Today on the blog, we’re talking to Kathryn Kellogg, the founder of Going Zero Waste. We love following along on her zero waste adventures and learning about ways we can minimize waste in our own lives.

Hi Kathryn! Tell us a bit about yourself!

I’m the founder of Going Zero Waste, forthcoming author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste, and the spokesperson for National Geographic on plastic-free living.

What sparked your passion for a zero-waste lifestyle?

I approached zero waste living from a holistic point of of view. When I move to California, I saw the litter everywhere, and I realized that plastic isn’t only bad for our personal health but also for the health of the planet.

What does zero-waste/eco-friendly living mean to you?

Zero waste living is about using your life as way to reflect the future you want to live in. I want to live in a world with clean air, clean water, and a place where politicians and businesses respect the planet.

What do you wish more people knew about zero waste living?

A lot of people think zero waste living is time consuming and expensive and it’s neither of those things. It’s depression era living. It’s about saving and using what you have instead of constantly buying new. It’s also not any more time consuming because it’s all about building habits.

What are your top 3 tips for moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle?

I recommend that everyone start with the big four.

1. Say no to straws. (If you need straws or like them opt for a reusable one. My fav is glass!)
2. Ditch plastic water bottles. If you have access to safe, clean drinking water get yourself a reusable water bottle. If you don't like the taste, get a filter! Charcoal sticks are pretty inexpensive. They say the only last for three months, but I've been using mine for two years. I just keep boiling them and they work fine.
3. Bring your own bags to the store. If you tend to forget, get a couple that fold up real small and attach to your key ring. You'll always be with them.
4. Avoid coffee cups which are actually lined with plastic and unrecyclable in most places. The lids aren't recyclable either, So if you forget a thermos (you can also use that water bottle you have on you!) or don't have time to ask for a mug and drink it in the shop, go topless. You know - without the lid.

What are the zero-waste items you can’t live without?

I love my insulated water bottle, snapware, my Thinx, and my bidet attachment.

Describe your perfect day?

Having nothing on my to-do list, getting to hang out with my husband and dog, going on a long nature walk and eating lots of pizza.

Do you follow a morning routine?

Most mornings. I don’t always succeed though. I like to do yoga, meditate, lemon water, and then a cup of tea before getting to work.

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

I always like to make a nice dinner and turn on my alarm for the morning, and then turn on airplane mode and turn the wi-fi off so I don’t have any distractions!

3 bloggers/Instagrammers/change makers that inspire you.

• Celia from Litterless, 
• Ariana from Paris To-Go, and 
• Andrea from Be Zero Waste Girl!

You can follow Kathryn and her zero waste adventures on her Instagram and blog!