Welcome to my wise women in wellness interview series! This blog series idea popped into my head earlier this summer and I wanted to interview some wise women in the wellness world and learn more about them as well as have you learn about them!
There will be a few interviews coming your way this summer and fall, and all of my guests have very diverse backgrounds and wellness businesses. I wanted to learn about what they do, how they help people and how they manage things when life gets busy and stressful.
I hope this blog series is inspiring and helpful for you! 🙂
Let’s get started!
I met Genny through mutual friends a few years ago and I visited her and her family at their lovely home in Haines, Alaska a while back! I find Genny’s business very interesting and proactive and so I am excited to share today’s interview with you.
Let’s dive in!
Hi Genny, thanks for joining me for todays interview!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Genny: Hi! I’m Genny, I live in Haines Alaska and I blog at @hellozerowaste on Instagram.
Tell us about your bizz – how do you help people?
G: I started my Instagram blog because I was learning more about zero waste and the ways our consumption impacts the planet. I loved following other bloggers for their tips and I wanted to be part of the conversation! I want to share with people the ways I’m changing my life to live more intentionally and thoughtfully towards the earth so maybe they can be inspired to change too.
That’s how we make a difference – together. I don’t think the earth is a lost cause. I think we’re the future but we have to do it together!
What got you involved in the wellness world and in your current business/passion?
G: I’m obsessed with minimalism and organizing…
My favorite books when I was a kid were all on feng shui and home design.
I’m always decluttering, downsizing and moving things around.
I didn’t stop to think about where all my stuff GOES after I’ve cleaned out my house until a few years ago. It’s still out there, somewhere in the landfill, cluttering up the earth. It’s not right!
Now my philosophy is more about being content with what you have and not bringing more things into your orbit. We don’t need to use up resources just so we can have the latest pillows or more baskets. The ones I have (or can find secondhand) make the house just as beautiful. And sometimes going without is even more beautiful.
The concept of Zero Waste is about living with intention, authentically, connected with nature, and focused on what really matters : people not things! It’s a good framework for making decisions.
What part of your work do you enjoy most?
G: The best part of blogging is when someone says they’re using a tip I shared to be more green in their life! I love feeling like I helped someone make a good change.
Describe a typical day in your life!
G: My life is about to get a lot less typical as we’re expecting baby #2 any day now! Trying to not get too attached to any schedule and just flow with it. Babies help you do that.
How do you take care of your health on crazy busy days? Eg. Do you have any stress busting practices?
G: I always ask myself, how much of this is REALLY necessary? Most of my ‘have-to-do’ things are really ‘want-to-do’ things. So I start cutting them out until I can breath again.
Also going outside, even if it’s just to take the dog or the toddler to the beach, is important too. Especially because we live in such an amazing place. I try to get outside every day!
And sleep. Sleep is my love language. We all need to make it a bigger priority!!
What tips could you share regarding going greener in the home and cutting back on waste for a gal just getting started?
G: Be gentle with yourself! There is no perfect and everyone is going to make trash! We live in a linear economy right now and it’s impossible to be completely zero waste.
The important thing is doing the best you can, and that will look different season by season. Sometimes I’m super mindful and on it and sometimes I have to offer myself a little patience. Just remember every good decision matters and keep going.
5 Tips for starting Zero Waste:
#1 Reusable water bottles, coffee cups, shopping bags and produce bags, takeout containers. These are the things we use every day and all of them are meant to be used once and then landfilled. If you bring your own you’re so far ahead.
#2 Compost. 50% of household trash is compostable so if you aren’t already, this is a great way to make a huge change. If it sounds daunting to start your own backyard or indoor compost, many cities offer municipal compost or a community compost option. Look for one!
#3 Limit what comes into your home in the first place. Just by being mindful about our purchases and really asking, DO I NEED IT? we reduce the plastic and waste that we have to deal with later.
#4 Look for everything secondhand or borrow it. Most of what we need is already out there.
#5 Make package-free food choices. Even in cities without bulk shop options, it is possible to significantly reduce our waste by purposefully buying food that comes in less or recycle-able packaging. Glass, tin and aluminum are infinitely recyclable so these are the best option besides un-packaged. Plastic only gets recycled a few times (down-cycled) until it must be landfilled so it’s best to avoid as much as you can.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned since starting your wellness bizz?
G: It’s ok if you’re not for everyone! If you’re living authentically you’re absolutely going to repel and attract. It means you’re doing something.
I’ve had some haters on the blog, people who think I should be ‘more’ zero waste or that my actions aren’t enough. But that’s how it goes! I alway think if people have time to criticize you they must think you’re important.
And there are far more amazing people out there who make it all worth it.
What is next for you?
G: Homesteading! We just got chickens and I really want a mini-cow. I’m interested in food independence, especially in these northern places where all of our stuff gets trucked or barged or flown in. All of our food travels so far and I don’t think it has to be that way. I think there’s better ways we can support our local food producers and live more intentionally through subsistence and foraging.
Where can we learn more about you?
G: Just @hellozerowaste on Instagram. Someday I’ll have a big girl blog 😉
I hope you enjoyed today’s interview with Genny! There will be a few more awesome interviews to come, so stay tuned!
Let us know, what will you try out in order to go greener in your home and life?
Be sure to share!
Until next time,
