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Trying to be more eco-conscious? Who isn’t these days! It seems like we’re all becoming more aware of our impact on the planet, and the prognosis is not good.
Climate change is speeding up at an alarming rate. There’s been an uptick in cataclysmic weather events; Hurricane Laura and the California wildfires are only two examples. If you’re paying attention to environmental news, it’s hard not to feel down about our planet’s state.
Quick Stats
In North America, waste generation clocks in at an astounding 4.87 pounds per person, per day. Based on statistics from 2016, North America has a population of around 370 million, which brings the estimated daily waste generation to a mind-blowing 1.8 billion pounds per day. While some of that waste does get recycled, what’s left is still a massive, unsustainable number.
With all this in mind, it makes sense to want to decrease your waste. Here are five tips for starting your journey to a zero-waste lifestyle.
1. Use What You Have
The number one tip for zero-waste living? Use what you have. Achieving zero-waste doesn’t mean going out and buying a bunch of new eco-friendly products. It does mean freezing food before it goes bad, riding your bike instead of driving, or finding new ways to use regular household items. Be smart and savvy by making the best of what you already have.
2. A Different Mindset
Get yourself in the habit of making eco-conscious choices. For example, bring reusable grocery bags with you to the store, and fill a reusable bottle with water before leaving home. Before you make a purchase, check how much plastic packaging is used, and see if there is an eco-friendly alternative. Making small adjustments is the key to success here, and you’ll get better at it over time.
3. Join the Club
Going zero-waste has a significant learning curve, so it’s a good idea to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can offer you tips. If you have a local co-op, that’s a great place to find packaging-free groceries and foodstuffs. Join Facebook groups for folks living zero-waste lifestyles. You can source information and find secondhand items rather than buying new ones. It’s important to have a community around you when you’re undertaking such a difficult task!
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Washable and reusable containers are the perfect place to start for zero-waste beginners because they’re highly functional and easy to use. If you’re not ready to invest in an expensive set of eco-friendly containers, reuse your glass jars instead of recycling them. Glass jars of all sizes can be used for everything from overnight oats to pasta sauce. Sometimes people even give them away for free in online marketplaces.
5. Be Patient with Yourself
Being zero-waste is a journey, and no one gets it “perfect” right away. In fact, zero-waste can seem a bit intimidating to the eco-conscious beginner. Try thinking of it as a ‘low waste’ lifestyle rather than a zero-waste one. Reducing your environmental impact isn’t a zero-sum game that you’ll lose by buying a package of Mr. Noodles. Every change you make is a positive step in the right direction.
Making the choice to go zero-waste can be difficult, but you’re sure to find it rewarding in the long run. Even the smallest changes can make a huge difference.
For zero-waste office tips and business support when you need it, Fusion Workplaces is at your service. Reach out today to learn more about how we help.
