Six Weeks towards Zero Waste

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, 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 sources to remain independent then please;

share this article, or
buy me a coffee on Ko-fi, or
make a one-time donation via Paypal

Week One of Reducing your Footprint

• 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 of Reducing your Footprint

• 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 of Reducing your Footprint

• 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 of Reducing your Footprint

• 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 get some package free in a Zero Waste Store.
• Swap another 2 items on your shopping list to an alternative in compostable / infinitely recyclable packaging, i.e. paper, glass or metal
• Try homemade versions for packaged items you buy frequently, e.g. pizza bases, tortillas, bread, moisturiser, crackers, yoghurt,

Week Fivemof Reducing your Footprint

• 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 of Reducing your Footprint

• 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