Following inspirational zero-waste influencers on social media is a great place to start your own sustainability journey.
But how do you know who's worthy of your scrolling time?
I've discovered how easy it can be to go zero waste on a budget, by digging deep into social media to uncover the best influencers you should follow in 2024.
With pioneers like Anne-Marie Bonneau and Bea Johnson in your corner, you'll soon be well on your way to reducing your waste footprint.
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In 2011, Anne-Marie eliminated plastic from her life. This initial step sparked a broader commitment to minimize waste in all aspects of her life, with a particular focus on the kitchen.
Her zero-waste chef approach to cooking and kitchen management is revolutionary and deeply practical. Anne-Marie's blog, which has evolved into a comprehensive book, is full of delicious zero-waste recipes that are conscious of environmental impact.
Through her work, she addresses a critical issue: the staggering 22 to 33 billion pounds of food waste generated annually by US restaurants.
However, what sets Anne-Marie apart for me is her inclusive philosophy that perfection in zero waste is less important than collective effort. I love her often quoted saying, "We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly." It's a beautifully poetic solution!
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In 2010, the New York Times called Bea Johnson the Priestess of Waste-Free Living. I feel this title sums her up perfectly and is still as relevant today as it was back then.
Many people, including myself, consider Bea the mother of the Zero-Waste movement. Her profound impact as an environmental activist, motivational speaker, author, and educator has popularized zero-waste. Her work has inspired a global following eager to adopt her sustainable practices.
Bea is also the visionary behind Zero Waste Home. This platform began as a humble blog and blossomed into a #1 bestseller on Amazon in its category since its release.
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Inspired by Bea Johnson, Lauren has transformed her lifestyle into a powerful statement against waste. Her 2015 TED talk helped catapult her to the forefront of the zero-waste movement.
Lauren's influence extends beyond personal achievements. She founded the Package Free Shop, a zero-waste store offering natural, plastic-free products.
Her goal is clear: to make a low-waste, sustainable lifestyle accessible, affordable, and convenient for everyone.
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Isaias Hernandez's passion for environmental justice was sparked by witnessing firsthand the issues faced by his community during his formative years. This early exposure to environmental challenges inspired Isaias to study for a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
With a mission to make environmental education accessible to all, Isaias founded Queer Brown Vegan. He uses his digital platform to explore topics such as veganism, zero-waste, sustainability, and LGBTQ+ representation within the climate movement.
I find Isaias's content educational, inspiring, and engaging. I love his use of vibrant illustrations and graphics to simplify complex environmental issues.
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Stevie Van Horn blends education, activism, and personal flair to captivate and educate her audience.
With roots deeply embedded in the mountains of Colorado, Stevie's early life in nature's unspoiled beauty gave her a deep respect and passion for the environment.
While not strictly labeling herself as a zero-waste influencer, Stevie's work covers a wide range of environmental concerns, including the urgent need to minimize avoidable waste.
Her Instagram feed is always a delight to scroll through. I'm a big fan of how she can seamlessly switch between sustainable Outfits of the Day (OOTD) reels to deep dives into under-discussed environmental topics.
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Anita Vandyke leads a life that intertwines science (she's an actual rocket scientist!), medicine, and environmental activism.
Born in Guangzhou, China, and raised in Australia, Anita's early life was dominated by pursuing traditional success and happiness through consumerism. However, the realization that material goods could not fill the void she felt led to a pivotal change in her life's direction.
Embracing minimalism and zero-waste living, Anita discovered a sense of purpose that societal expectations of success had long overshadowed.
Anita has become a leading voice in the zero-waste movement, offering practical advice on reducing food waste (one of the significant contributors to landfill overflows).
I find her content approachable and relatable. I love how it encourages others to become everyday activists while emphasizing that zero-waste is a goal rather than an absolute requirement.
Anita has also written two books, A Zero Waste Life: In Thirty Days and A Zero Waste Family: In Thirty Days. Both are enjoyable and have practical takeaways that highlight Anita's philosophy that sustainability is not about perfection but progress and personal growth.
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Addie has always been interested in sustainability principles.
Her initial fascination with sustainable building design and reuse sparked a broader commitment to sustainable practices, which now influences every aspect of her life.
Through her Instagram feed, Addie invites her audience to start their own sustainable living journeys.
I like her holistic approach to sustainability and how she covers a wide range of subjects. From zero-waste and thrifting to minimalism and eco-friendly living, Addie gives empowering and actionable advice that you can apply within the home, garden, and beyond.
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Anamarie Shreeves is passionate about magnifying the voices of Black zero-waste influencers.
Through her Zero Waste Habesha Instagram account, Anamarie provides a critical perspective on zero-waste living and inclusivity.
I love how her feed always stays true to the belief that environmental activism must be diverse and representative of all communities to effect real change.
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Born and raised in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Robin's early years were filled with a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
His initial path focused on financial wealth and material possessions (he aimed to become a millionaire by age 30). However, a pivotal awakening at 24 made Robin reevaluate his impact on the world.
He is now committed to a sustainable life below the federal poverty threshold, maintaining minimal net worth and owning few material possessions. His progress from owning 111 possessions in 2016 to just 44 in 2020 shows just how dedicated he is to minimalism and sustainable living.
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Leah Thomas is a passionate climate activist, distinguishing herself with her talent for intertwining social justice with environmentalism.
She has pioneered the concept of eco-communication. A unique approach to activism that emphasizes the link between protecting the environment and advancing social equity.
With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science & Policy from Chapman University, Leah's academic resume is as impressive as her commitment to the planet.
Throughout her career, Leah has been recognized as a leading voice in the environmental movement. She's achieved accolades such as Forbes 30 Under 30, TIME100 NEXT, and INSIDER's Climate Action 30.
Her plastic-free living and slow fashion contributions have also been celebrated in various media outlets, including Vogue, Elle, The Washington Post, and my article about leading sustainable fashion activists.
I love that although Leah already lives as zero-waste as possible, she acknowledges that more can be done (as highlighted in this video that she posted on Earth Day 2021).
An eco influencer is someone who uses their platform to promote sustainable living practices. They share insights on reducing environmental impact through eco-friendly habits, products, and lifestyle choices.
Although the zero waste movement doesn't have a single founder, Bea Johnson is often credited with being key to its growing popularity.
The five principles of a zero-waste lifestyle are:
Lauren Singer, known for fitting years' worth of trash into a single jar, is often called the zero-waste girl.
From Anne-Marie Bonneau's kitchen innovations to Rob Greenfield's minimalistic lifestyle, each influencer in this article demonstrates that small, mindful actions can lead to significant environmental impacts.
Every tip shared (My favorites are growing my own food and shopping secondhand) brings you one step closer to reducing your footprint on the planet.
I hope you take what you learn from these eco-pioneers and make impactful changes soon. Remember, it's not about perfection; it's about progress. Keep pushing forward, one sustainable choice at a time.
Do you have any tips for reducing waste? Have I missed your favorite pioneer of less waste?
