Practicing a zero waste lifestyle has become my goal over the last few years. It not only benefits the environment, but also simplifies my life. Here are some of the ways I have worked to reduce waste in my daily routines.
Break Free from Plastic
Plastic pollution is a huge threat to oceans and wildlife. I try to avoid single-use plastics by:
- Carrying a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, straw, and shopping bags everywhere. Disposable plastic is no longer a habit for me.
- Opting for plastic-free personal care and beauty products. Brands like Ethique and Plaine Products offer great options.
- Buying fresh produce loose or choosing brands with minimal plastic packaging.
- Composting any compostable plastic I do buy, like compostable trash bags.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning on a Budget
Harsh chemical cleaners come with lots of plastic waste. I’ve switched to simple, affordable homemade cleaners using ingredients like:
- Baking soda – a mild abrasive for scrubbing.
- White vinegar – cuts grease and disinfects.
- Lemon juice – removes stains and freshens.
- Castile soap – lifts dirt without toxins.
Other plastic-free swaps: rags instead of paper towels, wooden brushes instead of plastic scrubbies.
Shop Secondhand First
Before buying anything new, I check secondhand stores and websites. Gently used furniture, clothes, books, and more can be found secondhand. Some tips:
- Search Facebook Marketplace before buying new electronics, appliances, or furniture.
- Thrift stores are best for clothes, especially basics like t-shirts.
- Kids clothes and toys can be found cheaply at consignment sales.
- Look for vintage or antique items at estate sales and auctions.
Buying secondhand extends the lifecycle of belongings that already exist.
Grow and Preserve Food Sustainably
I get a CSA box to support local farms. At home, I compost food scraps and grow herbs and veggies in my garden. Preserving the harvest each year reduces winter waste:
- Freezing extra fruits and veggies preserves nutrients.
- Canning homemade jam, salsa, sauce, etc. reduces plastic grocery packaging.
- Dehydrating herbs and fruit eliminates the need for produce bags.
- Fermenting foods like pickles, kimchi, and kombucha cuts down on takeout.
Consume Less Water and Electricity
Saving resources is a triple win – it’s good for my wallet, the planet, and a simpler lifestyle. I conserve by:
- Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads.
- Washing clothes in cold water and hanging to dry when possible.
- Cooking efficiently in batches and using a pressure cooker.
- Opting for natural lighting and cooling instead of using electricity.
- Taking shorter showers and turning off water when brushing teeth.
Little changes add up to real resource and money savings over time.
The zero waste journey requires some effort at first. But new habits form, and it soon becomes second nature. A low-waste lifestyle benefits us all by keeping precious resources in circulation and reducing environmental harm.