Low Waste - 10 Tips on how to get started
You might ask yourself where do I start? That’s a great question, but not an easy one to answer. Or maybe it’s super simple to answer. You can start wherever you would like. And here are a few ideas I used. Pick one or a few, make it work with your lifestyle. We are all in different places and not everything is always possible. Be thankful and proud of all the small steps you are able to take. Inspiration is all it takes to make a change in your life.
Use what you have
Yes, it’s that easy. One of the best ideas is to use what you have before you jump into purching anything else. Oftentimes we already have what we need at home. Conditioner bottles, soap containers, pasta we purchased and should have used a while back. It might not be our favorite, but it will do. And it’s much better for us to use it then for it to go to waste.
Make your own
Ripped shirts can get turned into cloth napkins, rags, or washcloth. Make your own eye makeup remover from witch hazel and oil, and bake your own bread or pastries. It really is often easier than we think, and most items can be made while listening to music, chatting with our loved ones, or watching that show we meant to catch up on.
Find local bulk or low waste stores
Many places offer bulk products, such as oats, rice, and beans. Some specialty low waste stores also offer laundry detergents and shampoo in recycled glass containers. Or you can often bring your own containers as well. The pandemic changed a few store policies when bringing your own containers, so just ask around when you are at the store or give them a call first.
Find online bulk delivery services
There are many great companies out there offering low waste products. Many made from cleaner ingredients, wrapped in paper or even sometimes in buckets you can get refilled. Ordering the largest bag or container of an item is a low waste as you can often get.
Locate loose produce
Find farmers markets, grocery stores, or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares to purchase produce without plastic wrapping. Bring a bag or basket from home and load your items up. Many stores will deduct the weight of your bag when you buy mushrooms or apples in large quantities, just ask them if they can weigh it when you arrive and mark the weight on the bag for you. It’s really a store specific procedure, but some bags are so light, they don’t add anything to your total.
Watch your waste
Many items can get composted, either in your home or by using a local service. Some items should not go into your regular cans. Check with your local waste removal service and see if they accept batteries, appliances, electronics, or cooking oil. It’s an easy way to reduce the amount that simply ends up in our landfill.
Try reusable coffee and tea filters
Removing all of the individual filters (most have plastic in them) can help when it comes to those daily drinks. Grinding your own coffee beans and using a brewing system without single use cups can add a lot of fun to your daily ritual.
Reduce your new clothes purchases
Donate your used clothes and purchase new clothes from local or online thrift stores. There are so many options out there these days to reduce your brand-new purchases or even to replace them altogether.
Look for items wrapped in or made out of compostable material
Bamboo, wood, or paper are all great options. Be careful though when it comes to items that are only compostable in a commercial facility. They will not compost in a local pickup service or in your yard and sadly not many cities or towns offer commercial facilities just yet. Side note: It is a personal choice or debatable choice to buy these items if needed instead of the plastic alternative that will never leave return to soil.
Eat out low waste
Eat at restaurants that offer plates and silverware, rather than quick foods wrapped in plastic or Styrofoam. It’s a little more expensive, but maybe going once a week, rather than daily could be managed.
BONUS
Grow your own fruits and vegetables, or even protein. There’s a lot that can be done and added to your meals with this option. This requires a bit of planning, dirt, and more, but it is a viable option for some of us.
