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If you’ve read the news or looked online recently then chances are you’re aware of the state that our planet is in. And it’s not a good one.
Everyday we as humans create literal tons of waste that end up in our landfills, oceans, rivers, streets and everywhere in between.
We can’t erase the damage that is already done but we can make subtle changes to prevent the creation of new waste.
You’d be surprised at some of the things we do in our day to day lives that create excess waste.
So here are a few easy but effective changes you can make TODAY to cut back waste!
How to create less waste:
1.Invest in a kitchen composter – A great way to keep waste to a minimum. You can compost almost any food scraps including fruits, vegetables, egg shells, cooked rice, cooked pasta, coffee grounds, tea leaves and so much more. You can also compost things from your bathroom, office and all over your house like coffee filters, un-waxed cardboard, used napkins and paper towels, pencil shavings, cotton rounds, tissues, toilet paper rolls and paper bags.
Make sure to google what you can and cannot compost to be sure. You can use your compost in your garden, potted plants and so much more. This is a fantastic way of”recycling” that overall creates less waste ensuring even your scraps get a second life.
If you’re serious about creating less waste then it’s time to actively remember. Put a reminder on your phone, keep them in your purse at all times. Whatever it takes, do it. Not only is it SO much better for the environment but it’s so much better for your wallet too.
3. Re-usable coffee cup and water bottle – Another wonderful habit to get into is carrying around a re-usable mug and water bottle. Especially when going out for coffee or getting coffee to go this is a wonderful way to help not contribute to excess plastic waste.
Same goes for water bottles. No need to buy plastic bottle again if you’ve got a trusty re-usable bottle.
4. Re-usable straws – Probably the most common way people choose to cut back waste.
When at a restaurant, simply do not use the straws given to you but use your own! I carry around 2 or 3 bamboo straws in my bag at all times and it’s amazing knowing that I have them there for my use. You can use stainless steel straws as well but I prefer the naturally made bamboo ones.
The exciting news is that a lot of restaurants are starting to NOT give out straws unless requested. So make sure to bring your own and don’t request one!
5. Bring your own to-go container – Speaking of restaurants: if you’re like me and you tend to never finish your meal at a restaurant then be sure to pack your own to-go container to save yourself the extra waste!
I promise, people only look at your funny half of the time but who cares? You do you and protect the planet!
6. Buy in Bulk – Things like baking supplies, nuts, dried fruit, candy and much more is sold in bulk. Opt to bring your own bulk bags or even mason jars to fill up. It’s often cheaper than buying them in their packaging and it’s safer for the environment as well.
7. Buy food/supplies in boxes rather than plastic – Things like noodles, lentils and even laundry detergent can come in plastic bags, bottles AND cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes are the safer options because they’re more easily recycled, re-purposed or if you have a kitchen compost, you can even compost them!
8. Use matches rather than a plastic lighter – Matches can decompose but a plastic lighter is here on this earth to stay. This simple switch can make such an impact.
9. Give up gum – gum is terrible for you to begin with. Yes, even the sugar free gum but that a topic for another time. Did you know that gum is made with synthetic rubber. Which is plastic. Yuck. Meaning that wherever it ends up, it won’t break down.
10. Use cloth diapers – For all the parents out there, this is the safest choice for both baby and the planet. Diapers can often contain plastic and even bleach.
Using cloth diapers will not only save you a TON of money but will also have a positive impact on the planet.
And there you have it! 10 super simple changes you can start making to have a HUGE positive impact on the planet. It’s not about doing it all, but rather doing what you can.
I don’t think that being 100% zero-waste is practical for most people so here’s just a few ideas to help get you started on your journey to less waste.
As always, thanks for reading! Don’t forget to pin this post and follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration!