It can be tough to resist being wasteful in the age of materialism. However, there are numerous methods to live more sustainably if you are prepared to make some changes in your life.
You could be intimidated by the prospect of making substantial life changes. However, there are simple things that you may do every day to help the environment.
Living a waste-free life doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive if you follow these ten habits. These modest measures will build up over time to help you create a budget-friendly, sustainable lifestyle!
Use Bar Soap
The simplest approach to reduce plastic waste is to use bar soap. The majority of conventional liquid soaps are packaged in plastic bottles that are difficult to recycle. Soap bars, on the other hand, are manufactured entirely of soap and water—no plastics are required!
Cut off any residual portions of your soap bar once you’ve finished using it and put them in a reusable container like a Mason jar. In this manner, you may save plastic and waste by using the same bar of soap for several months.
Bamboo Toothbrush and Powder Toothpaste
Bamboo is a renewable resource that may also be composted. You can also acquire a toothbrush with a replacement head, which will save you money.
In terms of toothpaste, you can use powder toothpaste that lasts longer and still leaves your mouth feeling fresh. It comes in a glass jar, and all you have to do to turn it into toothpaste is add a drop of water.
Reuse Shopping Bags
Did you know that every year, between 500 billion and one trillion plastic bags are used globally? That’s crazy! In landfills, plastic bags can take hundreds of years to disintegrate, and even when they do, they often leave hazardous toxins behind.
Any bag, from reusable cloth bags to robust cardboard boxes, can be used. Simply ensure that it is large enough to accommodate all of your items. Many stores will give you a discount if you bring your own bag, which will save you money in the long run.
When shopping for other products, such as clothes and shoes, don’t forget to bring your own bags!
Start Composting
Composting is one of the most effective methods for reducing food waste. Food scraps are high in nutrients and can be utilized as garden compost, allowing you to grow stronger plants while lowering your carbon footprint.
You don’t need a lot of space in your kitchen to start a compost bin. Use a tiny container to store your food scraps if you have space on the counter or in an underused location. Composting bins that fit under the sink or in the garage are also available.
There are plenty of internet instructions available if you’re not sure how to get started composting. Simply follow the directions carefully to avoid creating stinky piles of rotting food.
Composting is simple to maintain once you get the hang of it, and it will help you minimize trash while growing healthier plants.
Ditch Plastic Bottles
One of the most common types of plastic trash is plastic bottles. They are, nevertheless, one of the hardest to recycle.
If at all possible, replace plastic bottles with stainless steel or glass ones. They’re not only easier to recycle, but they’re also better for you and the environment. Both glass and stainless steel are non-toxic materials that can be reused repeatedly.
Chemicals seep from plastic bottles into the water, which can be harmful to your health. You can decrease your exposure to these dangerous compounds by utilizing stainless steel or glass containers.
Use a Degradable Scrubber
Dishwashing scrubbers are typically constructed of plastic and might be difficult to recycle. They also tend to harbor bacteria, which can be dangerous if you don’t clean them properly.
Use a natural sponge or brush made from bamboo, wood, or even coconut fiber instead of a standard dishwashing scrubber. These materials are biodegradable and may be composted or recycled, making them a much better alternative to tossing them away in a landfill.
Stop Using Disposable Wipes
Another major type of waste is disposable wipes, which can be difficult to recycle. The majority of wipes are made of plastic and non-biodegradable materials, so they take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill.
Natural dishcloths are an excellent substitute for disposable wipes. They’re created from organic materials like cotton or bamboo that have been composted or repurposed. They’re also a lot less expensive than disposable wipes!
Dishcloths can also be made from discarded towels or sheets. Simply wash them on a regular basis to avoid bacteria growth.
Lower Your Energy Bill
Even when turned off, many appliances and electronics consume energy. This is known as a “phantom load,” or the amount of electricity used by a machine when it is connected in but not in use.
Up to 15% of your home’s energy costs can be attributed to “phantom loads.” You can lower your energy use and save money on your electric bill by unplugging electrical gadgets when not in use.
If you don’t want to unplug everything every time you leave the house, put everything into a power strip and switch it off when you’re not using it. This will eliminate the “phantom load” and allow you to conserve energy.
Reuse and Recycle
Recycling is an excellent approach to reduce waste and find new uses for materials. Most recyclables, such as paper and cardboard packaging, as well as glass jars and bottles, can be dropped off at any local recycling center.
Ditch Plastic Straws
Another common type of plastic trash is plastic straws. They’re also hard to recycle and can leach contaminants into your beverages.
You may lessen your dependency on disposable plastic straws by bringing your own eco-friendly straws. Bamboo, stainless steel, and glass straws are among the environmentally friendly straws available. Biodegradable straws can also be produced from paper, cornstarch, or even edible materials such as seaweed.
Start Living More Eco-Friendly Today
Living a low-waste lifestyle may appear intimidating at first, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the vocabulary or principles, but it does not have to be.
You can divide it down into reasonable steps, just like anything else. And once you get started, it becomes easier and more natural, and you’ll soon be living a waste-free lifestyle without difficulty.