9 Simple Ways to Start Reducing Your Waste
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Every one of us is aware that waste is one of the biggest causes of global warming. In this article, you can find some tips to apply to your daily routine in order to reduce the amount of waste and be more eco-friendly.
You will be surprised by the amount of waste a person can create in their life. It has become part of our lives seeing it as “normal” when you go to the supermarket, order take out, go to the movies, and everything is disposable.
It’s been so easy for us to dispose of things that we only use once but we don’t see the impact that it has on the environment. So if you are looking to make a change in your waste, there are a lot of simple alternatives you can make that will make a huge positive impact on the environment.
1. Say goodbye to plastic bags.
When you go to the supermarket, go shopping, or to a restaurant, make sure to bring your own bags. You can always carry them in your handbag or backpack as they don’t take too much space.
2. No straws, please.
Let’s be honest. This is something you will use for 30 min tops, and it is not that necessary. Sip your drink the old fashion way, I swear it tastes the same! Or, you can use eco-friendly and reusable straws!
3. BYO food container & cup.
Ok, this one is a little bit more drastic, but once you try it you won’t go back. If you know you are going to a restaurant or for a cup of coffee, you can bring your own container in case you have leftovers or if you ask for your coffee to go. I’m not saying you will be walking around with your coffee mug and container everywhere you go, but if you know you are going out to grab a beverage or eat out, bring them. There are so many options that won’t take too much space on your backpack or purse. Plus, sometimes you get discounts for bringing your own cups!
4. Avoid wrapped food.
I know this one can be difficult as nowadays, everything is wrapped in plastic. But try to do your best when you go to the grocery store and look for other alternatives. Go for unwrapped fruit and vegetables and avoid the things that have a double wrap, etc.
5. Buy Local.
This one has a lot of benefits. Products that are local are usually cheaper, fresh, and wrapping free. Chose to go to local shops, farmers’ markets, local bakeries, flower and plant shops, etc. As an added benefit, you will be supporting local and small businesses.
6. Stop using disposable water bottles.
Get your own reusable bottle, there are so many options like stainless steel ones that will keep water cold or hot, silicone bottles, and even glass bottles. You can refill your bottle almost anywhere.
7. What about takeout?
If you need to order takeout, ask the restaurant not to include any napkins, plastic utensils, straws, condiments, etc. You have all that at home, you don’t actually need it
8. Start your own compost.
Composting isn’t as hard as you think, and it has a positive impact on the environment. You will reduce the amount of landfill waste and turn it into nutrient-rich compost that you can use for your garden later. There are a lot of different ways to do your own compost at home.
9. Cone or cup?
Cone, always cone. Maybe it’s a small thing but when you go out for ice cream, have it on a cone. You will help the planet and let be honest, cones are always better!
There are more ways to reduce your waste and start being more environmentally friendly. For example, you can start recycling, buying everything in bulk, growing your own food, fixing instead of throwing, etc.
Remember that you don’t have to be drastic and reduce your waste to one jar a week. Start by doing simple changes in your life and you will continue doing them as you adapt to this new lifestyle. Enjoy the process and be happy, you are doing something good for our planet!
Author: Lorena Romo
