Going zero waste is one of the most important and gratifying choices you can make for the world’s well-being on a personal level. Did you know that the typical home in the United States generates 4.4 pounds of garbage per day? This adds up to more than a ton of waste per home each year! Zero Waste is a concept based on a set of behaviors taken to minimize as much waste as possible.
Trying to figure out a few fast and simple methods to go toward zero waste and be a bit more environmentally conscious? You could try these simple zero waste solutions!
1. Begin Composting Your Food, Plants, and Paper Scraps
While food and other organic waste (such as paper goods and yard trimmings) are among the most common types of trash. However, they are also one of the easiest to prevent by practicing composting. Compost pails should be placed in both your kitchen and bathroom. We deal with a tremendous amount of waste every day, including anything from dryer lint to pizza boxes to used toilet paper to cotton balls. Cutting down on the trash you send to the landfill through composting and learning what you can compost and what is truly garbage is important.
Starting to compost not only reduces your waste stream, it also provides a great resource for your garden and can help you save money in the long run!
To learn more about composting, check out our more in-depth post on composting here.
2. Be Mindful of Your Spending Habits
Don’t purchase things that you don’t need. Think about this: Do you really need to have all the things you have? Being a thoughtful, conscious consumer has helped us reduce what we’re actually buying and has been an unexpected way for us to save money. Fewer products and smaller quantities mean less to store and, at the end of the day, less to get rid of or throw out as well.
Before making any purchases, find out how and where the goods were produced. Think about buying products that are made of wood, stainless steel, or glass, and avoid using plastic as much as possible. Every year, billions of plastic products are disposed of, filling up our land and our seas with waste.
3. Write Up a Weekly Meal Plan and Grocery List
By planning your meals, you’ll not just save time and money, you’ll also be able to dramatically reduce the amount of food you end up throwing out! To avoid making expensive, wasteful purchases, first do a quick inventory in your fridge and pantry to check what you already have. Next, work on your meal plan, using up those items and prepare your shopping list accordingly! Shopping locally and in season is a great way to eat healthier, support local farmers and save money as well.
4. Zero Waste Kits
With your zero-waste kit, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success both inside and outside of the house. Fill a big tote bag or a basket with your supplies so that you can grab them quickly on your way out. Here are a few suggestions for your zero-waste toolbox:
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Shopping bags that can be reused
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Containers for buying at bulk bins in large quantities
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A water bottle made of stainless steel
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Straws that may be used again and again
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Cutlery made of bamboo
5. Your Zero Waste Journey Doesn’t Need to be Perfect
With so many choices for reducing and eliminating waste, the zero waste journey can help lead you to be a more mindful consumer. Always keep in mind that achieving zero waste is a marathon, not a sprint. The methods outlined above will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Begin with a few simple zero waste swaps to build your confidence and enthusiasm for your new sustainable lifestyle – and enjoy saving some money along the way!