Embracing a Zero-waste Lifestyle

While we need to be realistic about the fact that living without waste in a society that adores consumption is hard, we can do several things fairly easily that will go a long way toward waste reduction…

Avoid disposable, single-use items such as plastic shopping bags, plastic straws, water bottles, and cleaning supplies. Instead, look to products such as reusable eating utensils and straws you can carry every day, hydro flasks (which keep your water colder anyway!), and cloth shopping bags. Better still, choose a shopping bag made from recycled materials.

Shopping thoughtfully can make you a waste-reduction champion. A study conducted back in 2015 already revealed that 42% of the non-fibre plastic produced was for packaging. And in the same year, 54% of the plastics tossed away - into landfills and the natural environment - were packaging. To make matters even worse, those hard, sealed plastic wrappers are so hard to open! Saying no to them saves you the hassle and keeps that waste out of the environment.

• Choosing reusable products like glass jars avoids plastic altogether. You can reuse glass hundreds or thousands of times, and it can also be repurposed to make hip flower vases or other home décor.
• How many of us even remember when shoes and watches were repaired instead of thrown away? (Kudos if you’re donating). But buying higher-quality products and repairing them when needed extends their life. Keeping things for longer means less goes to the landfill.
• Recycling is one of the easiest ways to keep waste from building up because many communities provide bins for this purpose, including green waste bins. Be sure that you’re following the regulations in your area for recycling. For example, you must take off removable plastic packaging items like coffee creamer bottles, or facilities will not recycle them.
• Composting is a great option for those with space, as up to 40% of all food ends up in landfills. The problem with food waste in landfills is the methane gas it emits, which contributes to GHG emissions. Many communities are now adopting food recovery policies, so check with your local officials to see how you can participate.
• Another way to shop mindfully is to choose products made from sustainable materials or to use sustainable methods. As more and more people prioritise the environment in the way they live, many companies now promote the sustainable materials or methods they use, making it easier to find them. Some tips include:
• Use engineered floors instead of traditional hardwood because they are grown faster and last longer. Hempwood goes from seed to floor within 150 days — even quicker than bamboo.
• Consider a rainwater capture system for your sustainable home. 
• Check out the EAT-Lancet Commission’s recommendations for sustainable diets and food production methods.
• When it comes to sustainability, it’s quality over quantity. Cheaply made clothes, shoes, and household products wear out quickly and end up in landfills.
• Keep yourself well informed! Since you’re reading this article, you’re a person who cares, so keep up the good work and stay on top of new sustainability practices and technologies.