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December 4, 2022

A Zero-Waste Policy in Your Home — 8 Ways to Achieve It

Photo by Sarah Chai on Pexels.

It would be wrong to conclude that a waste-free home is impossible before you even give it a try.

Granted, it is no child’s play, but that doesn’t make it impossible. A waste-free home is not only good for your health, but it is also good for the environment.

It means that you get to care for yourself and other people at the same, which is a good and normal thing to do. If you are curious about this journey, let us share some tips with you to equip you and help you fast-track your commitment to stamping out the waste in your home.

Only the Necessary and Needed

Some parents are quick to say, “we’ll use this later,” but end up using it never. This is a culture we should be disciplined to avoid. If you don’t need it, then don’t buy it or even collect it for free. Whether it’s a freebie or a paid product, a flyer, or a party pack, only take what is necessary and needed. Remember that this has to be done consciously.

Let Go of What Is Not in Use

There is someone out there that is willing to pay for over half of the stuff you are not using or give you something else in return. So why don’t you just sell or swap them? List them on free platforms and sell or swap them so as to free up some space. For those dresses you’ve outgrown, give them out. Once you’ve outgrown that size, it is of no use storing them.

Empty Your Trash Can

It is healthy to take out your trash early. It also makes you a very organized person. Oftentimes, we fall into the trap of procrastination and we shift some things till later, then end up doing nothing at the end of the day. If it is a small task, the ideal time to do it is now. When it comes to taking out the trash, do it immediately.

Reusing Is Not as Bad as We Make It Seem

It is actually good to still reuse things as long as they can still serve you. While it is safe to buy in excess just so we are covered on rainy days, it is not a totally good idea. Instead, have a life span for everything. Keep reusing your household items until they hit that time threshold. Then, you can change it and get new ones then, not before.

Doing Your Own Cooking Is Not a Bad Idea

Aside from the fact that it is more hygienic, it is also less wasteful. There is less packaging and fewer unhealthy ingredients in your food. You get to save cash, save the environment, and are less wasteful with food. So, plan your meals and create a diet that works for you. You can also decide to buy some food items in bulk. That way, you would avoid extra packaging.

Green Outfits

Now, this one is a bit tricky, but it is a good and healthy thing to do. There are outfits made out of green products, and they are highly reusable. From bags to dresses and shirts, etc. The good part is that they are not so expensive. So the next time you go out shopping, look out for green outfits in the market.

Recycle

This already goes without saying, but, it is a great idea to recycle. Recycling keeps everything in circulation and saves costs. Zero waste starts with small changes, not necessarily the big stuff. Use a storage bin setup to create a successful home recycling program. We advise that you locate the bins in your garage. You should cover the lids if you use an open carport so as to secure the contents from pests and wind. Once this system is set up, recycling is easy!

Get Picky with Products

Only purchase products with the highest percentage of “post-consumer” recycled content. There are two types of recycled materials used in manufacturing products and packaging. The first is ‘Pre-Consumer’ which is often referred to as mill scraps recycled internally at manufacturing plants. While the second, and the one you should opt for, is ‘Post-Consumer.’ This is material returned by consumers, through recycling programs, to the manufacturing process.

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