Six Weeks to Zero Waste – Covid 19 Version

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. I’ve tailored it to suit the strange times we’re in at the moment as some zero waste steps aren’t currently available.

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!

And of course by Zero Waste, we really mean low-waste. The only way to create zero waste is to eat, wear and use only locally grown, harvested compostable items made with solar or wind energy.

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;

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Week One

• Switch to a reusable water bottle / coffee cup – read my article on choosing the right reusable cup and here’s a list of coffee shops currently accepting reusable cups in Ireland
• Switch to unwrapped fruit and veg – see my Map of Eco Businesses to find package free in your area.
• Go through your wardrobe and pick some rarely-worn garments to wear over the week.
• 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

• Cover food in the fridge with plates instead of clingfilm / foil
• Swap another 2 items on your shopping list to an alternative in compostable / infinitely recyclable packaging, i.e. paper, glass or metal
• When eating out aim to only eat in cafes or restaurants that use reusable crockery and cutlery. Don’t worry, reusables are just as safe if not safer than disposables.
• Pick one item in your wardrobe or home that needs to be mended and google how to do it or find a place that can do it for you. You’ll find some tips on my article ‘how to repair stuff‘

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 homemade 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