4 simple ways to getting started on a zero-waste lifestyle

Zero-waste is a movement dedicated to consuming consciously. It’s about recognizing how much you are consuming, while considering where it might end up. It all starts by becoming mindful of your purchases, evaluating what small changes you can make and develop new habits, and investing in a few sustainable alternatives. It’s also about understanding single-use items and their impact - everyday bits we toss away have implications on our planet. The highlight is creating a more a minimalistic lifestyle and living less wastefully. 

Transitioning can be challenging, and that's why small steps go a long way. More planning, being creative and open-minded, refusing what you don’t need, reducing your consumption, reusing where you can, recycling and fertilizing the earth, instead of depleting it or harming it. 

Here are four simple ways you can get started: 

1. Composting & reusing scraps: Not only in the kitchen, but the bathroom as well! Did you know you can compost nail clippings, hair and the TP tube? When it comes to Food, you should always be placing food scraps in the compost rather than the trash. Food thrown in the trash rather than the compost has a serious environmental impact. It starts to decompose in the landfill releasing methane gas that contributes to global warming. Even before tossing it start thinking of ways you can reuse before making that final hurl into the bin. There are so many uses of scraps and nutrients that still have life to give. 

1. Be prepared: Make sure to bring reusables before leaving the house. Reusable bags, coffee mugs, cutlery, a reusable straw, produce/bulk cloth bags and napkins wherever you go. I always load up my trendy reusable bag with these items and at least have them in the car. How many times have you left the house with no intention to buying anything, but grabbed a last-minute coffee or snack when you realizeyou haven’t eaten? 

1. Reusables: These are slow investments. Make the switch to reusable cotton rounds and Q-tips, or swap clingwrap for beeswax wraps. Switch to items wrapped in compostable packaging, plastic-free kitchen cleaning tools, refillable floss, bamboo toothbrushes and so on. A lot of these items can be made as well! You can make your own cotton rounds out of old towels, bulk bags out of old pillowcases ... heck you can even DIY beeswax wraps! The choice is yours. 

1. Food prep: Equals less food waste. Buying less packaged food saves you money, while saving your health and the planet too! Processed food is mostly packaged in plastic. Try buying food with no or minimal packaging. This can also prevent you from eating out, wasting your money, making unhealthy choices and creating a lot of waste. 

Be patient and positive and embrace the journey. I hope this inspired you. Please share some of your inspiration in the comments below. 

No longer wasted, 

Jenn