From kindergarten to adulthood, we all have learned that plastic is our foe and a nemesis to our environment. However, we have made it our best friend. If you need proof, look around your house and count things made out of plastic. I bet there is plenty.
But you are not alone. The few reasons we have refused to let go of plastic is because it’s cheaper and convenient to use. But isn’t it hassling for our environment and our health? Not only does it takes millions of years to decompose, but it also produces harmful toxins when burnt – Believe it or not, we as a species are on death row if we don’t change our ways at the earliest.
Our environment has been nothing but kind to us. We owe it that much to protect it. We cannot be selfish anymore, especially if we want our children and our children’s children to enjoy Earth.
Therefore, if you seem to agree, consider switching to a zero-waste lifestyle. It will not only save the environment but will also improve your way of life.
10 things for a zero-waste lifestyle
1. Use everything reusable
Our environment will be blessed if you just start with the kitchen. It includes boycotting tissue papers and
Having said that, switch to cloth napkins and steel/ glass utensils; you might not be exactly pleased washing the dishes, but it would be worth it if it does wonders for the environment. And if you have kids, this is a great opportunity to teach them how to wash dishes! Add it to their chore list and you are free from having to do dishes!
2. Be minimalist
The fewer things you own, the fewer things you will throw away, which ultimately means less burden on the environment. Hence, don’t live by the materialistic approach; on the contrary, become a minimalist. If you buy something, don’t buy extra. Likewise, don’t buy anything you wouldn’t need.
If you need help getting started in Minimalism, I have a whole category on it! Click the Minimalism category
3. Switch to glass bottles and glass jars
As I said before, it starts with the kitchen. Ditch the old plastic jars and plastic bottles today. Instead, go for more sustainable alternatives – the glass ones.
4. Make compost at home
Love to plant and maintain your own garden? Well, I’ve got good news for you. You can use your food waste to compost. Composting can help you convert food waste into fertilizers that will be a god-sent for your
Although I do understand that it might seem gross to you initially if you do it organically – but bear with it, focus on the result and benefits. However, you might spare yourself the trouble if you have composting communities or authorities near you.
5. Avoid leftovers, always make and consume as much as you can take
The goal is to reduce wastage, and let’s be honest for a moment – most of our wastage results from food. We waste too much food. So, stop that. Only eat what you can, and in the quantity, you can. The same goes for cooking – only cook that much which you can consume.
Additionally, if you have leftovers, make it a goal to finish them first, before cooking/buying something else.
The same goes for eating out or delivery — only order what you can eat and don’t bring the rest home. If you must, ask the restaurant if they have a plastic alternative you can use.
6. Don’t come back home with plastic bags
From grocery shopping to clothes shopping, we come back home with tons of plastic bags. No surprise as to why most of our homes are filled with it. It’s high time to boycott that.
If your local supermarket stores don’t understand that, be the bigger person. Take your own cloth bags or vegetable trolley, but whatever you do, don’t come back home with plastic bags. You can find some really cute ones on Etsy or from local makers, like some of the ones at Made with Love Market.
The same goes for plastic bottles, always keep a glass/copper one in your car. Refill it but don’t buy the
7. Always recycle
Recycling things might not be easy, but thanks to the growing environmental awareness, you can find various bodies that provide recycling services. From paper to tech accessories, you can recycle most of the products you buy that are not made of plastic.
Be sure to check with your local recycling company through the town or city as they may provide you with an extra bin for recycling free of charge.
8. Buy from local suppliers
Wondering how? Well, in a nutshell, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint if you choose local suppliers over commercial ones. Look for your local farmers markets and buy from them. There have to be local beekeepers and local gardeners which you can purchase your products instead of going to the big box stores. It helps support the local economy as well as helps you reduce some of the local allergies you might have. If you don’t have a local farmers market, consider growing your own veggies and fruits like we are doing with our AeroGarden.
9. Go digital
Gadgets have made lives easier. Surprisingly, they have made things easier for the environment as well – at least when we are talking about reduced dependence on paper. Thus, take advantage of digitization to save the trees. Switch to E-newspapers, don’t go for paper bills, and invest in a kindle/iPad to read documents and books digitally. Doing so helps reduce the clutter in your home as well, which is a win for you and your family!
Well, that will do to get you started. Remember, the key is not perfection, but consistency. Don’t make changes for a while and be done with them – instead, make them a part of your lifestyle. Live with them. At the same time, don’t depend on others. If they are not smart enough to help the environment, that’s their loss – You do your job!
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