Embracing a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

It’s no secret that landfills are reaching capacity, with some earmarked to reach these levels over the next decade. The current reality is there’s no quick solution to the problem. Manufacturers continue to produce goods in disposable packaging that doesn’t break down quickly, and not all areas have recycling facilities, so that means even more waste goes to the landfills. To combat this, many people have taken to embracing the zero-waste lifestyle. But, what is it?

Zero-Waste Defined

A zero-waste lifestyle is one that sees no waste going to the trash and therefore, the landfills. Rather, consumers buy products that break down easily, often in their own backyards, rather than in a plastic bag in a trash can, or with reusable containers that serve more than one purpose. For instance, instead of buying toothpaste in a plastic tube, some companies promote sustainability by packaging it in round glass jars that can then double as storage containers for small trinkets or household supplies. Another way is rather than tossing food in the trash, it goes in a compost heap and the same goes for biodegradable packaging. 

Let’s take a look at some ways you can implement the zero-waste lifestyle at home, even if you start out small. 

Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the areas where we have a lot of waste. Just think of the plastic bottles your shampoo and conditioner come in, your soap, razors and other products that when disposed of, take up a lot of room. You might not think a trash bag or recycling container full of waste is a big impact, but multiply that by how many you take out per week and then consider that your neighbors do the same. 

Fortunately, there are ways to introduce sustainability and zero-waste techniques in the bathroom. For example, rather than regular brands, consider bamboo toilet paper. This type cuts back on deforestation, as bamboo is sustainable in its own right. It grows back quickly without the need to replant. Plus, you can set up a bamboo toilet paper subscription and never worry about running out. 

Kitchen

The kitchen is known as the heart of the home, but it’s also probably the one area that generates the most waste. The first thing you can do is try to eliminate as much food waste as you can. Rather than throw coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable cores in the garbage, focus on creating a compost heap out in your yard. They’re easy to start, but not everything can go in it. Foods such as dairy, meat and bread tend to rot and attract pests. Compost heaps do require a bit of care but are generally easy to maintain and you’ll be amazed at how much waste you eliminate by going this route. 

Also in the kitchen, ditch the plastic utensils and scrubbing brushes in favor of bamboo. While they may be porous, they’re affordable and easy to dispose of when you need to replace them. Other items to consider are beeswax wraps and mesh produce bags, as well as bamboo paper towels and straws which are much better for the environment. 

Throughout the rest of your home, you can add touches here and there as time and budget allow. You can even buy smaller packages for traveling, which you can use over and over again, further reducing your carbon footprint on this planet. 

Starting a zero-waste lifestyle may seem more expensive in the beginning, but it’s more sustainable in the long run. Getting started is simple if you know where to start. By eliminating just a bit of waste each month, you’ll have a greater impact on Mother Earth and perhaps, inspire others to do the same.