Embracing a zero waste lifestyle involves minimizing your production of waste by being mindful of your consumption and making sustainable choices. While achieving a zero waste lifestyle completely might be challenging, the goal is to significantly reduce the amount of waste we create. Here are some steps to help with the transition to a zero waste lifestyle:

refuse what you don't need

“Refuse” is one of the principles of sustainability and a key concept in waste reduction. It involves actively avoiding or rejecting items that contribute to waste, pollution, or environmental harm. By refusing certain products or practices, you can have a positive impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

Items to refuse:

  • Single-use plastics

  • Disposable items

  • Fast fashion

  • Toxic chemicals

  • Single-use cups and containers

  • Disposable coffee cups

  • Harmful cosmetics

minimize your desires

Minimalism is a lifestyle that emphasizes simplicity and reducing clutter in order to focus on what truly matters. It’s about living with less physical and mental clutter, which can lead to increased happiness, freedom, and a deeper appreciation for the things that add value to your life. Embrace a minimalist mindset by focusing on quality over quantity, and buying only what you need.

reuse what you can

Opt for reusable items like water bottles, coffee cups, shopping bags, and containers instead of disposable ones. This will extend the lifespan of items and reduce the need for new production. By reusing products and materials, you can minimize waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a zero waste lifestyle.

REPAIR before you replace

Fix items that are broken instead of immediately replacing them. This extends the life of your products, saves you money, and reduces waste. Youtube has plenty of “how to guides” on fixing just about everything. Thanks to Youtube assisting me in repairs, I’ve saved myself $1,500 on a fridge repair, $10,000 on flood damage restoration, and $1,000 on re-doing a portion of epoxy-coated wood flooring. Repairing items is not always the easiest choice, but it is the smartest and most cost effective!

turn waste into compost

Composting plays an essential role in a zero waste lifestyle. Compost turns your organic waste, such as food scraps and cardboard, into nutrient-rich fertilizer. 

What You Can Compost:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea bags (remove staples)
  • Eggshells
  • Yard trimmings (grass clippings, leaves, small branches)
  • Shredded paper and cardboard
  • Non-glossy paper and newspaper
  • Houseplant trimmings
  • Natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen)
  • Hair and pet fur

recycle

Recycling is an essential practice to reduce waste and conserve resources. Properly recycle materials like paper, cardboard, glass, and certain types of plastic. Be sure to follow your local recycling guidelines. 

Here’s a full list of items that cannot be recycled:

  • Lids to plastic bottles
  • Cardboard that come int contact with grease or oil
  • Packing peanuts
  • Ceramics
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastic straws and utensils
  • Aerosol cans
  • Plastic bags
  • Mirrors
  • Plastic shower curtains and liners
  • Medical waste (needles, syringes, prescription containers)
  • Cleaning products
  • Bubble wrap
  • Mattresses
  • Waxed paper cartons
  • Batteries
  • Lightbulbs
  • Treated wood
  • Tangly items (clothing hangers, garden hoses, string lights, headphones, electric cords)
  • Diapers
  • Multi-layered plastic (potato chip bags, candy wrappers, laundry pod packaging)
  • Plastic kids toys
  • Clothing or textiles

meal plan

Meal planning is a great way to save time, money, and reduce food waste. Cook larger portions so you can have meals already prepped and ready. If you’re unable to eat it within 3 days, freeze the leftovers for later. Most foods can be frozen for up to 3 months. Aim for a variety of proteins, vegetables, and grains throughout the week for a well-balanced meal. 

Remember, meal planning is a tool to make your life easier, so adjust it to your preferences and needs. Try to explore new recipes regularly to keep your meal planning exciting. Over time, you’ll find a rhythm that works best for you. 

diy cleaning products

Common household cleaning products have chemicals that when released can cause chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches. Instead, check out these clean, green homemade cleaners to reduce packaging your exposure to harmful chemicals.

You can create all household cleaners at home. All you need are a handful of ingredients, such as castile soap, borax, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils (optional). 

buy quality clothes

Textiles make up roughly 7% of the global landfill waste and take more than 200 years to fully break down naturally. Consider buying high-quality clothing that lasts longer. “Fast-fashion” is a term for low priced clothing created in mass quantities to keep up with fashion trends. 

Companies such as Shein, Forever21, Express, H&M, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret are examples of fast fashion brands. It’s almost every store you find at your traditional shopping mall. However, Macy’s and Nordstrom carry quality, sustainable clothing brands that are priced very well.

Growing up in North Alabama, my favorite store to visit was Unclaimed Baggage. They are the Nation’s only retailer of lost luggage! I shop here for sustainable brands, such as Pact, Boden, and Amour Vert all at amazing prices. Sometimes as much as 80% off the original retail price!

give mindful gifts over "things"

Gift experiences or homemade gifts instead of items that might contribute to waste. Mindful gifts are thoughtful presents that align with the recipient’s values, needs, and interests. 

Mindful gift ideas include:

  • Handmade picture frame
  • Houseplant
  • Concert
  • Picnic
  • Spa day
  • Homemade dessert
  • Painting class 
  • Handmade candle
  • Hiking trip

look out for eco-friendly packaging

Eco-friendly packaging refers to packaging materials and practices that have a reduced environmental impact compared to traditional packaging options. Choosing eco-friendly packaging can help minimize waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainability.

Eco-friendly packaging:

  • Biodegradable materials
  • Recycled materials
  • Natural materials 
  • Plant based ink
  • Eco-friendly tape

shop Consciously

Research the environmental practices of companies before making purchases to support those with sustainable values.

  • Research Brands and Companies:

    • Look for those committed to ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and environmental responsibility.

  • Check Labels and Certifications:

    • Look for certifications like Fair Trade, USDA Organic, and cruelty-free to ensure products meet certain ethical and environmental standards.

  • Support Local Businesses:

    • Shop from local stores to support your community and reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping.

  • Consider Second-Hand Options:

    • Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces for second-hand items to extend the life of products and reduce demand for new production.

  • Consider the Entire Lifecycle:

    • Think about a product’s entire lifecycle, from production to disposal, to understand its environmental impact.

Ready to start a zero waste lifestyle?

Remember, the key here is to make sustainable choices that align with your lifestyle and values. Even small changes can have a significant positive impact over time. Transitioning to a zero waste lifestyle takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and make adjustments as needed. Live mindfully!

Thinking about upgrading your Tupperware from plastic to glass or ditching plastic zip baggies? Here are some Easy Sustainable Swaps For Your Home.