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Hi! My name is Mira! I have been trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle for a few years now. And if you have ever tried it, you know how hard it can be.

But I truly believe the first step towards creating less waste is being well-informed on the subject, and being aware of the specific issues and problems. So I started researching online and sometimes the information could be truly overwhelming and rather gloomy. After I would spend some time reading, I would have no willpower to live, let alone take any action whatsoever. The other issue was the depressing manner in which a big part of the information was presented, so it didn't seem likely that anyone would want to share it with their friends or family in order not to ruin their day as well.

You can find my previous post about my zero waste comics by clicking here.

More info: Instagram | patreon.com | Etsy | Facebook | awareanimals.com

So I said to myself—what if there was a way to represent useful information about climate change, sustainability, and the environment in a funny, colorful, and most of all accessible way? An approach that focuses on solutions, rather than problems. So that people will hopefully laugh, learn something new, and pass it along.

And that's how the Aware Animals webcomics were created. Every week I draw a different situation. Whether it's dealing with mountains of non-recyclable wrapping paper and paper bills, wanting to pack a waste-free lunch, buying second-hand clothes for environmental reasons, refusing a plastic grocery bag at the store, turning down plastic straws over and over again, or trying to repair broken items to prevent them from going to a landfill—the possibilities of new and exciting topics are endless.

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    #3

    Trends

    Trends

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    brokenapollo
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually didn't know this. Did some additional research and will be more aware from now on. You've enlightened at least one person today..!

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    Most of the situations have happened either to me or to my super-supportive partner (you can probably recognize us as Mr. and Miss Fox) and others have been shared or suggested to us by our lovely community on social media.

    My favorite part about this process is how much I learn from it myself: once while I do my research and then again from the lovely comments and lively discussions when the comics have been posted. I'm constantly overwhelmed by the positive feedback we've received and very, very grateful. Our main message is that no action is too small to make a difference and that positivity and awareness will bring us further along than guilt or blame. So if you need more awareness in your life, feel free to join us on our journey.

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    #5

    Sustainable Dress Up

    Sustainable Dress Up

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    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    We don't have that service here :I

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    #7

    My Sustainable Bag

    My Sustainable Bag

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    Amaranthim Talon
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup! Carry bags- preferably canvas! to the shops. reusables straws at home. No disposable utensils, plates, etc.

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    #8

    Valentine's Day

    Valentine's Day

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    #9

    Reduce

    Reduce

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    SweetKristy
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who else likes the flavour of their toothpaste?

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    #11

    Shocking Fact

    Shocking Fact

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    Mohsie Supposie
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't know that receipt paper could not be recycled!

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    #13

    On The Road

    On The Road

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    SweetKristy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I learn something new everyday

    Phoenix
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait..bars of shampoo?

    sturmwesen
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's great. Mine last a month easily and after searching for some time I found an argan oil one with which I can mostly skip conditioner. Beware of hair soap - that is a different product and your hair needs vinegar aftercare.

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    Ryan Michaud
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well it's a choice, hurt an animal, or slip in a shower and break your skull open then die trying to hold the bar of soap. You decide.

    Bryn
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have you tried putting it on a shelf, a container, or someplace other than the floor?

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    Ezra Matson
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did not know that there was BARS of shampoo

    Yoga Kitty
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I put my shampoo bar in a small net - makes it easy to use and can later hang to dry in the shower, this way it keeps longer. When travelling, I just put it inside a small metall box, net and all. I have found for myself that my skin tolerates solid shampoo and soap much better than any kind of liquid cleaner as my psoriasis seems to have a problem with the emulsifiers, even in products for sensitive and allergic skin. I would recommend a try!

    Hans
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, the ecological footprint of solid shampoo is only marginally better than that of liquid one. The detergents in it are the problem, not so much the larger packaging size. The aim should be to use only those hygiene products really needed, and only as much of them as really needed. I for example have given up using shower gel unless I need to remove dirt. To feel fresh, shower feel is hardly needed.

    KrabbyGramps666
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you just rub it on your hair or rub it between your hands and then your hair?

    gookiefish 293
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I rub it right on my hair. I have long hair and I just go from the scalp down it doesn't take much.

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    Marianne
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shampoo bars also make it easier to travel carry-on only, as it helps you cut down on restricted fluids. Many brands also use environmentally friendly detergents that are better for your skin.

    Gyro Pilot
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The importance of screwing lids down tightly before venturing out

    Lorelai Purvis
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    welp, TIL that shampoo can come in bars!

    Furry_Danger
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, it wouldn't have happened with the bar, but the bar is hard to use...

    GFSTaylor
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's no harder to use than any bar of soap. Wet it and rub it to get a lather. I've been using solid shampoo for years.

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    J. Cole
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So THAT'S the purpose of those?! Hmm...

    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The main idea of shampoo bars ( for me anyway ) is that they come either with no packaging at all or in a cardboard box. So the packaging itself is much more environmentally friendly than a plastic bottle. :) We give much more info on this subject in our Instagram profile, feel free to check it out.

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    Signe Manat Hansen
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bar soap is amazing for spreading bacteria. And corona.

    Aleksandra
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shampoo bars are just so amazing! Well.. not all of them, you just gotta find the one that fits your hair just like with other shampoos but also! Try washing your hair rarely, they will get healthier

    Eglė Bukauskaitė
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i have refillable bottles for shampoos. I just fill them in for the journey

    shado
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    there is one in every room ... and I think we all have that one friend we try to ignore

    Anne
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I tried shampoo bars, but I need conditioner and they just don't have a good conditioner bar. That I found at least.

    Among Us
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's... bars of shampoo?? I can't find those for sale where I live.

    Rez Fidel
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I´m using soap bars (no palmoil) for years now...totally fine and natural olive oil for the skin afterwards. thats all you need. try it!

    Ryan Deschanel
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Indeed, but liquid shampoo can wash your hair.

    GFSTaylor
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have you figured out how to use a bar of soap yet ? Well, it's just like that. Not difficult at all.

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    Zedrapazia
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer a thousand spilling bottles before a bar of soap. It's absolutely impossible to wash my 1 meter long hair with that stuff in time.

    Laugh or not
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I haven't found a shampoo bar that O could rince off easily. All the ones I tried leave residue in my hair. But they are more convenient when travelling, even more so when backpacking.

    Marianne
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This sounds as if you tried hair soap and not solid shampoo. Solid shampoo should not leave any residue.

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    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The main idea of shampoo bars ( for me anyway ) is that they come either with no packaging at all or in a cardboard box. So the packaging itself is much more environmentally friendly. :) We give much more info on this subject in our Instagram profile, feel free to check it out.

    Iapetos
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want a shampoo bar now.

    BananaJo
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I honestly didn't even know these existed

    Indra Servo
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    maybe just use small waterproof bag for your toiletry next time

    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The main idea of shampoo bars ( for me anyway ) is that they come either with no packaging at all or in a cardboard box. So the packaging itself is much more environmentally friendly. :) We give much more info on this subject in our Instagram profile, feel free to check it out.

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    #14

    The Greatest Invention

    The Greatest Invention

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    Mohsie Supposie
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes great idea. Should do that with more things.

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    #15

    Super Powers

    Super Powers

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    SweetKristy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What would you choose: Chocolate milk or just plain milk

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    #16

    My Sustainable Kitchen

    My Sustainable Kitchen

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    F. H.
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's all a matter of perspective. I have a plastic dish brush I have been using for ten years now. When it gets to dirty, I put it in the dishwasher. How long does a wooden one last. Also, coffee filtered through paper is more healthy according to recent studies.

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    #17

    The Specialist

    The Specialist

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    ADHORTATOR
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We plan our meals, so shopping for the week is done in less than two hours and nothing is wasted

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    #19

    It's A System

    It's A System

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    Ole Peder Amrud Hagen
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is this relevant to consuming less? Also, it is the most ridiculous way of organizing books I ever see...

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    #20

    6 Things You Can Do To Be Happier

    6 Things You Can Do To Be Happier

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    cookie
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sono una volpe means "i am a fox" in italian, in case anyone was wondering.

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    #21

    The List

    The List

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    Kendra Miller
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And this is why grocery stores put staples at the back and periodically move stuff around, so you will have to search to find what you need and hopefully (for them) find more than you wanted.

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    #22

    Oh, Deer

    Oh, Deer

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    #23

    My Sustainable Bathroom

    My Sustainable Bathroom

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    Kendra Miller
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ear swaps should be struck from this list. Even if they feel great, they are terrible for actually removing earwax. Earwax exists to keep our keep our inner ears moistened so the skin doesn't dry and crack, as well as creating an acidic environment so bacteria can't survive. Your ears naturally clean themselves by using the motion of your jaw when talking and eating to shift older wax out. When you use ear swabs it shoves the wax deep into the ear and it gets stuck. Stop using ear swabs no matter if they are reusable or not.

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    #24

    The Unexpected Snack

    The Unexpected Snack

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    #25

    Home

    Home

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    #26

    Together

    Together

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    #29

    Illusionist

    Illusionist

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    Owl
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok lemme add that to my purse real quick...

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    #30

    Jack-O-Lantern

    Jack-O-Lantern

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    No One
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    when our pupmkins get rotten, we yeet them into the woods.

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    #31

    The Gift Of An Experience

    The Gift Of An Experience

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    #32

    Camping Enthusiast

    Camping Enthusiast

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    #33

    The Gift

    The Gift

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    #34

    Fashionable

    Fashionable

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