How To Adopt A Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Practical Steps To Start Reducing Waste Around The House
In our attempt to live a more sustainable life, big strides are often made in the recycling department. While recycling is a great first step, it is just a small part of a larger picture. The real change comes when you consciously change the way you live and learn to make your home less wasteful. An important way to do this is by creating a “zero waste” home. By “zero waste”, it denotes a situation where we strive to produce less waste and are conscious to take steps toward that goal. Some of the things you can do to effectively cut down the waste including; recycled, repurposed, or reused. This is a win for the environment and for your bank account, since waste reduction means less money spent on garbage. However, going zero waste isn’t easy. It involves changing habits and behaviors that have been embedded in us for decades. Not sure where to start? There is no one size fits all solution, but here are some easy steps to help you get going on your waste-reduction journey.
KEEP 5Rs PRINCIPLES IN MIND
The founder of the zero-waste movement, Bea Johnson, once came up with five basic principles as a foundation to start living eco-friendlier. These rules need to be adopted to ease attempts at recycling and waste management. Start with Refuse, then followed by Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and lastly Rod.
1)Refuse to buy or to accept the things that you don’t need
2)Reduce the things that you want to buy or store by sticking to a shopping list and regularly decluttering your possession then consider donating if they are still in good condition.
3)Reuse your old possession or secondhand item. Extend the lifespan of used goods by modifying or repairing instead of throwing away. Reuse can also be interpreted as using a reusable item as a replacement for disposable ones (ex: bring your own reusable tote bag instead of using plastic bag for groceries).
4)Recycle the things that you cannot process with refuse, reduce, or reuse. Consider this method as the last resort, as it still needs some energy and resources to get the items recycled.
5)Rot or composting your organic waste such as food scraps, kitchen trash, wooden cutlery, etc back to mother earth.
USE MENSTRUAL CUPS
Menstrual cups are alternatives to tampons and sanitary napkins. This feminine care product collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. Made of the highest quality medical grade silicone, the material is considered to be soft, flexible and very comfortable to wear. It’s safe, easy to use, and easy to clean. The menstrual cup is considered as a reusable item as it can last several years if cleaned and cared for properly. (Recommended high quality menstrual cup set: Lazy Monk Menstrual Cups Set.
ALWAYS BRING REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
We all know that plastic has negative effects on the environment. It takes a long time to break down and can be harmful if it ends up in the ocean. Thus it is better to carry our own water than to buy plastic bottled water. Using a reusable water bottle is a great way to reduce waste and save some money especially on the go. You can refill it at water fountains, cafes, or even at home. Definitely a much eco-friendlier option to stay hydrated!
CANCEL UNNECESSARY MAIL AND CHOOSE PAPERLESS BILLING
Take your time to cancel unnecessary mail subscriptions to prevent your mailbox from being loaded with countless unwanted paper-based documents. Keep the digital trend going by switching your account statement billing into electronic. Another important tip is to reuse single-side printed paper for printing before recycling it.
USE SKIP BINS FOR HOME CLEANUPS
When performing a house clean-up quite often it can feel overwhelming with things just piling up. That’s where a skip bin can be handy – you just throw your unwanted rubbish into the skip and let the skip provider sought the waste for you. Bear in mind they mainly have 5 category waste types – green, soil, general, mixed and concrete. If you order through Skip Bin Finder Aus – their friendly staff will help answer any of your waste questions, plus give you a great price on a skip bin.
