Bea Johnson’s blog and my bestselling book, Zero Waste Home (20 languages and #1 on Amazon.com, waste management category), have launched a global movement, inspiring thousands of people throughout the world to live simply and take a stance against needless waste. In them, she proposes a simple guideline, my 5R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot (and only in that order).

The New York Times called her “The Priestess of Waste-Free Living.”

CNN called her “The mother of the zero waste lifestyle movement.”

I call her a role model. After a few years avoiding packaging, I’ve reduced my waste to one bag in 16 months. Her family of four produces a tenth of what I do. And her house is beautiful, they save money and time. It’s joyful. If you compare your waste to Americans or other westerners, get to know Bea. She will influence you to improve your life.

Whatever your values regarding cleanliness and caring, she lives them as fully as anyone you’ll meet.

For tips and insights on her waste-free lifestyle, join her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@zerowastehome).

And watch her videos, including her multiple TEDx talks.