Usually created by people 4.9 pounds of waste per dayMore than 146 million tons of waste is sent to landfill. But each of us can help reduce waste by changing our daily habits. In the new year, resolve to reduce waste. Here are some tips to help you get started:
There are many depressing statistics about waste, but there are also encouraging examples of green living with virtually no waste. B. Johnsonauthor of the book zero waste home, She has lived virtually waste-free with her family since 2008. Her family of four generates quart-sized jars full of waste every year. Besides helping the environment, it was an uplifting experience for Johnson.
“Ever since we started a zero waste lifestyle, our lives have changed for the better. “Based on experiences rather than things, we become happier and live more meaningful lives,” Johnson says. “My goal is to share these amazing health, financial and time-saving benefits!”
Take inspiration from Johnson and her family and start the year off with a New Year’s resolution to waste less. These simple tips can get you started on your zero waste path.
Reduce waste around the kitchen
The kitchen is one of the best places to start. Because this is where most of the waste we use comes from.
1. Kick the paper towel habit
Instead of using paper towels, use old clothes, towels, blankets, sheets, or cloth diapers to make cotton pads. Remove zippers, hems, and other obstructions when draping. Save the button for later use. Cut the fabric into roughly 18-inch-by-18-inch pieces.
Be careful with synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester as they have low absorbency. However, these fabrics can be useful as rags that become too dirty to wash due to activities such as painting or car maintenance.
Tip: To save energy, hang your cloth to dry whenever possible.
2. Stop stockpiling disposable food packaging
Plastic wrap, sandwich bags, wax paper, and aluminum foil may be convenient, but they leave a trail of waste and can be difficult to recycle. The best way to break the habit is to stop stocking your kitchen with these items and stock up on bottles and other reusable food containers.
3. Extend the life of your kitchen sponge
It may not be obvious, but kitchen sponges are often full of disease-causing bacteria from undercooked eggs and meat. Many people put their sponges in the dishwasher, but this is not very effective in killing germs. Instead, sterilize your sponge in the microwave to extend its life.
A 2007 study found that this method could kill 99% of live germs and bacterial spores, including: E. coli. Recently 2020 study These results were supported.
- To effectively kill germs, wet a sponge and microwave it for 2 minutes.
- Be careful not to microwave the sponge while it is dry, and be careful when removing the sponge from the microwave as it may be very hot.
- Old kitchen sponges can also be reused for less hygienic purposes if they are no longer suitable for use on dishes.
4. Take reusable containers to stores and restaurants
When you shop, bring cloth bags, glass jars, reusable food storage containers, and reusable cloth produce bags to the store. If possible, use reusable packaging to avoid disposable packaging. Some of these fabric items can even be made into repurposed clothing as an easy DIY. Seamless t-shirt tote bag Mommy Potamus. I also bring reusable food containers to restaurants to prevent overeating or wasting leftover packaging.
5. Buy in bulk
This may mean buying food in bulk, such as 50-pound bags of rice and beans, or shopping in the store’s wider aisles to reduce packaging. Both strategies can significantly reduce packaging and save money.
When shopping the bulk aisle, bring reusable containers and label the containers with their tare weight. Don’t forget liquids such as soy sauce, shampoo, and cleaning products. Johnson also has handy apps for: Find aisles free of bulk packages Near you.
6. Compost organic waste
In our home, we can easily divert more than half of our waste from landfill by using a compost bin. Cut your food scraps into one-inch chunks to make them easier to break down, and aerate your compost pile with a rake every week. Include yard waste as well to help maintain the ideal brown to green ratio and divert more waste. If you have limited yard space, a worm bin may be helpful.
7. Make food from scratch
Cooked and processed foods often come with a lot of packaging. Making food from scratch can significantly reduce waste, save money, and create healthier alternatives.
Bread, yogurt, granola, ice cream, cookies, crackers, hummus, spreads, salad dressings, etc. are all good candidates.
This strategy is especially effective when materials can be procured with little or no waste.
8. Use cloth napkins
Reusable cloth napkins are not only better for your skin, they’re also better for the environment. Making it from upcycled fabric makes it even more sustainable.
Reduce waste outside the kitchen
9. Make cleaning products at home
In addition to reducing the toxin infestation in your home and saving you money, these tips can also save you a ton of money on packaging costs, especially when you buy ingredients in bulk.
Glass cleaner, laundry powder, laundry stain remover, and natural disinfectant are all good options that are simple and easy to make yourself. Check out these DIY recipes to get started:
10. Download media
For the nostalgic types, this might be a little hard to swallow. Instead of buying CDs, DVDs, books, and magazines, reduce waste by downloading versions of these items. Many libraries have digital databases of items that patrons can access for free.
Bonus: Give a Green Gift
A zero waste lifestyle can also include reducing waste even in the gifts we give to others. Consider giving an experience instead of a physical gift, such as a special event ticket or a delicious home-cooked meal. DIY items using upcycled materials can add a personal touch and really show off to the people you care about. Consumer items such as food, specialty personal care products, and products with a high recycled content content also benefit from reducing waste.
The following 10 tips make great New Year’s resolutions to help you cut down on waste. Use what you need and recycle whenever possible. Welcome a prosperous new year filled with green life!
Editor’s note: This article was first published on January 11, 2016, and was updated in December 2024.
