of recyclers in Malaysia have noted that the processes involved in recycling are expensive, time-consuming, and require a lot of energy when dealing with mixed, multi-layered, and contaminated plastics (Chen et al., 2021). As such, I advocate for recycling as a last resort, emphasizing the importance of reducing and reusing before resorting to recycling. Segregate waste responsibly and send it to local recycling centers, but be aware of its limitations. Embracing Rot: Composting for Sustainability As someone with a passion for planting, composting became a cornerstone of my zero-waste lifestyle. Beyond merely reducing food waste, composting transformed organic matter into valuable soil, enriching my garden. Exploring various composting methods, such as Bokashi, hot compost, worm bins, and community gardens, allowed me to turn kitchen scraps into "black gold." This sustainable closed loop (Sulewski et al., 2021) not only benefits the environment but also fosters a deeper connection with nature through the cultivation of personal food sources. Conclusion: Small Steps Toward a Greener Future In conclusion, my journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle in a small town emphasizes the importance of starting small and gradually expanding one's efforts. While facing challenges in a community with limited resources, I discovered the power of individual actions in influencing and building a sustainable community. Remember, change begins at the individual level, and imperfect steps collectively create a significant impact. As we navigate the intersection of corporate, government, and individual responsibilities, let us focus on what we can control and influence for a brighter, greener future. ReferencesBailey, K., Basu, A., & Sharma, S. (2022). The environmental Impacts of fast fashion on water Quality: A Systematic review. Water, 14(7), 1073. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14071073 Blackburn, R., Leviston, Z., Walker, I., & Schram, A. (2023). Could a minimalist lifestyle reduce carbon emissions and improve wellbeing? A review of minimalism and other low consumption lifestyles. WIREs Climate Change. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.865 Borusiak, B., Szymkowiak, A., Horská, E., Raszka, N., & Żelichowska, E. (2020). Towards Building Sustainable Consumption: A Study of Second-Hand Buying Intentions. Sustainability, 12(3), 875. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12030875 Chen, H., Nath, T. K., Chong, S., Foo, V., Gibbins, C., & Lechner, A. M. (2021). The plastic waste problem in Malaysia: management, recycling and disposal of local and global plastic waste. SN Applied Sciences, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04234-y Deutz, P. (2019). International Encyclopedia of Human Geography (2nd ed.). Elsevier. Jestratijević, I., Maystorovich, I., & Brodnjak, U. V. (2022). 7 R’s of Sustainable Packaging Framework – Systematic Review of Sustainable Packaging Solutions in the Apparel and Footwear Industry. Breaking Boundaries. https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13592 Johnson, B. (2013). Zero Waste home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life. Penguin UK. Kawulur, A., Sumakul, G., & Pandowo, A. (2022). Purchase Intention of Second-Hand: A case study of Generation Z. SHS Web of Conferences, 149, 02026. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202214902026 Sulewski, P., Kais, K., Gołaś, M., Rawa, G., Urbańska, K., & Wąs, A. (2021). Home Bio-Waste Composting for the circular economy. Energies, 14(19), 6164. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14196164 Vaverková, M. D. (2019). Landfill Impacts on the Environment— review. Geosciences, 9(10), 431. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9100431

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Sin Yee Tay

Empowering Sustainability: Mindful Zero Waste’s Journey to Sustainable Living in Miri

Going Green in a Small Town as an Individual: A Journey into Zero Waste Living