The lifestyle that we have adapts to the world that we are currently living in and it requires us to use more resources that can either help or damage our environment. It is also not new that one of humanity’s biggest dilemma is environmental pollution and some governments are doing their best to ban single-use plastic to make our world a “greener” place.
This is only one of the reasons why some people resort to a zero-waste lifestyle and essentially, its main goal is to reduce the wastes that are sent to landfills, reduce the consumption of single-use plastic and reuse as much as we can. Even though there is a reality that we don’t live in a zero-waste world and sending almost no waste to landfills is nearly impossible, shifting to a zero-waste lifestyle is still possible and it requires a great amount of time and effort because it doesn’t happen overnight.
Every small step can have a great impact and you can actually start with the little things to make a difference. Here are some helpful tips if you want to jumpstart into a zero-waste lifestyle.
Use reusable products on a daily basis
This is probably the easiest and the most affordable way if you want to change your lifestyle becauseyou can start this by using a metallic straw, carrying your own reusable water bottles, and even bringing reusable bags during your grocery shopping. Aside from you can save money from these, it can also help lessen the plastic that you consume.
Ditch disposable paper products
Instead of investing to paper towels and napkins, you can try switching to reusable cloth products such as handkerchief. Aside from being less costly, you can use handkerchiefs for a lot of times and that makes it a good alternative.
Transform your kitchen to a zero-waste one
Your kitchen is one of the places that produce a large amount of single-use products because of your groceries. So, you can start by buying more bulk products or the largest size possible rather than single-serving goods that uses more plastic packaging. If you buy in bulk, you can divide them using tin cans or jars that are available in your home and at the same time, you are slowly reducing the waste that you produce.
Minimize your leftovers
Almost 1.3 billion tons of food waste can be found in landfills all over the world every year and the foods that are wasted gives strain to the environment because of the space it takes. You can plan your meals ahead and repurpose some food scraps that are still edible to reduce the food waste that your home produces every day.
Support your local farmers
Buying locally grown foods are fresher and more sustainable because there’s little to no usage of chemical fertilizers that is good for you and for the environment. Local farmers also tend to use less packaging because they often put it in egg cartons or carts that makes their goods more environmental-friendly. It is not only about protecting the environment but you are also saving money and supporting the local produce of our farmers.
Try Composting
It is not new that composting can be of big help for the environment but that’s because this is indeed beneficial. This can be achieved in the comfort of your home by recycling and turning your kitchen scraps into fertilizers that can help in reducing landfill waste.
Separate your waste
The most basic rule will be separating your waste in trash bins and divide them properly if they are a biodegradable, non-biodegradable, or a recyclable. Proper waste management can make your homes a safer place without harming the environment.
The three R’s! Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!