Living a greener, more sustainable life can sometimes be daunting. 

When the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated that we are in the “red code of mankind” period, how can a person seeking sustainable exchange help reverse climate change? A recently released report stated that many changes in the world’s climate-such as sea level rise-are irreversible for hundreds to thousands of years, and violent weather events such as storms and heat waves are also expected to worsen and become more frequent. .

Fortunately for residents of the capital of Iowa, a small business owner is helping us easily and sustainably replace our daily products to create a small but powerful dent. 

Jamie Nicolino owns THE COLLECTIVE in downtown Des Moines, a small zero-waste store filled with vegans, almost plastic-free items, plenty of cleaning supplies, and hand sanitizer , Shampoo and conditioner, sustainable pet supplies, and reusable lunch bags and containers. 

After she started a sustainable lifestyle herself, she opened this store in the fall of 2019. While working in the company, the 36-year-old found herself sober. During that journey, she realized that she needed to solve other problems of excessive consumption-spending money unnecessarily on fast fashion and eating unhealthy meats. .

"When I was analyzing my life and trying to make more meaningful, more careful choices, all of this clashed at the same time," Nicolino said.

She became the one who carried reusable water bottles, brought her own cutlery and take-away containers, and collected food waste in the restaurant for composting.

She said: "The more changes I make, the more uncomfortable it feels because it just became me." "They knew Jamie came in—she put all the containers in her bag, clanging. ."

After opening a few pop-up stores in local small businesses, Nicolino found that others also wanted to make changes, so THE COLLECTIVE was born, although it was a few years earlier than the original plan of Lincoln High School graduates.

This small shop is full of vegan, sustainable products, all of which are made by Nicolino according to the way the product is made and the manufacturer (such as women, LGBTQ and BIPOC-owned companies, small-volume manufacturers, and those who donate profits To solve social justice issues.

But she was not behind the counter for the transaction. Nicolino provides a wealth of knowledge about sustainability and is ready to advise on most issues or exchanges you are considering. My recent products include reusable cotton pads, bulk hand sanitizer and dish soap refills, and dishwashing powder detergent in paper bags.

Her advice is more than just spending money. I noticed a change in my perception of packaging. I now work together to choose products with less plastic, buy second-hand products as much as possible, and limit the number of boxes in my Amazon order. 

Nicolino says these small changes will add up.

"If someone sees you doing something and comes to your house, you no longer use paper towels, and all your things use cloth towels, then it becomes more approachable, right? I really want to create this safe community The space, hence the name THE COLLECTIVE, allows people to come here safely no matter where they are," she said. "Small changes, they do add up. For me, perfection is very detrimental to my mental health. Therefore, abandoning perfection and doing only one thing at a time is a big deal."

Kim Norvell, who is responsible for the growth and development of The Register, has very little shopping this holiday season. Contact her at knorvell@dmreg.com or 515-284-8259. Follow her on Twitter @KimNorvellDMR.

When we enter a small business on Saturday, November 27th, please consider visiting Nicolino online or in person at THE COLLECTIVE at 340 Southwest Fifth Street. Also follow her on Instagram, @thecollective.dsm, to learn more about making your own sustainable swaps.

Our Des Moines is a weekly feature that reports on an interesting person, place or event in the Des Moines subway. This gem makes Central Iowa a special place. Any ideas for this series? Contact chunter@registermedia.com.