Achievable Steps Towards Zero-Waste Lifestyle

We are living a non-sustainable lifestyle. We like buying and throwing to be always on trends and find convenience in using disposable items. Even though we are aware of the negative effects of the increasing waste in the environment, we continue to produce more trash every day.

Feeling guilty for dropping a piece of garbage in the bin won’t save the environment. We have to take actions to make a change and this has to start in our own household. Where we have control. Here are simple steps you can do towards zero-waste lifestyle.

The easiest way to begin your zero-waste journey is by avoiding single-use items. Such as: drinking straws, plastic bottles, disposable cutlery, paper plates, and cellophane. They are the most common trash materials we see in landfill, streets, and even in ocean. So, getting rid of them can have a significant positive impact in the environment. Fortunately, they are easy to remove from our daily lives as there are reusable alternatives for almost all single-use items.

Get rid of disposable items by replacing them with their reusable counterparts to reduce waste. You can start by removing just one item at a time to allow yourself to adjust and make the transition easy. Then progress to stop using another item when you are ready. You’ll gradually improve over time and may be surprised by how far you can go in this journey. You may find yourself discovering new things of your own to reduce more waste. For instance, bringing washable bags and jars when doing grocery to avoid unnecessary trash from food packaging.

Another way to reduce waste is by growing your own food. The majority of trash we bring home from grocery and farmers’ market are from fruits and vegetables packaging. The more edible plants you grow, the lesser trash you produce. Plus, gardening helps you compost biodegradable waste so you don’t have to throw them in the bin.

Valuing your belongings is also helpful in minimizing garbage. This is because buying is one of the main reasons of our increasing solid waste. It’s better to expand the usage of every object that you possess instead of replacing them just because there is a new model. You can repurpose some of your things to stretch their life span. For instance, turn old T-Shirts into reusable grocery bags or ripped towels into rugs. If you have excess belongings, choose donating rather than throwing. There are many people who can make use of what you consider trash.

Preventing garbage from coming into your household is the best step you can take to significantly reduce your trash. So, plan to avoid produce packaging and throwing biodegradables. Refrain from using single-use items especially those that are made from plastics as they do not decompose. Bring your own bags and containers and pick unpacked products when doing grocery so you don’t have to deal with the wrappers. Value your belongings and expand their life spans. And choose to donate rather than throw.  

Every trash you avoid creating is one small step to reducing waste and saving the environment. Challenge yourself with these simple actions towards zero-waste and you’ll be amazed by the benefits they bring. Aside from protecting the Earth, the lifestyle promotes healthy eating, financial saving, and better decision making.