8 Ways for a Trash-Free and Zero-Waste Lifestyle

Living a zero-waste lifestyle has quite a lot of getting used to. This is due to its details and aftermath. Plus, it’s high time our race participates in such a movement instead of being a part of it. Besides, if you’re wondering how is a zero-waste lifestyle possible without using natural resources, you’ve hopped onto the wrong bandwagon. Such a lifestyle does not mean you cannot live without all of the planet’s luxuries. Instead, it’s more about being attentive and conscious about options as a consumer.

Over time, you’ll be doing yourself a favor as you won’t make any unnecessary purchases. Consequently, you’ll be alleviating your ecological footprint. Moreover, you’re helping save the planet Earth by lessening the waste that will head to the landfill.

Most importantly,what is a zero-waste lifestyle?

A zero-waste lifestyle as one of the ideas is pivotal as overconsumption is the most significant cause of our climate change. We consume fashion, food, physical stuff, and finite resources without contemplating much about their impact on the planet.

• Over 140 billion clothing items are manufactured each year.
• Food waste accounts for nearly £500 per household spent each year.
• The beauty industry also produces 120 billion bits of plastic packaging.

It's pretty apparent that this isn't sustainable for the entire planet. So, thinking about what can be done and how much less we can use is one of the basic things to do as an individual. Speaking of which, an average person in the US is responsible for producing more than 9 tonnes of CO2 yearly. As a result, moving to a zero-waste lifestyle can bring that effect down. Furthermore, there are severalbenefits of a zero-waste lifestyle. This way, you can reduce your carbon footprint and follow your dream of living sustainably. 

This post will discuss how one can live a zero-waste and trash-free lifestyle.

1. Don’t Use Plastic Packaging

This has to be the first rule you must adopt to lead a zero-waste lifestyle. Based on studies byThe Guardian, more than a million plastic bottles are purchased worldwide every minute. Guess what’s more alarming than that? It will only increase the following year. You can help address the globe’s plastic problem by preventing single-plastic use. And, if you are thinking about how one person can make a difference? Well, it only starts with one, isn’t it?

Consider buying zip locks and Tupperware products to store leftover food. Moreover, you can even purchase cloth bags and large canvases. Remember, the choice is yours to make.

2. Eliminating Disposable Paper Products

Instead of utilizing napkins and paper towels, you could choose the most reusable cloth version. This way, you can save a significant amount of money. That’s because you won’t have to buy costly disposables anymore. Having said that, using paperless alternatives can save additional money on your monthly grocery budget. This also disallows you to return to the past throw-away mentality of yours. 

3. Avoid Using Toxic Styrofoam

If you did not know, Styrofoam is widely used as a food container when it comes to food servings. However, it isn’t a good idea. That’s because the product is toxic. You might opt for reusable, eco-smart containers instead. And, if you have to choose a disposal option, consider purchasing certified compostable plates, cups, bowls, and napkins. 

4. Minimize Food Waste

Did you know that in the United States, 40% of food tends to go directly to a trash can? To alleviate food waste, one should strategize their meal plans. Before throwing the meal out, review the leftovers to determine which items you require and what needs to be discarded, purchased, or cooked. You will be astonished that there are several things you can do to decrease the amount of food wasted. 

As a consequence, you can re-cook leftovers or even repurpose them into sauces and jams. As a matter of fact, with adequate meal planning, one could also minimize food waste and stretch food dollars.

5. Create Countertop Compost Bins

Even though you may equate things like toast, eggs, and coffee with your breakfast, do you realize that you can use or feed such things in your garden too? By performing your own DIY kitchen compost bins, it would be easier to reduce household waste and simultaneously offer the garden a nutritional boost. 

6. Try Vermicomposting

It usually occurs when wiggler, red worms get turned into reusable compost and organic matter. Setting up a clean and simple system is practical if you do not have sufficient space to organize an outdoor compost pile. 

7. Use a Multipurpose Cleaner

Here are a few seamless steps you can adhere to to make a multipurpose cleaner:

• The first step is mixing 0.5 cups of distilled vinegar (white) with a cup of water.
• Now, it’s time to place a minimum of 10-20 drops of lavender, lemon, tea, tea tree, or eucalyptus oil.
• In the end, shake it well.

8. Segregate Your Waste

Segregating waste is one of the ideal things you can do to preserve the environment around you. Even though it may come off as a chore or trivial, performing a straightforward task can affect preserving the environment.

How to have a zero-waste lifestyle?

There are several ways to have a zero-waste lifestyle. Most importantly, you want to lessen waste in every form, whether flyers come through the door or a few things go in the kitchen bin.

Speaking of which, here are some things to think about in creating a zero-waste lifestyle.

• First, perform a single-use plastic audit at home.
• Declutter the home room by room and donate unwanted things. You can even sell them secondhand. It’s entirely up to you.
• Commit to not purchasing anything new for a specific period.
• Pledge to buy homewares from ethical homewares names or purchase recycled or natural materials.
• Ditch disposables and try to replace them as and when with reusable versions.
• Consider swapping your cleaning products for refillable eco-friendly cleaning items.
• In the end, invest in organic bedding.