Every day, more and more of us are waking up to the reality that we need to take drastic action if we want to leave our children a world that is healthy and safe. The zero waste movement is one of the biggest responses to this crisis. It encourages people to reduce their waste, reuse items, and recycle as much as possible. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into this lifestyle or would like to go further with it, here are some things you should know about being zero waste.
What does it mean to be zero waste?
Being zero waste is about approaching your life with the mindset that everything you make or buy should have minimal environmental impact. This means finding alternatives to disposable items, buying items with less packaging, or even making your own goods from scratch. Zero waste is about reducing your impact as much as possible, which is why you may see people who are on the path to this lifestyle referred to as “minimalists” or “simple lifers.” As a zero waster, you’ll look at the world through a different lens, and be more mindful of the impact your choices have on the world around you. You’ll also likely find yourself rethinking the amount of stuff you own, and how it fits into your life.
Why go zero waste?
The thing that makes this lifestyle such a powerful way to respond to the ecological crisis is that it has the real potential to change our entire relationship to the way things are produced and consumed. If enough people adopt this lifestyle, it could really shift the economy in a more environmentally friendly direction. The first step to going zero waste is to reduce the amount of stuff you buy. This can be a challenge in a society where the marketing machine is designed to make us feel like we’re not enough unless we have the latest product. Going zero waste can be tough at first, but most people find that it becomes easier the more they do it. You might even find that it makes you happier, which can be a nice bonus.
The benefits of being Zero Waste
You’ll help the environment. Every piece of trash that you avoid will help your local ecosystem. This isn’t just about recycling, it’s about not producing waste in the first place. You’ll save money. One of the biggest advantages of living a zero waste lifestyle is that it will save you money. This is both in terms of reduced spending on things like groceries and health products, as well as lower energy bills. You’ll have a cleaner home. When you have fewer things to clean, you’ll have less mess to deal with. This is particularly helpful when you’re trying to reduce the amount of cleaning products you use. You’ll be healthier. Not only will your home be cleaner, but you’ll also likely find yourself eating healthier since you’ll be more mindful of what you’re putting in your body.
How to get started being Zero Waste?
When you first start being zero waste, you may feel like you’re swimming in a sea of alternatives. While it’s important to do your research and find what works for you, it’s also important to remember that you don’t have to do everything at once. In fact, many people find it more helpful to start with one or two “low-hanging fruit” goals. For example, you may decide to start by being more mindful about the cleaning products you use or by making your own food from scratch. Once you get the hang of that, you can move on to tackle new goals. And always remember to use silicon containers instead of plastic ones.
Do you know how much waste you are generating?
Food waste – How much food do you throw away each week? If you’re like most people, the answer is “too much.” One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste is to become more careful about how much food you buy and how you store it. You can also educate yourself about ways to use up food that’s gone bad. For example, did you know you can make breadcrumbs out of stale bread? Cloth diapers – Cloth diapers may seem like a big leap when you’re just starting to go zero waste, but they’re a big part of the lifestyle. A single child can go through 11,000 diapers in their lifetime, which means a lot of trash. Plus, they don’t decompose in landfills the way that disposable diapers do. Bring your own bag – Plastic bags aren’t just an eyesore; they’re also a hazard for wildlife and waterways. You can cut down on the amount of plastic bags you use by bringing reusable bags with you when you go shopping.
Going even further: What it means to be a true zero waster
Being a true zero waster isn’t just about the things that you do. It’s also about the things that you don’t do. For example, a true zero waster would avoid buying cars or taking flights that aren’t necessary. This might seem like a lofty goal, but the more people who adopt this mindset, the more likely we are to create a truly sustainable future. There are some things that you’ll never be able to eliminate entirely, like the CO2 emissions caused by growing crops and making paper. However, there are also many things that consume less energy, such as using a manual over an electric toothbrush. Also, choosing a plant-based diet is something everyone should consider when going zero waste.
Conclusion
Being zero waste isn’t a quick fix, but it can make a big difference in the world. Not only will it help you reduce your own waste, but it also educates others about the importance of reducing unnecessary waste and buying things that are reusable. It isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. When you go zero waste, you’ll help the planet, save money, and feel good about the choices you make. In the long run, this might be the best decision you’ve ever made. And you can always check MasterClass‘s way of going zero waste as they share the best tips and tricks by the best instructors in the industry.
