Committing to a zero waste lifestyle is a journey. You don’t really realize how much waste you produce each and every day until you actively focus on trying to eliminate it. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight. It’s going to take quite a bit of effort on your end, but the impact it can have on our environment is totally worth it.
Wondering what a zero waste lifestyle even is? Zero Waste is a philosophy that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused. The goal is to eliminate the amount of trash sent to landfills, incinerators, and the ocean. It’s all about the circle of life. If something can be repurposed, why would you throw it away? Extend its life cycle and reuse it.
If you’re just learning how to live a zero waste life, we’re here to help. Rather than throwing yourself head first into this change, start with a few smaller switches. This will make your transition much easier, and you’ll discover multiple methods along the way to make zero waste work for you.
ZERO WASTE TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
DITCH THE PLASTIC STRAW
By now, you’ve certainly heard of the plastic straw controversy. Single use plastic is one of the biggest threats to our environment. Saying goodbye to the plastic straw is one of the easiest ways you can help eradicate this problem! All you have to do is simply request “no straw” whenever you’re out and about at restaurants and bars. If you just can’t do without a straw, there are naturally compostable and reusable options available.
ALWAYS SHOP WITH REUSABLE BAGS
Ah, we meet our enemy again. Single use plastic! Take a moment to think about it. Every time you go grocery shopping, you use about 5 or 6 plastic bags. If you go grocery shopping every week, that’s about 20 bags per month! That’s A LOT of wasted plastic that’s going to end up in landfills. To help solve this problem, all you need to do is remember to grab reusable bags every time you head out the door to the store. Some states are now even charging extra for plastic bags, so you’ll be saving some money while saving the planet!
CONSIDER SECOND-HAND
Whether you’re shopping for clothes, shoes, furniture, electronics, etc., always consider purchasing second-hand before purchasing new. Why contribute to pollution from manufacturers when you can purchase gently used items that are still in great condition? This also works when you’re looking to get rid of certain items. Rather than tossing them, donate to local charities and those in need if they are in decent condition.
ALTERNATIVES FOR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
Oftentimes, there are certain items we use every single day that you may not even realize contribute to the issue of waste. Take your toothbrush, for instance. Have you ever thought about how many toothbrushes you go through per year? It’s recommended to change your toothbrush every 3 months. That’s 4 toothbrushes a year, which doesn’t seem too crazy. But it all adds up. Over one decade, one person will send 40 toothbrushes to the landfill. Now, that’s crazy! So, what are your alternative options? Bamboo! Swap out your everyday essentials for a more environmentally friendly product. There are bamboo toothbrushes, bamboo hair brushes, bamboo soap/lotion dispensers, and more.
Need some more ideas to help you on your journey to a zero waste lifestyle? Check out our blog about fun ways to repurpose your trash!
We have the choice to make the world a better place every single day. It’s up to us to take the necessary steps to make the world less wasteful, and we have to start somewhere. Even if it’s just a few small changes, it’s better than not caring at all. Remember, these small changes will equate to a massive impact. So, what can you do today? Make one change every day and eventually you’ll live a completely zero waste life- all to the benefit of Mother Earth.
