Ultimate Tips On Going Zero Waste
Going zero waste is not that complicated, it just takes practice and research on how to do it. We have gathered some tips on how to start the plastic free journey without feeling overwhelmed. It might seem that going zero waste will cost a lot of money, but it doesn't have to be.
1. Always have a tote bag in your backpack/car.
This is the first simple step - just make sure to always have one or a couple of fabric bags to put your groceries in. I am not good at shopping lists, so I always take an extra bag to make sure I have place for all the groceries.
2. Refuse food items covered in plastic.
Unfortunately in some stores 99% of groceries are packed in plastic packaging. Before starting our zero waste journey, it took us just one store to buy all the items we needed. Now we have to go to 2-3 stores to pick items we need and avoid as much plastic as we can.
If you don't have a farmer's market near you, try to avoid pre-packaged vegetables and take your own produce bags.
3. Avoid paper towels.
I know, paper towels seem so easy - just pick a towel, wipe dirty hands and throw it in the trash. But they are such a waste and another way to kill trees. So, the best alternative is to purchase a few fabric towels that you can use thousands of times.
One tip - buy a bigger fabric towel and cut in half or 4 parts. Create a stack of them and this way you can use the towels like paper towels! Great for wiping the kitchen counters and dishes, wrap a sandwich to go & many more.
4. Avoid plastic bottles.
Did you know that it takes 3 liters of water to produce a 0.5 liter water bottle? Such a waste! The best way to avoid buying plastic water bottles is to buy a stainless steel or glass water bottle. They last for a very long time!
5. Bamboo Toothbrush
The truth about plastic toothbrushes is that they mostly end up in landfill. The good part is that there are many bamboo toothbrushes that are biodegradable and suitable for compost.
6. Saying bye to aluminum foil and plastic bags.
This is very hard ti change because of our habits to pack our lunch in a disposable plastic ziplock bag, and cover leftovers with aluminum foil. For preservation purposes there are waxed fabrics on the market that do the same thing. It turns out that Egyptians were the first ones to use this waxed fabric to preserve food. You can also make them at home, all you need is cotton fabric, beeswax and essential oils.
7. Compost
We are fortunate that in Copenhagen all inhabitants were given a green garbage can, compost bags where to put the remains of food. But you can also do that - if you have some neighbors that have a garden, maybe ask them if they would be willing to take your compost and use it for their needs.
8. Reuse Glass Jars
We get jars from buying gherkins, pasta sauce, jam. After we are finished, we clean them and use for other purposes. I know it is tempting to buy the same style and size jars so that it looks as good as the photos on Pinterest, but by using the jars you already have at home will save you money. The jars can be used as pots for plants, pencil stand, a vase, store vegetables in the fridge and use them as mugs.
9. Thrift Stores are your best friend
Thrift stores and markets will be your best friend for your coin and for the environment. This is a very large part of 'Reduce, reuse, recycle' , as the items can be given another life.
10. Bake more
This is for the peeps who love sweets. Even though I love the over-sweetened cookies in the store, they are covered in more plastic than even needed. Some sweets are in a single packaging in one bag! I am trying to bake cookies or muffins when I crave something sweet. Sometimes even a handful of nuts will do the job! The other way out of this is to buy from a local bakery and come with your own tray to put the pastries/cookies/cake in!
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