Simple Steps Towards a Zero Waste Lifestyle

 

Zero waste is a personal mission in generating the least amount of waste possible. Just by taking a look at our personal life’s we can all think of one habit that creates a lot of garbage. To break it down, let’s look at our shopping behaviors.

When we go to the store we really don’t notice how many plastic bags we use to transport our goods, it is the last thing on our minds. I don’t know how many people bother to reuse their plastic bags, but my family always has. It has now become a ordinary habit to stuff all the stray plastic bags in one of our kitchen cabinets.

I then began questioning other small habits, already part of my daily life, which would enable me to further my pursuit in a zero waste lifestyle. The first thing I noticed was

1.USAGE OF GLASS

To insert my own personal opinion, I have always experienced certain sense of ‘luxury’ by drinking out of a pristine glass cup. Just the way it reflected in the morning sunlight that streamed through the kitchen window, casting an iridescent shadow over the wooden table, made the process of drinking my orange juice so much more special. In comparison to my faded plastic cup, I began to instinctively reach for my glass kitchenware. This ‘luxury’ was not even expensive to acquire. By simply going to a dollar store, I found $1 glass cups, quaint mason jars and elegant glass plates. Investing my money in these glass products not only gave my family’s kitchen a great aesthetically pleasing look, but it gave me a sense of pride in knowing that these purchases had prevented the consumption and/or use of paper and plastic products.

Did you know that plastic bags can be recycled via supermarket carrier bag recycling bins? Look for them when you are out shopping!

Warning: Don’t place plastic bags in your home recycling bins! Read why here: http://recyclingweek.planetark.org/recycling-info/plasticbags.cfm

Since there was a higher likelihood that I was going to grab my glass products as opposed to those made from plastic, I created a long-term commitment that would not have been found in cups/plates made from plastic or paper. Simply washing my glass cups and plates prevented the temptation of using disposable items. This accidental recycling habit has for sure prevented tons of garbage bags going to landfills.

2. USAGE OF RECYCLABLE WATER BOTTLES
Ever since high school I have noticed my peers use A LOT of disposable water bottles. It was almost comical the way they deemed it an essential part of their identity. They would also transport their sugary drinks and vibrantly colored chip bags everywhere they would go. Everything was wrapped with either plastic or paper or a combination of the two. I felt like an oddball amongst them as I would take out my faded, REUSABLE plastic water bottle and oranges. Although my bottle was made from plastic, it lasted a good 2 years before my lovely mother deformed it. (She literally poured boiling water in it to “disinfect” it.)

To prevent having to buy multiple plastic REUSBALE water bottles and typical single use plastic bottles, it would be best to invest in a stainless steel water bottle with a filter. I love the idea of how it not only prevents plastic waste but have the ability to purify your water. Look for those that are BPA free!

3. EATING MORE HEALTHY

As I got to college, I realized that I had access to fruit, lots of it. This is relevant in producing less waste because of how much packaging goes into junk food. SO MUCH PLASTIC! Even back in high school I would grab all my friends rejected oranges and happily eat those over 0.50 cent Cheetos. These small choices would save me money, waste and sugar rushes. Yes, Cheetos make me energetic in the most inconvenient of times. Although I did and still have a bad habit of forgetting the multiple oranges, apples and bananas in the bottom of my book bag, I certainly prefer that then endlessly stuffing plastic wrappers in recycling bins.

If you are really good at the whole zero waste lifestyle, then you would readily have disposed of your orange remains in a composting bin and used your magical powers to make your Cheeto bags disappear.

4. SHOPPING HABITS
I have mentioned this in the introduction of this post, but I think it is essential in your self-realization in what small habits and traditions you have the power to shift. We have the power to produce more good with less, all starting within our realm of perspective. As a current and broke college student, I have to say my shopping tendencies has consisted of occasional snacks and thrift store finds. I think anyone’s shopping habits has a major role in how much waste is to be generated.

 

YOU have the choice in investing in reusable (sometimes expensive) items that will last you for many years. In your own efforts the amount of waste you generate will be significantly reduced!

Hope anything you read was remotely helpful. Please comment if you have any ideas on how to attain a zero waste lifestyle. I know there is so much to discuss on this topic!