With the environment under more threat than ever before, and many governments around the world doing little to curb the destruction, it comes down to the individual to try and adopt a lifestyle that not only reduces their own waste, but also saves them money in the long run. It’s more important than ever that we start to take responsibility for the amount of waste that we produce every year.
With that in mind, changing over to a zero waste lifestyle may be difficult at first, but with enough time, it can be both rewarding and allow you to save plenty of money in the long run. These are some ways to cut down on waste in your household.
1. Reusables
The first place to start is by setting up a system where you reuse rather than throw away. Any jars, bags, and water bottles are a good place to being. Instead of getting a plastic bag at the shops, rather keep previous bags and use them for grocery runs. Make use of jars to contain oil, spices, grains, and much more, while having spare water bottles means not needing to buy plastic when you’re feeling thirsty.
2. Learn To Be Without Disposables
This is a huge leap to take in becoming zero waste, and while it can be a serious inconvenience at first, after a while it’ll become an important part of your life. Avoid straws, napkins, spray bottles, bags – anything that only has a single-use – and opt for long lasting alternatives that work the same way. Replacing paper towels with reusable rags is a good example of cutting out a disposable without making your life more difficult.
3. Recycle
For many, recycling is already part of their disposal routine, and as more and more recycling depots open up, it’ll be easier to get rid of the waste that accumulates in a household. Metal, plastic, glass, and cardboard are all recyclable, and it’s quickly becoming the standard of removing trash around the world.
4. Buy Organic Food
Commercial farming is doing a huge amount of damage to the planet, and the vast quantities of pesticides they use on the crops is making its way into the food we eat. Opt to instead buy food from farm stalls and organic shops that source their produce organically, with as little chemicals as possible. This is especially important for meat, as the meat we find on shelves is becoming more and more dangerous to consume.
5. Grow Your Own
Growing your own food is not only healthier, but it can save you thousands in the long run. Most crops grow readily on their own with plenty of water and nutritious soil, but creating a compost heap can speed things along – giving you the extra time to enjoy your own hobbies, such as painting, gaming or playing real money online pokies. Using food scraps and other compost material can allow you to grow your own nutritional base for the crops you grow at home.