Zero-waste is a philosophy together with practical tools to eliminate waste. It is crucial for the planet and us, people, to take care of enormous amounts of waste we produce daily. Here are some tips for reducing the waste in your home.
There is never only one alternative for conventional product. Zero-waste lifestyle is a journey and you can find many options- just need to choose the one, which fits you the best. These easy steps to almost zero-waste home will help you in the beginning. If you decide to continue further with this lifestyle or not- it´s up to you. Even small steps count.
Personal needs
Photo by jackmac34 via Pixabay
- Replace tissues with handkerchief
- Get some reusable water bottle (the best ones are glass or stainless options)
- Replace plastic bags in supermarket with cloth bags.
- Buy lonely bananas in shops
- Get a library card
- Arm yourself with reusable jars, produce bags and bottles
- Use soda bicarbonate as antiperspirant
- Buy bulk shampoos and conditioners or try natural shampoo bars, which can be bought without plastic
- Buy solid soaps for body and face …and hands as well
- Make you own homemade toothpaste/ tooth powder from baking soda and coconut oil
- Substitute dry shampoo for cornstarch (if your hair is darker, add cocoa powder)
- Reduce your consmetics and try to use kitchen alternatives for your make up (homemade balm or mascara from almonds, cocoa powder as bronzer…..)
- For women: Invest in menstrual cup or reusable liners
Clothes: Quality over quantity
Photo by coachmetpassie via Pixabay
- Try minimalistic wardrobe
- Avoid spontaneous shopping, buy only what you really need and what 100% fits you
- Replace quantity by quality. Even though it is more expensive, it will last longer
- Shop second-hand
- Bring reusable bag also for clothes shopping
- Repair as much clothes as possible
- Find new uses for your old clothes
- Donate used items
- Rent your formal wear
Zero-waste kitchen
Photo by www.homejobsbymom.com via Flickr
- Replace sponges by compostable brushes and rags
- Replace paper towels by cloth ones
- Get rid off aluminum foils, poly bags and replace them by beeswax wraps
- Shop at farmer´s market, buy local food
- Avoid palm oil
- Make meal plans to avoid food waste
- Buy in bulk, use reusable jars and produce bags while shopping
- Drink tap water – you really do not need to buy one in plastic from the shop
- Compost (you can find also stylish composters online to your kitchen)
- Recycle, recycle, recycle
- Make vegetable broth from vegetable peels
- Open the oven after baking: it will warm the house and cool the oven
Bathroom and cleaning
Photo by Anna Gregory via Flickr
- Use 100% recycled toilet paper
- Replace toothbrush by bamboo alternative
- Turn off the water, while you are brushing your teeth
- Alternate cleaning products by homemade cleaners from baking soda, vinegar, lemon…
- Use wooden brushes, metal scourers, rags or old toothbrushes as cleaning tools
- Use worn-out clothes as rags
- Use white vinegar as a rising aid in dishwasher
- Use vinegar with few drops of essential oils as softener to washing machine
- Wash the clothes in cold water, if possible
- Iron less
Office can be zero-waste as well
Photo by Sqaure Space via Pixabay
- Avoid junk mail
- Sign up for electronical bills
- Refuse free pens and promotional material
- Reuse single side printed paper
- Recycle in the office
- Reuse paper clips
- Use library to read business magazines
- Don´t buy newspaper, read online
Gardening with no waste
Photo by Goyojona via Wikimedia
- Make a room for compost
- Use rain water and gray water catchers
- Donate plants that you do not want anymore
- Return plastic containers to the nursery
- Fertilize your potted lemon trees with urine 2-3 times a year
- Try organic insecticide
- Study more about permaculture garden
