36 Mind-Blowing & Easy Ways to Live a Zero Waste Lifestyle
Ready to take your environmental responsibility to the next level? Learn 36 mind-blowing and easy ways to live a zero-waste lifestyle today!
Are you looking to make a more sustainable lifestyle choice? If so, then this blog post is for you! We’ve rounded up 36 mind-blowing ways to live a zero-waste life. From easy switches like reusable water bottles and bamboo toothbrushes to more creative solutions, we’ve got you covered. So if you’re ready to start living waste-free, let’s get started!
Personal Hygiene and Lifestyle:
Use a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one.
Switching to a bamboo toothbrush is an easy and eco-friendly way to reduce your plastic waste. Bamboo toothbrushes are made from sustainable materials and can be composted when you’re done using them.
It takes over 450 years for plastic to degrade, so making the switch to bamboo can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in a landfill. Making the switch to a bamboo toothbrush is an easy step towards living a zero-waste lifestyle.
Invest in a stainless steel or glass straw.
Investing in a stainless steel or glass straw is a great way to start living a zero-waste life. Not only do these straws last virtually a lifetime, but they also look great and are highly durable. Plus, when you use them in public you may even get compliments or questions about your commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
Get Your Hand on Your Eco-Friendly Living Starter Guide!
Bring your own container for beauty products when getting a haircut or salon treatment.
Bringing your own container for beauty products when getting a haircut or salon treatment is a great way to live a zero-waste life! Not only is it much more convenient, but it also helps to reduce the amount of waste generated from single-use packaging.
Plus, you can rest assured that you are using only the best quality products with ingredients that are safe for you and the environment. Plus, it’s an easy way to show your commitment to sustainability and help make a change for the better. So go ahead, bring your own container and join the zero-waste movement today!
Use a hand-pump dispenser for soap instead of single-use plastic bottles.
A great way to reduce your use of single-use plastic bottles is to switch to a hand-pump dispenser for your soap. It’s a simple switch that can make a big difference. Not only will you be using less plastic, but you’ll also be able to refill the bottle when it runs out, instead of buying a new one. So, go ahead and make the switch today and start living a more sustainable lifestyle!
Use a reusable, rechargeable electronic razor instead of disposable razors.
Switching to a reusable, rechargeable electric razor is a great way to join the zero waste movement! This type of razor will save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to keep buying disposable blades, and it will also help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
The electric razor is easy to use, and it gives you an incredibly smooth shave. There are also eco-friendly versions available, so you don’t have to worry about them being bad for the environment.
Invest in a high-quality, long-lasting razor instead of disposable razors.
Investing in a high-quality, long-lasting razor instead of disposable razors is a great way to help you lead a zero-waste lifestyle. Safety razors, electric razors and other sustainable razors provide a smooth shave while being more environmentally friendly. Although there is an upfront investment, in the long run you will save money and help reduce single-use plastics.
Use a reusable, washable makeup remover pad instead of disposable cotton pads.
If you’re looking for an easy way to start living a more sustainable, zero-waste life, switching to reusable makeup remover pads is a great option! Unlike single-use wipes, reusable pads are larger, more versatile, and more cost-effective.
Plus, they’re made with natural and organic materials, so you can feel good about the product you’re using. And, they last for months, so you don’t have to worry about the environmental impacts of constantly buying disposable wipes.
Use a reusable, washable, and biodegradable sponge instead of disposable plastic sponges.
Living a zero-waste life doesn’t mean you have to give up the comforts of home. You can still have a spotless kitchen while being eco-friendly! Instead of using disposable plastic sponges, switch to a washable, reusable and biodegradable sponge.
Not only are these sustainable sponges more durable and economical in the long run, but they are also gentler on the environment. So, say goodbye to wasteful plastic sponges and hello to a more sustainable, zero-waste way of living! A brand we enjoy using at home is from Helping Mother Earth Out, their Natural Sponge is one of the few that was great for our pots and bathroom.
Use reusable menstrual products.
Switching to a reusable menstrual product like the DivaCup can be a great way to reduce your environmental impact and live a zero-waste life. Not only can one DivaCup last you up to 10 years, but it also has the potential to save you money in the long run. Plus, it’s easy to use and comfortable – no more worrying about leaks or uncomfortable tampons or pads!
Use a handkerchief instead of tissues.
Going old school by using a handkerchief instead of tissues is a great way to live a zero-waste life! This is a simple switch that can help you make a positive environmental impact. Instead of throwing away tissue boxes and adding to the landfills, you can use a handkerchief instead.
Not to mention that they are much more stylish and come in many different colors and patterns. So why not go old school and explore the world of handkerchiefs?
Make your own beauty products with natural ingredients.
Living a zero-waste life doesn’t mean you have to give up the beauty products you love! You can make your own variety of beauty products with natural ingredients and can create a green beauty routine that reduces waste and uses fewer toxic ingredients. Plus, making your own beauty products can help you save time and money while enjoying a more sustainable lifestyle.
Food and Kitchen:
Say no to single-use packaging, such as plastic wrap or foam packaging.
Say no to single-use packaging and help the environment at the same time! You can make a huge difference by making small changes, like replacing plastic wrap and foam packaging with reusable containers and bags.
Japan is a great example of how shifting away from single-use plastic bags can make a positive difference. And with California’s new law requiring all packaging to be recyclable or compostable, it’s the perfect time to commit to saying no to single-use packaging. Let’s do our part to help the planet!
Bring your own container for take-out food.
If you’re trying to live a zero-waste life, bring your own container when you order take-out food! You can bring your own reusable lunch box, and if your company doesn’t use compostable utensils, bring your own SelfEco compostable cutlery!
Not only is this one of the easiest and most powerful actions you can take to save money and lower your climate change impact, it also reduces food packaging. Plus, some businesses will even give you a discount on your coffee for bringing your own mug. So don’t be afraid to walk in proud of your container – own it! If you seem so confident, they won’t even question it – they’ll just go with the flow.
Use a reusable beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap for food storage.
If you’re looking to live a zero-waste lifestyle, one of the easiest swaps to make is to replace plastic wrap with reusable beeswax wraps. These wraps are a great sustainable option because they are made of beeswax and cotton cloth, making them compostable and reusable for up to a year!
Not only do these wraps help you reduce your plastic waste, but they’ll also keep your food fresh and help you save money in the long run. So get ready to join the zero-waste revolution and give beeswax wraps a try!
Use a laundry detergent in a cardboard box instead of a plastic bottle.
Living a zero-waste life doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience. In fact, you can easily reduce plastic waste with simple changes, like using a laundry detergent in a cardboard box instead of a plastic bottle.
Dropping plastic waste even further is easy with biodegradable packaging like Dropps, that uses fully compostable, recyclable, and FSC-certified cardboard boxes. And, since glass recycling is a closed-loop system, you won’t be creating any additional waste or by-products when you switch to a green glass bottle. So, make the switch today and start taking steps towards a zero-waste lifestyle!
Shop for bulk food items and bring your own containers to fill up.
Shopping for bulk food items and bringing your own containers to fill up is a great way to reduce waste and live a zero-waste lifestyle. You can gather up your mason jars, cloth bags, and reusable containers and choose to shop in bulk.
Not only will you save money by purchasing fresh food instead of packaged, but you’ll also be helping the environment by reducing single-use packaging. Many stores allow you to bring your own containers, so don’t forget to bring them with you when you go out. Plus, you can also take advantage of your city’s compost pickup service to help even further!
Make your own cleaning products using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, castille soap and lemon juice.
Living a zero-waste life is easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own cleaning products that are both eco-friendly and effective.
For example you can create an all-purpose cleaner by mixing two cups of water with two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, half a teaspoon of Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap, and a tablespoon of baking soda. With natural cleaners, you’ll be on your way to a clean and zero-waste home!
Compost food scraps and yard waste.
Composting is a great way to recycle the organic waste we generate at home, and it helps to conserve valuable landfill space. It’s also a great way to harvest crops with natural fertilizer and reduce our contribution to greenhouse gases.
To get started, make sure to keep food and kitchen scraps, garden waste, and recyclables separate. Then layer your compost bin with the different materials, and you’ll have nutrient-rich soil before you know it. Composting is a win-win for everyone!
Use a reusable water bottle and filter instead of buying plastic bottles.
In your efforts to live a zero-waste life, using a reusable water bottle and filter is a great way to reduce plastic waste. Not only do reusable water bottles help to eliminate single-use plastic waste, but they also have a cost and environmental benefits.
Rather than buying new plastic water bottles every time you’re thirsty, you can just fill up your reusable bottle with filtered water and go. Plus, you can find all sorts of stylish and cool designs that make carrying your own water bottle even more fun. So ditch the plastic and get yourself a reusable water bottle with a filter today – your wallet and the planet will thank you!
Plant a garden and grow your own fruits and vegetables.
Planting a garden and growing your own food is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and get the freshest produce available. Start by researching permaculture gardening, which teaches you how to grow food sustainably and with minimal resources. You don’t need a vast amount of land either.
Many vegetables can be grown in pots and containers, even in small spaces. Investing in some good composted soil is also a great way to give your garden the nutrients it needs to thrive. With a little effort, you’ll be harvesting your own delicious fruits and vegetables in no time!
Use a reusable produce bag when buying fruits and vegetables.
One easy way to reduce your waste is by using a reusable produce bag when you buy fruits and veggies. You can get woven mesh or net bags which are perfect for this purpose and help reduce pollution and the harm caused to wildlife that become entangled and/or ingest plastic.
Plus, you don’t have to put a handful of apples or a head of cabbage in a bag – just carry them as they are! So start reducing waste today and get yourself some reusable produce bags!
Home and Clothes:
Repair your clothing and household items.
To live a zero-waste life, why not try repairing and repurposing your clothing and household items instead of buying new ones? It’s a fantastic way to be creative and create something genuinely one-of-a-kind. You can make your old clothes appear fresh again by repairing, patching, and dyeing them.
You may also recycle household things like old jars and containers to store food or make decorations. Not only will you be saving trash, but you will also be able to demonstrate your creative abilities!
Use a reusable, washable coffee filter.
Replace paper filters with reusable and washable coffee filters. It’s a terrific way to lessen your environmental footprint while still enjoying your favorite cup of coffee. Plus, you won’t run out of paper filters again; simply wash the filter and you’re ready to go. So, start your day with a good cup of coffee and help the environment at the same time.
Use a reusable, washable air filter in your home instead of disposable ones.
Using a reusable, washable air filter in your home instead of disposable ones will not only save money in the long run, but you can also rest assured knowing that your filter can last a long time if you take care of it properly. Plus, a dirty or restrictive air filter can force your HVAC fan to work extra hard, so it’s important to regularly clean and replace your reusable filter when necessary.
Use cloth shopping bags instead of paper or plastic bags.
As part of our efforts to live a more zero-waste life, let’s look at our shopping bags! We all know that plastic bags take a whopping 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill, and many countries have already taken action by banning their use of them.
So instead of relying on paper or plastic bags, why not opt for reusable cloth bags instead? Using cloth bags not only helps to reduce our environmental footprint but also enhances the economy by increasing employment and business for reusable bag manufacturers.
So next time you’re out shopping, make sure to bring your own reusable bag and set an example for others to follow!
Use cloth napkins and towels instead of paper products.
One way to do this is by using reusable cloth napkins and towels instead of paper products such as paper towels. Instead of reaching for the paper towel roll every time you need to clean up a spill, opt for a cloth napkin or towel instead. Not only are they more absorbent than traditional paper towels, but they’ll last you much longer too. Not to mention, you’ll be doing your part to reduce your impact on the environment!
Buy used items instead of new ones.
Shopping secondhand gives items a new lease on life. Plus it supports the concept of minimalism, where you only purchase items that are necessary and provide real value. And when you do buy something new, make sure to recycle it when you’re done with it. So go ahead, start shopping used and help create a circular economy that mimics nature!
Use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.
Using cloth diapers instead of disposable ones is an excellent place to start! Not only is it more cost-effective, but it’s also more sustainable and convenient. Cloth diapers come in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs, so you can make your baby’s diaper look as stylish as you want.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about any blowouts like you would with a disposable diaper. And if you just can’t seem to make the switch, you can always try replacing 30% of your disposable diapers with cloth.
Every little bit counts! And when it comes to wipes, you should opt for reusable washcloths instead of disposable wipes in order to reduce your waste even further.
Use a reusable, washable produce bags for your fruits and vegetables instead of disposable plastic bags.
An easy step is to replace your plastic bags with reusable, washable produce bags for your fruits and vegetables. These bags are more durable and easier to clean than disposable plastic bags, plus they’re better for the environment.
Plus, you can even find mesh bags that are perfect for loose items like salad leaves, bread rolls, and more. And if you really want to go the extra mile, you can bring your own cloth bags to use as reusable produce bags! It’s an easy way to reduce your plastic waste without spending any money.
Transportation and Consumption:
Use public transportation, bike, or walk instead of driving.
Instead of driving, why not take public transportation, ride a bike, or just walk?
Public transportation is a great option if you don’t want to deal with parking or traffic. Plus, you’ll get to your destination quicker and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
Biking is also a great alternative when you don’t want to be stuck in traffic. You’ll get a good workout and save money on gas too! And if you don’t feel like using any of these options, why not just walk? You’ll get some fresh air and much-needed exercise while enjoying the scenery around you.
No matter what choice you make, you’ll be helping the environment and our planet. So why not give one of these options a try? You’ll be glad you did!
Support companies that use sustainable packaging and materials.
You should try to support companies that use sustainable packaging and materials. You should also look for companies that offer returns programs for empty product containers. Not only is this great for the environment, but it will also help you save money.
By shopping from companies that use sustainable packaging and materials, you can help make a big difference in reducing the amount of waste we produce.
Bring your own reusable bags, cups, and containers when shopping and dining out.
Make sure to bring your own reusable bags, cups, and containers when shopping and dining out. Whether you’re shopping for groceries or picking up take-out, take your own bags and containers so you don’t need to use plastic.
You can also bring reusable coffee mugs, to-go containers, and even beeswax wraps to restaurants. This way, you’ll always have your essentials on hand.
Say no to disposable straws and utensils.
Reusable items are much better for the environment, and you can even find items like reusable straws and utensils that match your style. If you’re dining out and are offered disposable straws and utensils, politely decline and opt for a glass or your own reusable items instead.
You can also look for restaurants that offer reusable dishware and utensils over single-use plastics. Additionally, try to avoid unnecessary packaging and junk mail, and opt for paperless bills to help reduce the amount of waste you generate.
Bring your own coffee cup to the coffee shop.
One way to reduce your waste while still enjoying your morning cup of Joe is to bring your own coffee cup to the coffee shop! Not only are you being environmentally conscious, you may even get a discount for bringing your own mug.
Knowing where to go with your reusables is important, so be sure to do some research on local cafes that offer discounts for reusable cups and containers. Once you find the perfect spot, don’t forget to bring your own bag to store your coffee grounds in, or even better, compost them!
Use rechargeable batteries.
Rechargeable batteries can be used up to a thousand times before needing replacement, and they’re great for everyday items like TV remotes and tools. In order to ensure safety and proper disposal, it’s important to only use the appropriate charger for your rechargeable batteries, and to recycle them promptly once they no longer hold a charge.
Educate yourself and others on the importance of living a zero waste lifestyle.
When it comes to living a zero waste lifestyle, education is key! Knowing the importance of reducing your environmental impact can help you make more sustainable choices when it comes to transportation and consumption. Educate yourself and others on the simple steps that can be taken to reduce waste and create a better future.
Conclusion
And there you have it! 36 Mind-Blowing Ways to Live a Zero-Waste Life. If even just one of these tips resonated with you, I’d encourage you to give it a try. What could it hurt? The planet will thank you, and so will your wallet in the long run. So go out there and start your zero waste journey today!
