40 Tips For Starting And Keeping A Zero-Waste Lifestyle
By Navkiran K April 18, 2023

This article was originally published on healthandwellnesnews
It may be cliche, but the phrase “every little bit counts” is very much true. And this is especially true when making changes to save the planet, we could all stand to do our part. But let’s face the reality that sometimes it can be hard to know where to start or what kind of impact our individual efforts can really make. Luckily, there are many easy ways we can all help make the world a little bit greener — and some of them might surprise you! All you have to do is make wise choices to reduce your carbon footprint. You won’t even need to compromise comfort! Even the most minor considerate step towards environmentally-friendly living can help. Keep reading for sustainable hacks that will help you on your journey for a more eco-friendly and zero-waste life.1. Multipurpose drive
Going on a drive is great for the mind’s relaxation. However, mindlessly driving around adds to environmental pollution. And with the rising gas prices, you may not have the luxury to just take a drive whenever you feel like it. Why not use one trip for multiple purposes?
2. Treat leaking taps ASAP
Clean water is a luxury not everyone can afford, so those with unrestricted access should be appreciative of what they have. Part of showing appreciation is not wasting water. If you have leaky taps around the house, it’s time to call your plumber to fix it.
3. Sustainable reading
Bookworms may get into the habit of collecting books, accumulating enough to fill several bookshelves over time. Although there is nothing like the feel and smell of a new book, it’s not sustainable to buy new books every time you want to read something.
4. Read natural living blogs
Speaking of reading, why not give your mind something constructive to think about? Reading natural living and sustainability blogs can help us develop a sense of awe and intrigue. Taking inspiration from others may just be the key to sustainable living.
5. Try recycled toilet paper
One thing every household needs is toilet paper. Even if you’re on your zero waste journey, you’ll still need something in the bathroom. Bidets have been suggested as an eco-friendly alternative, but not everyone is comfortable with them. Instead, try recycled toilet paper.
6. Turn down the degrees of the water heater
Did you know that you can adjust the temperature of your boiler? You might think it’s too small of a change, but it will actually benefit the environment. By reducing the temperature a little, you’ll be able to avoid mineral deposits and water heater tank corrosion.
7. Drink organic coffee
For most people, the go-to beverage is coffee. One cup a day doesn’t seem like much, but when you tally it together, they add up. Like many things in our daily lives, we don’t think about all the steps in between coffee beans and our morning cup of joe. Try switching to organic coffee as part of your daily routine.
8. Choose reusable bags
Cloth bogs are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, even those not actively seeking a zero-waste lifestyle. However, some people still choose to use disposable bags, despite countries moving to ban them or add an additional fee. Using plastic bags might not seem like a big deal, but plastic pollution is devastating to the environment.
9. Make your own cleaning solution
Even if you’re not a fan of house chores, we all need to do it at some point. Next time it’s your turn to clean the house, try using a homemade cleaner instead of the traditional cleaning products that are more expensive and contain dangerous chemicals.
10. Swtich to soap bars
Everyone has a shower regimen and usually a preferred brand of shampoo. But those expensive bottles don’t just take a toll on the environment, but your hair as well. The chemicals in these products strip your hair of natural oils, causing it to lose its natural shine and gloss.
11. Save scrap paper
Paper is necessary at home, in the office, at school, and practically everywhere. Even in the digital age, we still accumulate some scrap paper. Before you toss it in the recycling, set it aside; that paper could still be useful.
12. Use cold water for laundry
Washing clothes, unfortunately, releases microfibers into the water that then finds their way to the ocean and even drinking water. There are microfiber filters available, but they are expensive and don’t fit in every home. Use cold water next time you do laundry.
13. Menstrual cups
Switching to menstrual cups is great for that time of the month. They’re available in numerous sizes, so every girl is sure to find one that is the perfect fit for her needs. They are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and overall healthier for your body.
14. Dry clothes on a clothesline
You may have observed your grandmother hanging clothes to dry on the clothesline when you were kids. However, as technology progressed, clothes dryers became a staple in every household. But clothing lines are not outdated and still doable in most places.
15. Store rainwater for gardening and houseplants
Collecting rainwater and using it to water houseplants is a fantastic idea. This is environment friendly, and plants love it too! You may build rainwater harvesting tanks to collect the water and use it later. These can be built on roofs and backyards.
16. Replace your light bulbs with energy-saving ones
Energy-saving bulbs are slowly taking over the market, replacing the usual incandescent, halogen, and CFL light bulbs. Energy-saving bulbs aid in energy conservation and lower monthly utility expenditures. LED lights are also suited for use in cold and low-temperature environments.
17. Try doing “Sustainability films and chill”
You’ve undoubtedly heard of “Netflix and chill,” but try doing “sustainability films and chill” to keep up with the go green initiative. Cinema can be influential in saving the planet from man-made disasters. They may not be as amusing as a Rom-Com, but the lessons learned are invaluable.
18. Use cloth diapers instead
Diapers are an essential element of child-rearing. Disposable diapers have unquestionably aided millions of families and made the lives of many parents simpler. However, with all the diapers babies go through, it takes a huge toll on the environment. Cloth diapers are a great eco-friendly alternative.
19. Support farmers’ markets
Shop locally for your produce. Fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets nourish your family and the environment. Because it’s grown locally, there is less pollution when these items are brought from the farm to the market. And it’s less plastic packaging, too!
20. Do backyard gardening
For those who enjoy gardening, doing so in your own backyard may be a lot of fun while also being environmentally friendly. You can cultivate your own vegetables, which is perfect for those seeking organic produce. You control what goes on and into your food in a backyard garden.
21. Reuse old glass jars as containers
Glass jars come in a variety of shapes and sizes; this means that you can find a jar to perfectly suit your needs no matter what. You can use them for air fresheners, herb sorting, vegetable storage, drink containers, and more.
22. Use eco-friendly gift wrap paper
Glittering, metallic, and glossy papers contain plastic, which means that they can’t be recycled. This is just one more source of plastic pollution that we can easily get rid of. Switch to wrapping paper made of recycled materials to disguise your gifts.
23. Do your home energy assessment
Homeowners can use a home energy audit to determine their domestic usage and energy flow. An energy auditor can determine where your home is wasting the most energy and give recommendations for energy-saving measures that will help you save money on your electricity bills.
24. Replace old appliances with an energy-saving one
Energy-efficient appliances will help lower energy expenses while also reducing energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions. When you replace obsolete appliances with more environmentally friendly models, you may save up to 20% on your utility expenses. How great is that?
25. Unplugging not in use devices
We live in a time where electricity is in continual need. We frequently hear people offering suggestions on how to preserve electricity. It may seem daunting, but you can start with baby steps. The first step is to unplug any gadgets that are not in use.
26. Pay your bills online
We all have bills to pay. If it feels like you’re overwhelmed by the amount of paper you have from your own home, imagine how much is used worldwide. Paying bills online saves paper as well as household clutter. You can easily organize your essential documents on your PC rather than crumpled folders.
27. Turn your kid’s artwork into something creative
It’s no secret that kids like creating art and sharing their work. But is it beginning to take over your home? Don’t worry; you can turn it into something charming as well. All you need is a little imagination and some creativity to get started.
28. Visit local restaurants more often
Just like shopping at a farmers’ market, eating at restaurants with locally sourced food cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions normally spent transporting food from the farm to the kitchen. And with fresher ingredients, the food will retain its flavor and nutritional value.
29. Purchase a reusable water bottle
Excessive use of plastic and plastic garbage has been one of the top environmental concerns. One way to reduce your impact is to switch to a reusable water bottle. And Mother Nature isn’t the only one who benefits from this switch…
30. Expand your knowledge about other cultures
Not only is it important to understand diverse cultures, but it also encourages peaceful cohabitation. Every country has its own recipe, and the world is a never-ending cookbook. Besides, trying a country’s local cuisine is a great way to learn about its culture.
31. Use a waste cloth for cleaning
Hundreds of millions of pounds of garbage wind up in landfills each year. On top of that, piles of waste end up in the seas and forests. But no matter where it ends up, the source is the same: household and commercial waste.
32. DIY compost bin
Composting is one of the best ways to reduce landfill clutter and greenhouse gas emissions. Composting provides a healthy place for food to break down, with all of the nutrients and access to oxygen needed for the process. Better yet, the end result is perfect for your home garden!
33. Thrifting before buying brand new
Buying brand new items has a larger carbon footprint than you might think. Fast fashion is responsible for an estimated 10% of the global carbon emissions; combined with pollution from manufacturing and the clothing industry is a major source of pollution.
34. Switch off the lights when not in use
To help save electricity and minimize your utility bills, turn off the lights when you leave your room. Moreover, if you have older lights and appliances in the house, they may be adding up more to the bills due to decreased efficiency. Make sure you use them minimally.
35. Choose to walk or cycle
Do you have an errand to run? Take your bike or go on foot. These physical workouts have a plethora of benefits. Cars, as we all know, cause pollution and traffic. You don’t have to worry about releasing harmful greenhouse emissions when you can bike or stroll short distances.
36. Enquire about a renewable energy company
The perks of renewable energy have long been recognized, including cleaner air, lower carbon emissions, natural resource conservation, and significant long-term savings. So why not save money on your electricity bill by installing one? You can go and ask your utility company about it.
37. Try avoiding turning on lights
There are numerous advantages to using natural light. One of the most significant advantages is that it can be used in place of tube lights and other types of lighting during the day. You can open your drapes and curtains to allow the light in.
38. Food swaps
The food swap movement is all about trading rather than buying. A food exchange is meant to be a more personal option to the commercial food market. Things that are portable, non-perishable, unique, and delicious are the best swap items.
39. Put an end to unrequested mail
We all know the frustration of receiving advertisements and spam in the mail. All of these things waste a lot of energy in printing and transportation. What if we could stop them while also conserving energy and resources? This can be very well done by unsubscribing to these mailing lists.
40. Prefer using cloth napkins over paper
When dirty, cloth napkins can be tossed into the washing machine for effortless cleaning. Paper napkins have to be thrown away, resulting in more waste on the planet. So you can tell which is the superior option — a cloth napkin, of course!