The two products (and one simple habit) that stayed in our homes — and became the heart of Zeropolitan.
When we first started trying to live more sustainably, we went all in — swapping things, reading guides, downloading composting charts, and convincing our family to save every tiny scrap.
And like many people who get excited about zero waste… we burnt out.
Life caught up — work, kids, house moves. Some habits faded, some things slipped. But among all the things we tried, a few stuck. And that’s exactly where we think the real change happens: in the small, consistent habits that stay with you — even when life gets busy.
We’re Laura and Ricardo — siblings living on opposite sides of the world (Panama and Australia). And before Zeropolitan was a brand, it was just us — two people trying to do a little better each day.
Today, we want to share the three low-waste habits we both managed to keep. They weren’t fancy. They weren’t perfect. But they’re the ones that made us feel like we could actually live more consciously — and were the starting point for what later became Zeropolitan.
1. The switch to bamboo toothbrushes
We tried a lot of versions — some too flat, others didn’t dry properly, a few were just uncomfortable. But one day we found a shape that felt right. Ergonomic, rounded, smooth to the grip — the kind of toothbrush you want to use every morning.
We both stuck with it. Because it didn’t feel like a sacrifice — it just worked.
That toothbrush became the first Zeropolitan product we ever developed. And every batch still follows the same rule: if it doesn’t work in real life, we won’t make it.
2. Changing our deodorant (and rethinking what “clean” means)
We used to go for whatever deodorant was on special — sprays, gels, you name it. But the switch to potassium alum was a game changer. A natural mineral that works like a barrier against bacteria, without clogging your pores or covering you in artificial fragrance.
We realised we didn’t need to stop sweating — we just needed to stop smelling. And the simplest crystal, in a cork case, did exactly that.
It’s still our go-to today — and one of the products we’re most proud of.
3. Separating organic waste
No fancy compost bin. No worm farms. Just two bowls in the kitchen — one for general waste, one for food scraps. It started small, but became second nature.
Now, we both compost what we can. Sometimes it goes to our own compost piles, other times we drop it at a local pick-up point. It’s not always neat, but it works.
And it’s the habit that made us feel most connected to the idea of circular living.
We do more than just this. But these three? They were the beginning.
They showed us that sustainable living doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing — and that if a product works with your routine (not against it), it has a real chance of becoming a lifelong habit.
So if you’re looking to start your own low-waste journey, maybe don’t start with everything. Start with something small. Something easy. Something that makes sense for you.
Because the things that stick — they’re the ones that change your life.
