Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of Waste you produce each day? You’re not alone. According to the EPA, the average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash per day. That’s a lot of waste! But what if I told you that there was a way to reduce your waste production by 90% or more? It’s called zero waste living, and it’s easier than you think! In this blog post, we will discuss what zero waste is, why you should consider it, and how to live a zero waste life. We’ll also provide a list of 21 ways for you to get started on your zero waste journey today!

What Is Zero Waste?

Zero waste is a philosophy that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused. The ultimate goal is for no trash to be sent to landfills, incinerators, or the ocean. There are many benefits of zero waste, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving energy, and conserving resources.

One way to reduce your waste is to practice the 3 Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. For example, you can reduce your use of single-use items such as disposable coffee cups and plastic bags. You can also reuse items like clothes and toys instead of buying new ones. And, of course, you can recycle items like paper and glass. By following the 3 Rs, you can help to make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Why You Should Consider A Zero Waste Lifestyle

There are many benefits to adopting a zero-waste lifestyle. For one, it can help to reduce your carbon footprint and lessen your impact on the environment. It can also save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to purchase disposable items.

Furthermore, it can help you to live a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. Perhaps most importantly, though, living a zero-waste lifestyle can help to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and encourage others to adopt similar practices.

In a world where manufacturers continue to produce huge amounts of disposable plastic and other materials, every little bit helps. So if you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact, going zero waste is a great place to start.

Is Living A Zero Waste Life Difficult?

Is living a zero-waste life difficult? It depends on your perspective. Some people find it challenging to make the switch to a zero-waste lifestyle, while others find it empowering. The key is to find what works for you and to be prepared to make some changes.

One of the biggest challenges of living a zero-waste life is breaking old habits. We’re so used to throwing things away that it can be hard to remember to recycle or compost. It takes time and effort to learn new ways of doing things, but it’s worth it in the end.

Another challenge is that not everyone is on board with the idea of living a zero-waste life. You might have family members or friends who don’t understand why you’re making such a fuss. They may not be ready to make changes themselves, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

Despite the challenges, there are many reasons why living a zero-waste life is worthwhile. For one thing, it’s good for the environment. Recycling and composting help to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill sites. This in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to protect our planet.

Additionally, living a zero-waste life can save you money. By cutting out single-use items and learning how to reuse and recycle, you can save money in the long run. Finally, living a zero-waste life can help to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability. By sharing your experiences with others, you can encourage them to make changes in their own lives.

How To Live A Zero Waste Life: Simple Ways To Get Started

The average person produces over 4 pounds of trash every day and the majority of it is recyclable or compostable. If you’re interested in reducing the amount of waste you produce and transitioning to zero-waste living, here are 21 ways to get started: 

1. Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store

Say goodbye to single-use plastic and paper bags and start bringing your own Reusable shopping bags when you go to the grocery store. Making your shopping trips more sustainable is one of the easiest ways to move towards a zero waste lifestyle. Not only will this reduce the amount of waste you produce, but it will also save you money in the long run. A cloth bag is one of the best choices when you’re considering reusable bags as they’re durable and long-lasting.

2. Bring a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go

Ditch the single-use plastics and invest in a reusable water bottle instead. This will help to reduce your carbon footprint and save you money in the long run. Plus, there are so many great reusable water bottles on the market nowadays that it’s easy to find one that suits your needs.

Some of the best reusable water bottles are made from stainless steel, glass, or bamboo. These materials are durable and eco-friendly, making them a great choice for those looking to live a zero waste lifestyle.

When choosing a reusable water bottle, make sure to pick one that is BPA-free and leak-proof. You’ll also want to make sure that it’s easy to clean so that you can avoid bacteria build-up.

Here are a few of our favorite reusable water bottles:

• S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle: This water bottle is made from high-quality stainless steel and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. It’s available in a variety of sizes and colors, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.
• Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle: This water bottle is made from tempered glass, making it durable and shatter-resistant. It comes with a silicone sleeve for added protection and is available in a variety of colors.
• Klean Kanteen Classic Stainless Steel Double Wall Insulated Water Bottle: This water bottle is made from high-quality stainless steel and features double-wall insulation. It keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours.
• Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle: This water bottle is made from double-walled stainless steel and comes with a straw lid. It keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for all seasons.

3. Invest in some reusable containers for your food

If you’re looking to reduce the amount of waste you produce, investing in some reusable containers is a great place to start. There are so many great options on the market, from glass to stainless steel. This is a great way to reduce your reliance on single-use plastic wrap and disposable tupperware. You can choose reusable lunch boxes or even mason jars – whatever will suit you best.

When choosing your own containers, make sure to pick ones that are dishwasher and microwave safe. You’ll also want to make sure that they’re airtight and leak-proof.

Here are a few of our favorite reusable containers:

• Pyrex Glass Storage Set: This storage set is made from tempered glass and is dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe. It comes with a variety of sizes, making it perfect for all your storage needs.
• Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers: These containers are made from high-quality stainless steel and are dishwasher safe. They’re perfect for storing leftovers or taking your lunch with you on the go.
• Glass Meal Prep Containers: These containers are made from tempered glass and are dishwasher and microwave safe. They come with secure fitting lids, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

4. Start composting your food scraps

Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you produce. It’s also a great way to fertilize your garden or potted plants. Food scraps that can be composted include fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, egg shells, and more.

To start composting, you’ll need a compost bin or pile. You can purchase one online or build your own.

Here are a few tips to get started with composting:

• Purchase a compost bin or build your own.
• Add fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, egg shells, and more to your bin or pile.
• Wait for the food scraps to break down.
• Add your compost to your garden or potted plants.

5. Reduce your reliance on paper products

Another great way to reduce the amount of waste you produce is to reduce your reliance on paper products. This includes things like paper towels, napkins, and disposable plates and cups. There are so many great alternatives on the market, from reusable paper towels to bamboo plates.

When choosing reusable paper products, make sure to pick ones that are machine washable. You’ll also want to make sure that they’re made from sustainable materials.

Here are a few of our favorite reusable paper products:

• Bamboo Paper Towels: These paper towels are made from sustainable bamboo and are machine washable. They’re perfect for wiping up spills or cleaning your counters.
• Reusable Napkins: These napkins are made from sustainable materials and are machine washable. They’re perfect for use at mealtimes or when entertaining guests.
• Bamboo Plates: These plates are made from sustainable bamboo and are dishwasher safe. They’re a great option for everyday use or for entertaining.

6. Use a handkerchief instead of disposable tissues

Using a handkerchief instead of disposable tissues is another excellent method to cut down on waste. Handkerchiefs can be used over and over again, whereas tissues are only meant to be used once and then thrown away.

When choosing a handkerchief, make sure to pick one that is made from sustainable materials. You’ll also want to make sure that it’s machine washable.

7. Use a razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors

Another great way to reduce waste is to use a razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors. Disposable razors are only meant to be used once or twice and then thrown away, whereas razors with replaceable blades can be used over and over again.

When choosing a razor, make sure to pick one that has replaceable blades and a long-lasting handle so it’s less likely to break and need replacing.

8. Buy products in bulk to reduce packaging waste

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce is to buy products in bulk. This way, you can reduce the amount of packaging waste that you create. Plus, buying in bulk is usually cheaper in the long run.

When buying in bulk, make sure to only buy what you need so that the food doesn’t go to waste. You should also make sure to store the food properly so that it doesn’t spoil.

Here are a few tips for buying in bulk:

• Only buy what you need.
• Store food properly to prevent spoilage.
• Check expiration dates.
• Compare prices.
• Look for sales at bulk stores.
• Buy from bulk bins when possible.
• Bring your own bags or containers.
• Avoid individually wrapped items.
• Choose products with less packaging.

9. Shop at farmers’ markets and local stores

Shopping at farmers’ markets and local stores is a great way to lead a zero waste life for several reasons. First, it reduces the amount of packaging that you have to deal with. Second, you can often find bulk items which further reduces packaging waste. Finally, it supports local businesses and farmers which reduces your carbon footprint. All of these reasons come together to make shopping at farmers’ markets and local stores a great way to lead a zero waste life.

When shopping at a farmers market or local stores, make sure to bring your own bags or containers. You should also try to avoid individually wrapped items where possible.

10. Make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients

One of the best ways to reduce waste is to make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients. This way, you can avoid all of the packaging that comes with store-bought cleaning products. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in your cleaning products and how to pronounce all of the ingredients.

When making your own cleaning products, make sure to use safe and non-toxic ingredients. You’ll also want to make sure that the ingredients are biodegradable so they won’t harm the environment.

If you’re interested in starting to make your own natural cleaning products, check out our post on Getting Started With Natural Household Cleaning Products.

11. Shop second-hand stores instead of buying new

Shopping second-hand stores instead of buying new is a great way to reduce waste. Second-hand stores sell items that have been used before which means that they don’t require any new resources to be produced. This reduces your carbon footprint and helps to reduce the amount of waste in the world.

When shopping at second-hand stores, make sure to only buy what you need. You should also try to avoid buying items that are made from non-renewable resources such as plastic.

12. Make your own beauty products using natural ingredients

Just like with cleaning products, you can also make your own beauty products using natural ingredients. This way, you can avoid all of the packaging that comes with store-bought beauty products. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in your beauty products.

When making your own beauty products, make sure to use safe and non-toxic ingredients. You’ll also want to make sure that the ingredients are biodegradable so they won’t harm the environment.

13. Repair broken items instead of tossing them

In our throwaway culture, it’s easier than ever to simply toss out a broken item and replace it with something new. However, this disposable mindset not only creates mountains of waste, but it also robs us of opportunities to learn and grow.

When we repair something instead of replacing it, we gain valuable skills and knowledge that can be used in other areas of our lives. We also develop a stronger connection to the items we own, which can help to discourage wastefulness in the future.

And of course, repairing items instead of throwing them away is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce our impact on the environment.

So next time something breaks, take a moment to consider whether it can be fixed. You may be surprised at what you can accomplish.

14. Recycle everything you can

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste. And while it’s not always possible to recycle everything, it’s important to recycle whatever you can.

When recycling, make sure to check what materials are accepted by your local recycling center. You should also avoid contaminated recyclables, which can’t be recycled.

15. Learn to love leftovers

In our culture, leftovers are often seen as something to be avoided. But if you’re trying to reduce your waste, it’s important to learn to love leftovers. After all, they’re a great way to reduce food waste.

When it comes to leftovers, make sure to store them properly. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent food waste. You should also try to eat them within a few days so they don’t go bad.

If you’re not sure how to incorporate leftovers into your meals, there are plenty of resources available online. You can also check out our post on how to reduce food waste for more tips.

16. Dispose of hard-to-recycle items the right way

Hard-to-recycle items like light bulbs, batteries, and electronic waste can be difficult to recycle. But it’s important to dispose of them properly so they don’t end up in the landfill.

When disposing of hard-to-recycle items, make sure to check with your local recycling center to see how they should be recycled. You can also check out Earth911 to find a recycling center near you.

17. Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops

One of the best ways to reduce your waste is to shop secondhand. When you buy something new, it comes with all sorts of packaging and oftentimes a lot of waste. Shopping secondhand eliminates that new product waste and packaging waste. It’s a great way to save money and reduce your waste footprint.

Next time you’re looking to buy something new, check out your local thrift shop first to see if you can pick up something there.

18. Avoid single-use straws, cups, and plates

It takes a lot of energy and resources to produce disposable straws, cups, and plates and other single use items. The production process involves mining for raw materials, transporting those materials to factories, and then shipping the finished products to stores. In contrast, reusable straws, cups, and plates can be used over and over again, which reduces the need for new resources. Reusable products also generate less waste than their disposable counterparts. When you live a zero waste life, it’s important to choose products that will have the least impact on the environment. Reusable straws, cups, and plates are a great way to reduce your environmental footprint.

Here are some of our favorite options:

• StrawExpert Set of 16 Reusable Stainless Steel Straws: These straws are made of high-quality stainless steel and come with a cleaning brush. They’re perfect for smoothies, juices, and more.
• Eco-friendly Unbreakable Reusable Drinking Cup: This cup is made of durable polypropylene and is perfect for a range of different uses. It’s also dishwasher-safe and comes in a variety of different colors.

19. Transition to a zero-waste kitchen

Making the switch to a zero waste kitchen may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually easier than you might think. One of the biggest benefits of reducing your reliance on disposables is that it can save you money in the long run.

Things like paper towels, paper napkins, and plastic wrap add up quickly, and they often create unnecessary waste. For instance, you can use a dish towel to dry your hands or line a baking sheet instead of using parchment paper. In addition to being more economical, ditching disposables also reduces your environmental footprint.

Landfills are overflowing with things like plastic water bottles and food packaging, and by switching to reusable alternatives, you can help to reduce this problem. Plus, many reusable items are actually more convenient than their disposable counterparts. For instance, reusable storage bags can be reused over and over again, and they don’t require any special care or cleaning.

With a little effort, making the switch to a zero waste kitchen is easy and rewarding. Check out our post on 8 Zero Waste Essentials For Your Kitchen to get started.

20. Embrace minimalism

One of the best ways to reduce your waste is to embrace minimalism. When you live a minimalist lifestyle, you consciously choose to live with less stuff. This means that you’re more likely to buy things that you actually need and use, and less likely to impulse buy items that will end up sitting in a closet collecting dust.

In addition to reducing your waste, minimalism can also simplify your life and help you save money. If you’re not sure where to start, our post on Minimalist Living: The Joy Of Living With Less is a great resource!

21. Use an eco-friendly coffee cup

If you’re trying to lead a zero waste lifestyle, one of the best things you can do is ditch disposable coffee cups. Every year, billions of coffee cups end up in landfills, where they take centuries to decompose. And even if they are recycled, coffee cups are often lined with plastic that can’t be removed, making them impossible to recycle. Reusable coffee cups are made from sustainable materials like bamboo or glass, which can be easily recycled or composted. Plus, many eco-friendly coffee cups come with their own lids and sleeves, so you don’t have to worry about buying disposable ones. And if you’re worried about leaky lids, there are plenty of eco-friendly coffee cups on the market that are spill-proof. So ditch the disposables and switch to an eco-friendly coffee cup to help reduce your impact on the environment. Whether you make your own coffee at home or buy it from coffee shops, if you’re looking for a great reusable coffee cup, check out our list of the 11 Best Eco Friendly Coffee Cups.

Final Thoughts

Living a zero waste life doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, with a little effort and some small changes, you can make the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle without compromising your quality of life. By following the tips on this list, you can make a big impact in the fight against climate change. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

The post How To Live A Zero Waste Life: 21 Ways To Get Started appeared first on A Cure for Monday.