Microplastics, food waste, fast fashion, over-consumption — these are contributing factors to our growing environmental crisis. But what can we do to combat it?

While it may seem daunting, Timonium author, Brent Pohl, decided to dig a little deeper and look for some solutions. The results are in his new book “Sustainable Living, Minimalism, and Zero Waste: A Beginner’s Guide to a Decluttered Home and Habits to Save the Planet.”

Full of practical suggestions, the book details numerous eco-hacks — ranging from simple swaps to disciplined changes — that might just make our world a better place.

A mechanical engineer by trade, Pohl has been designing products using various materials for the past 20 years and became intrigued by environment-friendly and recyclable materials. Coupled with international travel to places like Ecuador, Mexico and the Middle East, which exposed him to a simpler, less consumption-based culture, and being bothered by the waste he saw, Pohl decided to follow his personal passion for eco-mindfulness and research and explore ways to become more eco-conscious.

This led him to examine the different facets of sustainable living, minimalism and zero waste. It culminated in a no-nonsense guide with suggestions and resource references.

Pohl practices what he preaches. Along with his wife, Nicka, and children David, Laura and Charlotte, his family has put some of these tips to use in their own life. He says it has resulted in a better and more sustainable existence.

Some of their examples fall along the Zero Waste Pyramid that includes the 6 Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Rot – rather than the more familiar Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Switching from disposal water bottles and plastic shopping bags to reusable versions is a simple swap, as is using reusable Swedish dish towels rather than paper towels. Resisting the urge to upgrade electronics, cars or appliances, and repairing and using them until they wear out can also have a big impact.

Rot can mean composting, which is especially important as Pohl explains: “In the U.S., food waste makes up the largest proportion of waste in landfills at around 22%. Americans generate around 80 billion pounds of food waste a year.”

“Sustainable Living, Minimalism, and Zero Waste” is a supportive guide offering solid research and practical eco-hacks, but it is not intended to bully anyone into doing everything all at once. Pohl suggests tackling one new thing a month while making the switch to becoming more eco-friendly.

The book even offers a room-by-room look at ways to declutter your home and enjoy a safer, more green environment. ”Decluttering and depopulating a house will lead to less stuff to take care of and more time to do things you enjoy,” Pohl said.

This is Pohl’s first book and he enjoyed the entire process from researching and learning about the topic to writing, publishing and marketing the book. It is available through Amazon as a paperback and on Kindle.

Author : Melissa Whatley

Source Url :https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/towson/cng-co-to-brent-pohl-sustainable-living-book-whatley-column-20230130-7z7tas2ihzdrhk7pt7fzetwq6q-story.html