Becoming a Zero Waster can seem like a daunting task but breaking it down into steps and tackling just a few a week can get you where you want to be relatively painlessly. Here is a short list of steps inspired by my own journey towards Zero Waste. Every Zero Waster’s list will be different so don’t take this as gospel; it’s just meant as a guide. If you really don’t want to do one of the steps that’s cool, everyone’s journey is different, don’t worry and carry on!
Nothing mentioned in this article has been sponsored. It’s all just my own personal opinion. If you like your bloggers to remain independent then please;
share this article, or
buy me a coffee on Ko-fi, or
make a small monthly donation via Patreon. or
with a one-time donation via Paypal
Week One
- Switch to a reusable water bottle / coffee cup – read my article on choosing the right reusable cup and then visit the Zero Waste Facebook Group for brand suggestions
- Switch to unwrapped fruit and veg – see my Map of Eco Businesses to find package free in your area.
- Switch to unwrapped bread – check my List of Reusable e-tailers for cotton produce bags
- Swap 2 items on your shopping list to an alternative in compostable / infinitely recyclable packaging, i.e. i.e. paper, glass or metal
Week Two
- Switch to brands that offer refills where possible, e.g. washing up liquid, laundry liquid, olive oil – check out my Map of Eco-businesses to find one close to you
- Trial vinegar, water and bicarbonate of soda as cleaning products – check out my article on Sustainable Ethical Cleaning for ideas.
- Buy a wooden dish brush to replace your plastic one when it’s worn out
- Swap another 2 items on your shopping list to an alternative in compostable / infinitely recyclable packaging, i.e. paper, glass or metal
Week Three
- Buy cold meats / cheese from a deli that lets you use your own containers
- Buy meat from a butcher that will allow you to use your own containers
- Cover food in the fridge with plates instead of cling film / foil
- Swap another 2 items on your shopping list to an alternative in compostable / infinitely recyclable packaging, i.e. paper, glass or metal
Week Four
- Replace liquid soap for an unwrapped bar of soap, or try making your own liquid soap
- Replace shower gel with an unwrapped bar of soap or your home-made liquid soap
- Swap another 2 items on your shopping list to an alternative in compostable / infinitely recyclable packaging, i.e. paper, glass or metal
- Find an easy recipe for one item you buy frequently, e.g. pizza bases, tortillas, bread, moisturiser, crackers, yoghurt,
Week Five
- Trial replacing your shampoo with an unwrapped shampoo bar or a shampoo brand that does refills.
- Trial a vinegar rinse instead of hair conditioner
- Buy a wooden toothbrush / or recyclable toothbrush heads to replace your plastic one when it’s worn out
- Buy a loofah or cotton facecloth to replace your plastic bathroom scrub if you use one
Week Six
- Switch from cotton pads to a cotton face cloth or reusable cotton pads
- Switch from paper towels to a reusable cotton cloth for cleaning
- Read my article on Why Recycling isn’t the Answer and sign petitions that support a low-waste way of living.
- Share this article with a list of the changes you’ve made.
- Pause, take stock and give yourself a pat on the back for all you’ve achieved!
E
Hi, where do you get your olive oil refilled? -and around how much does it cost?
We are using 5l cans at the moment, but refills would be a better solution!
LikeLike
There’s a guy that sells Olive Oil in the Dublin Food Coop that will refill any bottle. I think it’s 11.50 per litre of extra virgin
LikeLike
wow, this is very helpful. i’ll keep this article safe so i can return to it often. thanks for all the tips! do you have any more articles about the subject?
LikeLike
Hi Nicia. Thanks for the likes and the comments. I post bits and pieces about Zero Waste from time to time. If you search for the keyword ‘zero waste’ it should pop up. A great resource is the Zero Waste Hereos Facebook group. There are people from all over the world on it and it’s full of great ideas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you elaine!
LikeLike