ADVERTISEMENT

Hi there! My name is Mira Petrova and I'm a young illustrator and graphic designer who lives in Sofia, Bulgaria. For many years now, I've been occupied with thoughts and feelings about global warming and the way we, humankind, harm our planet.

I dream of living a zero-waste life, but very often I fail miserably, and it makes me sad and discouraged. The simple truth is—zero waste living can be hard! But I realized the following: the more I become "aware" of what I buy and what alternatives I have, the more conscious I become; my decision-making process changes and with that, the amount of waste I produce. That's how the term "waste awareness" appeared in my life. Zero waste just sounded way too ambitious and overwhelming.

More info: Instagram | Facebook

#1

I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

Report

Night Owl
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that motto. I wish all tourists were like that (and throw their garbage in garbage cans)

View more comments

So with that new approach to the subject, I started creating this comic strip (with the inspirational help of my super supportive boyfriend). We decided to call it Waste Aware Animals. We wanted to give people a fun and positive way to learn and share about the zero waste philosophy, free of shame and guilt. And spread the message that we can all be part of the change or inspire it in others, sometimes even with the smallest actions.

RELATED:
    #2

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless you get those plastic wrapped bananas from a few days ago..

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    The fox characters, Mr and Miss Fox, are, of course, based on two of us. As for why the characters are all animals (even though they live in the big city and face all the everyday life problems that we do), well, who could possibly be a better inspiration for sustainable living than the animals? And also—who could be cuter?

    #5

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    I sew my clothes from people's old curtains, table cloth etc. Nobody has the same clothes as I.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    All the stories in the comics are inspired either by my personal experiences and situations that I have witnessed or overheard. Since we started publishing it, people also write in to share zero waste-related situations, ideas, and successes and I couldn't be happier and more grateful. It makes me feel like we're all part of one big community and together, we can make a difference.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #7

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    And produce as much as you can of what you use. Humans take better care of things they have done themselves.

    View more comments
    #8

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    Astrid Nineor
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but forgetful people like me don't bring them :p

    Load More Replies...
    Beth Lehman
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you can’t afford the fancy schmancy veggie bags hit the dollar store for laundry washing bags! The big ones are great for corn on the cob. Also save those plastic mesh bags and reuse even the little ones for things like garlic and shallots.

    Pamela Blue
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always use a large purse with compartments. One compartment has folded up cloth bags. I always have them with me, so I can't forget.

    JOY JACKSON
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good Idea, Use too small clothes and stitch them into bags for shopping

    Gina Bina
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it will help save the planet!

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

    I know! But sometimes people at the store really don't and it creates very comical situations, so I was trying to represent that. :)

    Load More Replies...
    Christina Uhlir
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ....just many of those ignorant, irresponsible "smart" people who do not think and devastate the planet.

    Mark Kelly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    but doesn't bring a reusable one?

    Twenty øne doggos
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    leeroy jenkins
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    refusal of using plastic bags really dont help save the planet. unless every person gave up plastic, there would not be much of change. the better thing to do is use them but instead of just throwing them away with your other items, either reuse them as much as you can. or recycle them and look into funding recycling businesses, and find new ways of reusing plastic items. just cause you dont use it means that others will stop.

    Lenka Smetanová
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    do you know that its much easier and less destroying for earth to make a plastic bags than cloth ones? The problem came with people who throw them away. Plastic bags are good enough to be used again just like reusable cloth bags.

    View more comments
    #9

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    Bobby's Girl
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grandma always said, "You'll catch more flies with sugar than with vinegar." Greta is right, but her delivery needs work. She's preaching to the choir, while alienating the congregation she hopes to reach.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    yes it is normal for the climate to change BUT not that fast and not that extreme!

    View more comments
    #11

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    #12

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    i always try to take a little plastic bag with me when i go into the woods or at the beach and collect trash that i find on my way, so i can dispose/recycle it all.

    View more comments
    #13

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #15

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    Jasmina Pavlovic
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Leather from pineapples and mushrooms? That's really cool. 👍

    View more comments
    #16

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    Pretty Pangolin
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can buy stainless steel cutlery at the thrift store for just a dollar or two. It doesn't harm the environment because it already exists - you're just re-using it. Get a couple of sets and wrap them in a cloth napkin to take with you. If they accidentally get lost/thrown out it's not a big deal.

    View more comments
    #17

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    Janine B.
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My carpool is called the bus. lol

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #18

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    I do this with Christmas and birthday gifts. My family thought it was really weird at first and some even scoffed at me, but now my family accepts it, sometimes even welcomes it, and nobody complains about not having to throw all that paper away anymore. I use pretty bandanas or reused fabric pieces that I put away every time and the recipient can keep it if they want it.

    View more comments
    #19

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As I've said before, trees are my favorite things ever. I appreciate what they do for us and they are so beautiful! Especially in winter, I call naked trees cemetery trees.

    View more comments
    #20

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    pusheen buttercup
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get people hate ads and people don't like bills- I see no reason to have it in paper form, imo. For books, I like actual paper books, if they're for fun to read, but for everything else, just email it. Easier to sort, easier to clean up, and delete when done! No mess. Also that better for the environment thing. When they email us they ALSO send paper! I don't want to see the same thing twice, and deal with it, twice.

    View more comments
    #21

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    no it's from a building instead of it being washed our with plastic into the sea it is filtered cleaned and put into pumps like that one

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #22

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    Remember the big chain shops employ teams of psychologists to make us buy more. Try taking a list - and a pen. As you shop write the prices on the list. Add them up as you go along. Repeat the first sentence to yourself as you shop.

    View more comments
    #23

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    Also check if you really have to wash that item. If we only wore it for a few hours, it could well be fine to wear again.

    View more comments
    #24

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    Paper straws force you to use multiple straws in one drink, they cut down trees to make them, and they aren't even biodegradable. Metal straws are probably the best ones.

    View more comments
    #25

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    Last year I put my small Rosemary in the living room as my Christmas tree

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #26

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    Emma Pham
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    left side: what earth will probably look like in 50 years right side: what earth probably looked like 2000 years ago

    View more comments
    #27

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    I see Trump with the idiot hairdo's silhouette.

    View more comments
    #29

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    My family does the popcorn thing and I have to restrain myself before eating it off the tree!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #30

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

    That one marvel fan
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeas they do I am Recycling cans and bottles to fundraise for my 8 grade trip and i am almost halfway there!

    View more comments
    #31

    I Create A Comics To Share My Funny Struggle With Zero Waste Living

    Report

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

    According to my chemistry teacher anything will work as long as it's an alkali so it can neutralise the acid. And then breath mints do the rest.

    View more comments