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!
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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
living lightly in ireland 
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!
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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
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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?
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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.
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thank you elaine!
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