It’s pretty clear that we humans have created a global waste problem. We are producing around 2 billion tonnes of waste globally per year. Yeah, you heard that right.
In an attempt to keep our oceans clean and cut down on waste in landfills, some people are intentionally moving towards a zero-waste lifestyle. But...how?
Here are answers to 5 pressing questions you probably have about zero waste living.
1. What is Zero Waste?
Zero waste is exactly what it sounds like. You simply stop buying things that are considered waste that can be thrown into a trash bin and dragged to the nearest landfill.
Although it is simple in theory, it’s an entire lifestyle shift. It means radically changing your mindset and consumerist habits to prioritize the environment. That means cutting out plastic, aluminum, styrofoam, or anything that is “waste” and only buying new items in your home that can be reused instead.
That said, it is completely doable, and we should all probably be moving in this direction with some haste.
2. Is it Different from Recycling?
Yes. Zero waste is different than recycling because recycling still depends on the production and consumerist cycle. Not to say recycling is bad; it is a better alternative to throwing everything into the bin.
But in order to recycle, you still have to purchase new items that then get processed in recycling facilities. Unfortunately, this process uses immense amounts of water and other natural resources to create new products.
A zero-waste lifestyle means you don’t buy the new thing to recycle later. Instead, you switch to using things like glass containers and refilling them instead of buying new plastic ones. Or you start using cloth napkins as opposed to using paper towels.
It also means you separate organic waste, and compost it instead of throwing it in the waste bin.
3. How Can I Start?
Think about everything in your trash can. How can you make it so this trash bin stays empty at the end of each day?
- Start composting
- Buy things like kitchen utensils made of wood, steel, or glass containers and reuse them
- Take containers with you everywhere
- Switch to reusable things you can wash or clean and keep
4. How Do I Shop?
You can bring your own tote bags or reusable produce bags to replace plastic bags. Try to shop in bulk sections and bring your own reusable containers. Natural food stores usually let you weigh your container and then fill it with any items like grains, oats,
5. What About When I Go Out?
Probably the hardest thing after starting your zero-waste lifestyle at home is continuing it when you go out. Establishments like restaurants tend to always dish out products that are considered waste.
So, think about it before you go out. You can probably anticipate what you’ll need!
For example, if you go out to get coffee, invest in a to-go coffee mug and bring it. Bring your own reusable water bottle so you don’t end up buying a plastic one. Or if you go out to eat, bring a reusable container.
So, Don’t Waste Time!
Get all the essentials you need to start moving towards a zero-waste lifestyle today. Maybe you’ll inspire others to do the same, and we can all collectively reduce our environmental footprint and take care of our planet.