Early Life and Education
Lauren Singer was born on May 4, 1991 in the United States. Growing up, she was always environmentally conscious and passionate about sustainability. This interest only grew stronger as she got older and attended New York University, where she studied Environmental Studies and Political Science.
The Birth of Trash is for Tossers
While studying at NYU, Lauren was shocked by the amount of waste produced by her peers and decided to take action. In 2012, she started a blog called Trash is for Tossers, where she documented her journey towards a zero waste lifestyle. Through her blog, Lauren shared tips, tricks, and DIY projects to help others reduce their waste and live more sustainably.
Zero Waste Philosophy
Lauren’s zero waste philosophy is centered around the idea of living a life that produces little to no waste. She believes in refusing single-use plastics, reducing consumption, reusing items whenever possible, recycling properly, and composting organic waste. By following these principles, Lauren has been able to fit four years’ worth of trash into a single mason jar.
Impact and Influence
Lauren’s blog quickly gained popularity and has since become a leading resource for those interested in zero waste living. She has inspired countless individuals around the world to rethink their consumption habits and make more sustainable choices. Lauren’s influence has also extended beyond her blog, as she has given TED talks, appeared in documentaries, and collaborated with numerous brands to promote sustainability.
Package Free Shop
In 2017, Lauren co-founded Package Free Shop, a store in Brooklyn, New York that sells sustainable and zero waste products. The store aims to make eco-friendly living more accessible to the general public by providing a wide range of products that are free from plastic packaging. Package Free Shop has quickly become a popular destination for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite her success, Lauren has faced criticism from some who argue that zero waste living is not feasible for everyone. Critics point out that not everyone has access to bulk stores or the financial means to purchase expensive sustainable products. In response, Lauren emphasizes that zero waste living is about making small changes that add up over time, rather than achieving perfection overnight.
Personal Life
Outside of her work in sustainability, Lauren enjoys hiking, yoga, and spending time outdoors. She is also an avid reader and loves exploring new cities and cultures. Despite her busy schedule, Lauren makes time for self-care and relaxation to recharge her energy and creativity.
Social Media Presence
Lauren is active on social media platforms such as Instagram, where she shares daily tips and inspiration for living a zero waste lifestyle. Her Instagram account (@trashisfortossers) has over 400k followers and serves as a hub for the zero waste community to connect and support each other.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Lauren plans to continue spreading awareness about sustainability and inspiring others to live more consciously. She hopes to expand Package Free Shop to reach more communities and make sustainable products more accessible to all. Additionally, Lauren is working on writing a book that will further explore her journey towards zero waste living.
