A Guide to Zero Waste Living

To really practice true sustainability, we must go beyond recycling. While recycling is good and smart, the concept of zero waste living seeks to drastically minimize the quantity of wastes we generate by consumption reduction, adapting items reuse and promoting circularity. Zero waste aims to rethink our consumption preterm and strives to adapt a lifestyle where nothing goes to waste.

These 6Rs of waste mostly regarded as the hierarchy of waste. Zero waste is not only about what happens or what you do with your trash, but also what you can do to prevent it in the first place. These “6 Rs” (which maybe more) guide the zero-waste philosophy:

1. Rethink: Before consumption, decision to buy always purse and ask are there other alternatives with less impact on the environment.
2. Refuse: This simply implies Saying no to those things you do not really need (e.g., plastic straws, freebies, excessive packaging).
3. Reduce: Always as yourself do I really need it? Which can lead to reduction in what you buy and consume.
4. Reuse: What other purposes can these items be used for? Find new purposes for items or reusable alternatives (e.g., reusable bags, water bottles, containers).
5. Recycle: Always strive to sort materials that can further be processed into a new product (as a last resort).
6. Rot (Compost): Compost organic waste to return nutrients to back to the earth.

Achieving a zero-waste is a continues process, with small changes, it will eventually add up:

In everyday Life:

• Reusable water bottle and coffee cup: Essential for hydration and cutting down on disposable plastic and paper.
• Reusable cutlery and straws: Carry your own set for meals on the go.
• Say no to receipts: Instead go for email receipts or decline them when possible.
• Repair instead of replace: Mend clothes, fix electronics, and repair household items.
• Buy secondhand: Shop for clothes, furniture, and electronics at thrift stores or online marketplaces.
• Borrow or rent: For items you use infrequently (e.g., power tools, party supplies), consider borrowing from friends or renting.

In the Kitchen:

• Bring your own bags: Always have reusable grocery bags for shopping
• Shop in bulk: Buy items like grains, nuts, and spices from bulk bins and with your own containers or bags
• Choose unpackaged produce: Go for loose fruits and vegetables.
• Meal plan: Planning your meals and creatively use leftovers will help to reduce food waste.
• Compost food scraps: You can start a compost bin for fruit and vegetables peels, coffee grounds, etc., at home
• Reusable containers: Always store food in a glass jars or reusable containers instead of plastic wrap or foil.
• Make your own: You can try making your own coffee, snacks, and meals instead of buying pre-packaged options.

In the Bathroom:

• Solid toiletries: Switch to shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and bar soap.
• Bamboo toothbrush: This a good and sustainable alternative to plastic toothbrushes.
• Reusable cotton rounds: Replace disposable cotton balls for makeup removal and use reusable ones instead.
• Menstrual cups/reusable pads: Sustainable alternatives to disposable feminine hygiene products.
• DIY cleaning products: Use vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils for homemade cleaners in reusable bottles.

By adopting these habits, you help in contributing to a healthier planet, reduce landfill burden, and often save money in the long run!