Plastic is becoming a huge and life-threatening issue in today’s world. It is dangerous for both our society and the environment. As consumers, we have a responsibility to limit our consumption of plastic even reducing the use of it by opting for eco-friendly products. The zero-waste movement is something we can all adopt in order to make a change in the world. It all starts in our homes.
What is the zero-waste movement?
It is a philosophy which has been created in order to encourage waste cycling which supports a goal of zero waste which means our lands, incinerators, and oceans have to be waste free. This philosophy is applicable for consumers as well as manufacturing, packaging and more. So far, the aim of the Zero Waste Movement is to reduce the creation of waste.
Can you be Zero Waste?
If big companies and the government can go zero waste, well you as a consumer should be easier to do so. In our use once and throw away life, it is a challenge to do so. Are you ready?
It is difficult for sure, but not impossible. Some families do find a way to do so and they are pretty good. The point is that you should not be discouraged if you are not fully zero-waste. No matter what every little initiative counts.
Benefits of a zero-waste lifestyle
One of the obvious benefits of going zero waste is that it reduces waste. However, there are many other benefits in addition to helping the environment.
• Saves money When you decide to go zero waste, you become more aware of what comes into your home and life. You will find yourself thinking twice before investing in something especially those which will turn into waste or comes with a lot of packaging. Using your resources wisely only means that you are not wasting them.
• Saves time Reducing the number of things that come in your home can help to lessen the amount of time that you take to clean it up. Being zero waste makes you make fewer trips to the store and think well before purchasing something.
• Promotes healthy eating Junk food is more likely to come in a single serving package than real food. Avoiding those packaging also helps you to eat clean. Foods that can be bought in bulk are usually whole foods which are much healthier and less expensive as well.
Baby Steps to a Zero-Waste Home
Zero-waste living can seem overwhelming but all you need is some good planning. Even some small changes, can make a huge difference.
Start slowly :
Simply jumping into a zero-waste lifestyle will only cause frustration. Like everything that we plan to initiate, it is important that you take one small step at a time.
- Cook at home
Cooking at home is one of the best ways of reducing waste. Packaged food or take-outs come with all their packaging and results in a lot of packaging waste. Making your own meal saves you from all the unnecessary packaging. Plus it is also a healthy habit.
- Drink more water
Doctors are tired of repeating that people should be drinking more water. Drinking water from home can help to reduce waste. Instead of investing in a plastic bottle every day it would be more in your advantage that you get yourself a water filter and bring your own water bottle when you go out.
- Conduct a trash audit
You can start by looking through your household trash and taking a mental note of what is showing up the most in your trash. This can give you some ideas on where to start reducing your waste.
- Getting rid of junk mail
Junk mail is not only a pile of paper, ink, bills, it is also a huge waste of time when you have to get them recycled. If you are signed up to some magazines or something, and you feel like they are useless, you might want to call the company ask them to get you off the list.
- Shop Secondhand
Another of reducing waste is to buy second-hand things which are still in good conditions of course from the store whenever you get a good deal. Those ways you reduce the amount of packaging that comes with new stuff. You can also browse through online second-hand stores.
- Switch to zero-waste feminine care
Attention ladies! You can go zero waste by opting for cloth pads and menstrual cups instead of conventional pads and tampons. Conventional pads or tampons are loaded with chemicals and pesticides that can easily build up with monthly use. Menstrual cups can save you a lot of money and keep you healthy as well.
Baby steps matters! One small action can bring big contributions.
