Living a zero-waste lifestyle can seem daunting, but with these 10 zero-waste tips you’ll be on the way to living your best life!
-
Replace items as they run out
Switching to a zero-waste lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint: our first zero-waste tip is to purchase zero waste alternatives once your old products run out.
It is equally important to research how to ethically recycle these items. Consider the golden rule of avoiding waste: recycle whatever you can, compost whenever possible, and give old items new purpose. When options seem limited, consider programs, such as TerraCycle, which can help recycle almost anything.
-
Switch to reusable beauty/hygiene products
Zero-waste lifestyle products are healthier for you and better for our planet!
An easy zero-waste tip is to switch to reusable cotton pads. Disposable pads and make up wipes are often made of synthetic materials that don’t biodegrade.
Another easy switch is from the standard plastic razor to a stainless steel safety razor. Safety razors are affordable and recyclable!
-
Shop thoughtfully
A great zero-waste tip is to start incorporating bulk shopping into your grocery routine! By shopping at bulk food stores you can significantly reduce both packaging and food waste. Some of the most commonly available bulk foods are dried beans and lentils, oats, dried fruit and nuts, whole grains, dried pasta, and delicious snacks like popcorn! Not only do these staples contribute to a healthy zero-waste lifestyle, in bulk they are also significantly cheaper than their packaged alternative.
Another zero-waste tip for shopping is to buy second hand. This keeps perfectly good items out of the landfill while simultaneously allowing you to live your zero-waste lifestyle in the best possible way! With so many thrift and vintage stores around us today, it’s easy to find good quality items such as clothing, decor, appliances, and furniture!
-
Meal Prep
By meal prepping you can significantly reduce food waste and make budget friendly meal choices. Meal prepping ensures that you’ll feel prepared to skip takeout in place for a homemade meal, thus, reducing your consumption of packaging. This zero-waste tip isn’t for everyone, but planning out your meals and snacks ahead of time can be a big step in reducing both packaging and food waste.
-
Be Prepared
It’s so much easier to live a zero-waste lifestyle when you’re prepared.
A pro zero-waste tip is to pack a zero-waste lifestyle bag so you’re ready when you’re on the go!
Some handy items to include are reusable straws, a reusable container, a metal water bottle and coffee cup, a reusable cutlery set, and a handkerchief as a reusable napkin. If you’re planning to do some shopping, other great things to carry are reusable produce bags, mason jars for dried goods, and grocery bags.
Being prepared is one of the most important zero-waste tips, keeping you ready for any situation.
-
Get crafty (DIY)
The best way to live a zero-waste lifestyle is to learn how to make things yourself. If you make things yourself, you’ll be able to customize them to your needs and reduce the need for packaging waste. For some fun and quick zero-waste tips for DIYs check out our instagram: @getecoprints !
Getting crafty doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy materials. Use what you have! For example, an empty glass pasta jar can become a great container for storing dry bulk foods or baked goods. Another zero-waste tip is to use an old t-shirt to make reusable produce bags or rags. No special skills required!
-
Get involved with your community
A great zero-waste tip is to shop locally and support local producers! Farmers and community gardens are a great way to get involved with the community while sustaining your zero-waste lifestyle.
Getting involved can help you find people that are also on their zero-waste lifestyle journey. Building a community network can help keep you on the right track as you support each other and share zero-waste tips.
-
Compost
Composting has so many benefits for your zero-waste lifestyle! Not only is it the best way to reduce how much waste you send to the landfill, you can also use it to enrich your gardening soil.
If you live in a small apartment or in a municipality that does not compost, check out local compost sites at farmers markets and community gardens. No local compost sites near you? There are many companies that will compost for you!
Don’t want the smell of compost invading your personal space? A zero-waste tip is to freeze your food waste and paper scraps and then bring your compost weekly to a local composting site.
-
Go digital!
With the world going digital, now is the best time to make small digital changes that make a big impact!
An easy switch for your zero-waste lifestyle is to opt for digital downloads when buying books, movies, and music.
For students and avid note takers, switching from paper notes to electronic notes will reduce your paper waste and make organizing so much simpler.
Another great zero-waste tip is to go paperless for all your bills! It’s easy to do and more reliable for getting your bills on time.
-
Go green in your kitchen
The best place to start your zero-waste lifestyle journey is in the most important room in the house: the kitchen. If you’re just beginning and don’t own reusable containers, a great zero-waste tip is to reuse your ziplock bags by washing and drying them after each use.
If you’re ready to dive in further, a zero-waste tip is to find plastic free alternatives such as reusable beeswax paper and silicone baking mats!