Zero-waste has been picking up traction for the last few years. Scrolling through Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube, you’ve probably seen many influencers promoting “fancy” ecofriendly items saying that they’re the new must-have item to be more sustainable. But do you really need to empty your wallet to be more sustainable, or can you use some household items that you already have? The answer is yes.
Below are 10 simple swaps!!!
- Bring a reusable waterbottle
You don’t need a fancy stainless steel bottle; pretty much any reusable bottle will work.
- Use tupperware instead of single use plastic/foil
So you might be tempted to pack your sandwich in a bag or some foil, but stop and think for a moment. Do you have any weird square tupperware lying around, that might be able to hold a sandwich?
- Save your plastic ware.
Whether your using it for yourself or the restaurant threw it in your bag with your takeout; save it. Some plasticware like the ones from chipotle are durable and can be used multiple times, even going through the dishwasher. If you happen to hate using plasticware and you somehow find yourself with some, again save it. It can be donated next time you make a trip to your local food bank.
- Reuse ziploc bags.
Yes, those ziploc bags that you may be buying for snacks or to freeze items in the freezer can be used way more than once. Just give it a quick rinse and dry and it’s ready for another day.
- Use the library.
If you are a book lover but find that you only read books once or twice and then lose interest, go to your local library. They have a variety of books you can check out, and if they don’t have one for some reason. You can request them from other libraries through Ohiolink. Even if you are in love with your book collection, still take a trip to your library, they have a surprising amount of free resources that you can use.
- Carry a reusable bag.
Most of you probably have some extra bags lying around. If you don’t, you can make your own using a tshirt. Click here for a simple diy no sew bag. Just carrying one makes a difference. It doesn’t take up much room and you never know when you might need it. Some places even offer a tiny discount if you bring your own bag.
- Save jars and use them for bulk or crafts.
Those jars that you get from the store when you go grocery shopping. Save them. They make great containers for storing bulk items and random knick knacks you may have lying around the house. They also make a fun craft to decorate.
- Buy second hand.
Saw a cute outfit online? See if you can find it second hand. There are many online sites that sell second hand clothes or you can find a thrift shop near you. Remeber, the only person who will know its second hand is you. And buying second hand is not just limited to clothes, pretty much anything can be rebrought.
- Support companies that take back their products.
Many companies are starting to take back their empty product containers. Find companies that do and show them your support. If you are unsure if a company does, feel free to call the store/company or check on TerraCycle. If a company doesn’t take back their products, don’t fret; sometimes other companies will take items that are not theirs. Bareminerals for instance, will take back almost any beauty product container. Just check with the store/company first.
- Use up all your single-use items before investing in new ones!!!!
I know social media posts and ads can tempt you into buying the new latest gadget, but sit down and ask yourself these 3 questions before you buy:
- Do I already have something similar?
- Can I live without this item?
- Will this make me happy if I buy this?
If you already have something similar, use the item until the end of its lifespan before buying something new. Trust me, not only the planet will think you but your wallet will too.
Even though your items may not be as aesthetic as you would like them to be, remember zero-waste is about reducing your environmental footprint as much as possible. You don’t need to have the newest trending items available, you also don’t have to be perfect, everything takes time and it’s okay if you don’t magically go zero-waste overnight. Do what you can, in the moment that you have.
