Greener Living 101: 5 Easy Zero Waste Tips You Need to Know
Every year, the United States produces almost 300 million tons of solid waste. That’s almost five pounds per person, per day.
As a result, our landfills are overflowing with non-biodegradable waste and our oceans are being clogged up with trash. Through the production of waste, we are slowly destroying our planet and its many life forms.
However, this is a problem we can resolve. If enough people start embracing zero waste tips and do their part to protect the earth, we can make a significant impact.
But where should you start?
Keep reading for the top five ways you can start living zero waste.
Stop Using Single-Use Plastics
One of the easiest zero waste tips you can incorporate is to stop using single-use plastics. These include things like:
- Plastic utensils and dishes
- Straws
- Plastic water bottles
- Shopping bags
- Plastic wrap
- Food packaging
- And more
Though these products are everywhere and incredibly convenient, they’re also terrible for the environment. Start finding ways to live life without single-use plastics.
Embrace a Circular Economy Concept
Following the same logic as cutting out single-use plastics for eco-friendly living, we should also embrace the circular economy concept. Think of it as recycling on a massive scale.
Instead of a linear consumption pattern (buy-use-dispose), a circular economy concept repurposes as much material as possible. In this concept, everyone from the consumer to the manufacturer is involved.
Check out iugis.com for more information.
Stop Eating at Restaurants That Use Single-Use Products
When you’re out and about and want to grab a bite to eat, think twice about the restaurant you’re supporting. Do they use single-use plastics like straws?
Is it a fast-food chain that uses nothing but single-use products?
Try to implement zero waste tips, even when you’re not directly responsible.
Recycle What You Don’t Need
Most of us have way more stuff than we need. Naturally, there comes a time when we must declutter our homes and purge ourselves of unnecessary possessions.
However, instead of throwing stuff away, find a way to recycle it.
Sell valuable stuff online or host a garage sale. Alternatively, donate your old possessions to a shelter, Goodwill store, or any other organization that could benefit from your unwanted items.
Repurpose When You Can
Finally, living with less waste means learning how to save and repurpose things around your home, rather than throwing them out. For example, if you’re redoing your deck, don’t send the old materials to the dump. Instead, hold onto them for a project down the road.
Otherwise, you can post it online and give it away to people who can use it for their own projects. You don’t need to turn into a hoarder, but try not to be cavalier about throwing things out.
Looking for More Zero Waste Tips and Other Lifestyle Advice?
As you can see, there’s a lot you can do to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The best news is, these zero waste tips are just the tip of the iceberg.
For more lifestyle advice and green living tips, check out some of our other articles while you’re here. Our blog was created to be a hub of information for people like you.
