Zero Waste is now becoming popular and many people want to shift their lifestyle towards a more sustainable one.
If more people decide and become conscious enough to go zero waste, our Earth is going to thank us.
But many of us don’t know how to go zero waste, so in this post, I am going to discuss the simple ways to go Zero Waste that each of us can start from wherever we are right now.
Just your thoughtful action and a little determination can make a huge difference in this world.
WHY ZERO WASTE LIVING IS NEEDED
As per the report, 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste is produced every year overflowing landfills around the world.
The average person contributes to generating around 4.40 pounds of waste per day and to multiply that with the world’s 8 billion population is crazy.
We are living in a world where landfills are running out of our waste.
It’s sad to say but according to the report, approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic is dumped in the ocean every year.
Just imagine how negative we are becoming for nature and the environment.
So, learning simple ways to go Zero Waste is the biggest smart move one can take to be responsible towards Mother Earth.
Before we begin let us know the 5 ‘R’s of Zero Waste.
5 ‘R’s of Zero Waste
- Refuse the things you don’t need
- Reduce the things that you do need; reconsider just how much stuff you actually need
- Reuse the things that you already have
- Recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce or reuse
- Rot (compost) the rest
21 simple ways to go Zero Waste
1. SAY NO TO PLASTIC BOTTLES
You know 40-45% of the bottled water sold worldwide is actually tap water.
It is just clever marketing, but the important thing is we can always shift our choices to sustainable ones by buying a good water filter that could save us both health and money.
You could bring your containers and jars with a lid for any liquid products in the market, that way you don’t have any idea that you are saving the world.
Likewise, you can bring your portable reusable water bottle or thermos while going outside for coffee which could save unnecessary waste and you will be the inspiration of going Zero Waste in our simple daily lives.
2. SAY YES TO REUSABLE CLOTH BAGS TO GO ZERO WASTE:
You know for a fact that plastic is the super convenient option for humans to date but its uncompromising consequences are literally up to the destruction of our ecosystem.
You can be an example by practicing carrying your reusable cloth bag so that not a single piece of plastic is dumped in landfills and the oceans.
You can buy different sizes, colors, and designs of cloth bags as you wish and can flaunt your unique Zero Waste Lifestyle to others for good.
3. BULK PRODUCTS CREATE ZERO WASTE AND ARE ECO-FRIENDLY
While going to the store for grocery shopping, you can always buy products in bulk and store them in reusable jars and containers at home for future use.
That way you are saving the planet from other plastic pollution and by that you are not obligated to pay for their plastic packaging too.
You can check out the Zero Waste shops around you that sell products in sacks, and barrels and follows an amazing refilling system that creates Zero Waste.
4. HAVE A ZERO-WASTE GREEN PERIOD
Menstrual waste is the most challenging issue that is burning brightly every month all over the world.
Sanitary pads are 80-90% plastic which is the potential for cervical cancer in the future and contributes largely to the unhygienic microplastic in the ecosystem over time.
You can switch your choices to the reusable cloth pad and the menstrual cup.
It saves money, and health and beats menstrual waste completely. You can find these products online And this choice is a great example of zero-waste living.
I started using a menstrual cup for 2 years.
I must say it is awesome to know that I am saving this planet from my choice and also I save money along with my cervical health.
5. USE REUSABLE ZERO WASTE CLOTH HANDKERCHIEFS AND TOWELS:
You know that paper towels and tissues are convenient and easy to dispose of.
since these are biodegradable products so it is eco-friendly.
But you should not forget about our precious limited resources that are being used to produce these items unnecessarily which you can easily replace with reusable cloth towels and handkerchiefs, that too can be used till their durability.
6. IT IS SAFE TO REUSE ALUMINIUM FOIL BUT NOT SUSTAINABLE
Do you know that aluminum is more likely to leach into food from aluminum foil? While cooking, its % shifts to a high level when the food contains acid or alkali in its composition i.e., lemon, tomato juice rather than alcohol or salt.
You can reuse aluminum foil by washing rather than just one-time use. Though it’s not biodegradable so you can always switch up to sustainable options like Pyrex pan, parchment paper, etc.
7. SAY NO TO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC AND SUPPORT ZERO WASTE
This is a big challenge, isn’t it? Especially at times, we head outside or we host any kind of party that includes more people.
You can just decide to avoid plastic-based cutlery, cups, straws, spoons, plates, decorations, packaging items, bottles, etc.
Therefore, shifting to sustainable options greatly support Zero Waste Living and makes a difference.
8. AVOID PLASTIC WRAPPED PRODUCTS
This is not easy, right? But not something can’t be done.
You see, there are many supermarkets or shops today that honor Zero Waste Living where you can find wonderful alternatives for plastics.
Nowadays, a refilling system that refills our home brought bottles or jars with what we need in our household items like oil, lentils, rice, home cleaners, etc. serves the best example of Zero Waste, and go visit those stores in your area.
9. DIVE INTO THE ZERO-WASTE LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET
Supporting local farmers help create a green society for everyone. There you can find sustainable packaging with zero glittery plastics which is awesome.
Food is mostly organic and healthy. It also creates an opportunity for jobs locally for the people by your contribution which supports your local economy too.
10. REPLACE CHEMICAL CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH HOMEMADE ONES
You must know that chemical cleaning products we use at home pollute the environment by entering into the sewage system, waterways, marine bodies, etc.
You can just simply replace it with your homemade cleaners made with baking soda and vinegar or lemon for cleaning your corners, floors the toilets.
11. DONATE
In every house, there are set of items not used or not needed at all.
Those items in good condition can be donated to help support the second-hand market or to the people who need them in the community.
Bringing items put to use from your storeroom is a brilliant example of zero-waste living which saves a lot of waste in landfills.
12. REPAIR YOUR HOME PRODUCTS AND SUPPORT ZERO WASTE
Nowadays, it has become so easy to buy stuff online. But you have to be very mindful while shopping for new products until you need them.
Instead, you can go for repairing items that are in good condition, which limits production and unnecessary waste of that item like fridges, air-conditioners, T.V, pipelines, houses, etc.
13. BUY PRODUCTS THAT HAVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES
In this modern world, we live in a technologically advanced era where we can find multitasking products very easily that helps creates less production from our resources and saves money and the environment.
Back in the 19th century, people had separate items for radio, alarm, telephone, music speakers, cassettes, CD OR DVDs, etc. Now you know that a simple cellphone can function all that at once.
So, make your choice smartly.
14. REPLACE PLASTIC RAZORS WITH SUSTAINABLE METAL RAZORS:
Plastic-based razors are a big problem today, both males and females use razors, and that impacts negatively on our environment.
For this reason, you can swap your plastic razor for a safety metal razor that protects the environment from negative impact.
15. COMPOST YOUR BIODEGRADABLES AT HOME
You can practice composting with your biodegradables at home like vegetables and fruit peels, leftover food, papers, cardboard, wasted wood, egg shells, etc.
Composting gifts you with remarkably rich nutrient soil for your garden. Just take a bucket, drum, or barrel with a lid, etc. for your composting bed.
You can add a few stones, pebbles, twigs, dry leaves, soil, or coconut shells.
Some add worms as a catalyst so that your food scraps or waste is digested properly back into the soil.
16. DITCH PLASTIC WRAP FOR BEESWAX WRAP:
You can always replace your plastic-wrapped items with eco-friendly bee wrap made from beeswax, cloth oil, and pine resin which comes in a variety of sizes and patterns.
They are like plastic wrap but eco-friendly.
17. BUY BAR SOAPS OR SOAPS WITH MULTIPURPOSE FUNCTIONS
Instead of buying separate plastic bottles for shower gel and handwashing liquids, you can simply just buy one soap for both.
You can use bars for shampoos and conditioners too.
This way you saved a lot of plastic bottle waste as well as resources to produce them.
You can also try homemade beauty products.
18. CARRY YOUR REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE:
This is a very simple step but it is very meaningful in terms of plastic bottle waste.
Plastic water bottles are cheap and easy but they are cluttering our environment and the ocean in the greatest way possible.
Anywhere you go avoid buying plastic bottles instead always carry your own.
Like I said this is simple but very effective if each individual starts to put action.
19. USE REUSABLE NAPPIES TO GO ZERO WASTE
One of the most serious problems today is the disposal of these plastic-based diapers.
It is a major issue after their invention.
You can use good quality cloth for nappies that are reusable and eco-friendly.
In some cases, you can buy reusable plastic covers or pants for nappies.
This is old-fashioned but healthy and far from the chemicals and side effects of plastics.
20. AVOID FACIAL WIPES
It is said that facial wipes are made from recycled paper but in landfills but there are thousands of facial wipes waste creating dangerous pollution to the environment.
You can simply use reusable handkerchiefs or reusable cotton facial wipes that you can wash anytime and is good for your facial skin health too.
21. INVEST IN ORGANIC DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS
Every three months, new toothbrushes are bought mostly of that plastic material worldwide.
So, imagine its mountain of waste in the landfills causing great menace to the environment.
Always seek sustainable alternatives and a few examples of Zero Waste Living are given below;
- Tissue papers – washable handkerchiefs
- Disposable plastic razors– electric shaver or metal-based shaver
- Paper towels – cotton cloths or bio-napkins
- Dish sponge – cotton cloth or jute
- Aluminum foil or tin foil– use a metal food container or glass jar with a beaker.
- Paper bags/ plastic bags – bring your cloth bag
- Bottled water – a glass or stainless steel water bottle and tap water
- Plastic toothbrush –Bamboo toothbrush
- Shampoo bottles – shampoo bars
- Menstrual pads/tampons – Menstrual cups or reusable pads
- Plastic straws – Stainless steel or bamboo straw
- Food wraps – Home-cooked food in reusable containers
Final thoughts on how to go zero waste
Simply start living with a little bit more intention and be conscious about the choices you are making each day in terms of what you are buying, using, and how you are disposing of your item.
Remembering the 5 Rs of Zero waste in our everyday choices can go a long way.
Don’t expect perfection in your zero-waste journey, just keep educating yourself, and others and lead by example.
I believe this post has given you important knowledge regarding simple ways to go Zero Waste Living.
Hope you are willing to be conscious and start your journey of going Zero Waste Living from small steps beginning from your home.
Let’s be all together as one to save our precious planet and protect it for future generations of our children.