In today’s world, the environment is an important topic. And, what can we do as individuals to become more sustainable and eco-friendly? One great way is through zero waste living.
Zero waste living is a lifestyle where an individual attempts to produce the least amount of waste possible. The aim of zero waste living is to divert all waste from the landfill and to instead recycle, repair, winnow down, and repurpose items that might otherwise end up in the landfill. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint and reduce air, land, and water pollution.
Living a zero waste lifestyle might be a bit intimidating, but it’s not impossible. Here are some practical tips for everyday sustainability to help you reach your zero waste goals:
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk means that you’re purchasing fewer individual package items and more bulk items. This is great for foods and ingredients of all sorts. Not only does this help reduce packaging waste, but it also can be cheaper in the long run!
Shop Secondhand
It’s also a great idea to thrift or shop secondhand. This means buying clothes and other items from secondhand stores or online marketplaces. The quality may not be the same as new, but it is usually much cheaper and creates less pollution.
Avoid Disposable Products
These are single-use items that are often impossible to recycle. Choose items like reusable cups, to-go containers, straws, and bags. When you can, look for product packaging that is biodegradable and compostable.
Compost Food Waste
Composting food waste is a great way to make use of it without creating waste. In many cities and municipalities, there are now programs and facilities set up for composting in a simple and easy way.
Recycle Properly
When it comes to recycling, it’s important to recycle properly. Items that usually can be recycled include plastics, glass, paper, and aluminum. Be sure that your local recycling program accepts certain items before throwing them in your recycling bin.
Choose Reusable Products
Use reusable items whenever possible. This includes water bottles, coffee mugs, shopping bags, and Tupperware. Make use of these items in your daily life to reduce your carbon footprint considerably.
Fix Your Own Broken Items
It’s always better to fix something rather than throw it away. This can include clothing, electronics, and other items. For clothing, consider learning to sew and for electronics, consider learning a bit about repairs.
Reduce Your Energy Use
Reducing energy use is one of the best ways to live more sustainably and reduce your carbon footprint. This includes turning off lights and unplugging electronics when you’re not using them, using LED light bulbs, and washing your clothes in cold water.
So, what can you do to cut back on your waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle? By taking the time to consider your current waste habits, you can begin to take steps to live a more zero waste lifestyle. Buying in bulk, shopping secondhand, avoiding disposable products, composting food waste, recycling properly, choosing reusable products, fixing your own broken items, and reducing your energy consumption will all help you reach your zero waste goals.