Develop waste-reduction practices

When it comes to establishing and sustaining low-waste behaviors, we are all works in progress. And one of the most important aspects of leading a more sustainable lifestyle is the ability to regularly reevaluate your decisions. Every choice has an effect, no matter how small (like choosing not to use single-use plastics) or how big (like voting). A low-waste lifestyle must be taken into account from all perspectives; in addition to reducing waste, we may reuse what we already have, shop secondhand, and be mindful of our water and energy usage. No matter where you live or what stage of life you're in, here are some tips to help you up your low-waste game.

For Students

(1) A reusable kit is more comprehensive than a reusable cup. Consider purchasing a reusable coffee cup, straw, cloth serviette, set of cutlery and supermarket tote bag while you fill your reusable water bottle at the campus water fountains.

(2) Use notebooks, calendars, and textbooks that are environmentally friendly. Buy used or digital books if possible. (these sites are best for buying used textbooks). Use computerized note-taking or purchase recycled paper notebooks. Sell your secondhand books. Instead of purchasing textbooks, think about using the university library for note-taking and studying.

(3) Prepare meals together as a household. Cooking one dinner every night instead of three or four when schedules allow saves energy and lessens waste from takeaway.

(4) Lead by example. Living responsibly can have an impact on friends and housemates.

Source: Quinte Waste Solutions (2022)

For city-dwellers

(1) There are numerous transit choices for city residents. Consider biking or walking to work, restaurants, and shops. Use the bus or tube in inclement weather instead than Uber or your automobile. Make use of car-sharing services like Zipcar or Turo if you require a vehicle for a brief trip.

(2) Purchase from a zero-waste retailer in your area. Cities are more likely to have zero-waste stores where you can buy things like tissues, coffee filters, cleaning supplies, wooden and reusable tools, hair and body treatments, and more. Additionally, zero-waste grocery stores sell dried beans, grains, nuts, and coffee in empty jars. A wonderful resource that identifies zero-waste stores by state is Litterless.

(3) Your city might provide trash and food waste pickup at the curb. If not, take into account the reasonably priced monthly local food waste pickup services. Keep a little food waste bin in your kitchen; you'll be surprised at how much can be composted and avoided going to the landfill. The benefits of countertop composters are also available to urbanites!

Source: Creative Bloq (2022)

For those in rural areas

(1) Because there are fewer in-person purchasing options and more driving, waste reduction is more difficult in rural areas. Even though online shopping is often necessary, try to buy groceries, toiletries, and home supplies in quantity.

(2) Compost if you have a yard! Check read our article on how to get your own composting system going. If you don't garden, your compost might be used by farms or your neighbors.

(3) Develop a garden of food! Eating vegetables that you've grown yourself saves on water waste, pesticide use, food packaging, and transportation emissions.

(4) Discover the recyclables in your community. Some municipalities in rural areas are unable to recycle glass or #5 plastics, thus they reuse non-recyclable goods.

Source: Rural Sprout (2021)

For parents

(1) Buy secondhand clothing from friends, family, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and buy-nothing groups since babies grow quickly.

(2) Clothes age almost as quickly out of toys. Toys can be shared with friends and family by finding local toy libraries.

(3) Use old diapers. It's frightening, but there's no denying that it works to cut waste. For some ideas, go to this Parents' modern cloth diaper handbook.

Source: Savvy in Somerset (2022)

In general, individuals should keep in mind some tips to help them lowering waste in daily life. For example, to help you be more careful of your waste, use a little trash can; make your own kitchen essentials. You may also make a variety of foods at home, including pickles, salad dressing, yogurt, veggie or chicken stock, bread, non-dairy milks, broccoli sprouts, microgreens, tortillas, and pasta. Besides, you could make time to spend each week in the kitchen if you have the interest and the time; check out Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist for household items. It's a great method to recycle while also receiving fantastic deals like free furniture. Moreover, in daily meal, you can consider eating less wasted food! Store fresh ingredients and prepared foods in different refrigerator sections to prevent wasting older food; keep packing supplies like bubble wrap, tiny boxes, and bags. These frequently come in helpful and help you avoid spending money on packing supplies.