Simple Ways to Practice A Zero Waste Lifestyle

When it comes to giving back to the environment, quite literally, even the smallest things make a big difference. While many of us do what we can at home in terms of recycling, being mindful of the products and clothes we purchase (VIPASA’s candles are as close to Zero Waste as we can get them), it’s easy to still go further if you want to fully commit to going green. 

REDUCE - REUSE - RECYLCE

The zero-waste movement is an eco-friendly lifestyle that aims to reduce the amount of waste an individual creates on a daily basis. For starters, why not follow the 5 Simple Zero Waste Rules as a guide?

• Refuse what you do not need

• Reduce what you do need; reconsider just how much stuff you actually need

• Reuse by repurposing stuff, or by using reusable objects like metal straws

• Recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce or reuse

• Rot (compost) the rest

Next, it’s about the simple daily changes you can do:

Start composting (if you don’t already)

This is by far the fastest way to reduce what you send to landfills. If you are blessed with a garden you can compost there too, and your plants will really thank you for it.

‘Hard to recycle’ items can still be recycled 

Examples include batteries, polystyrene, toothpaste tubes, electric toothbrush heads. And look into rechargeable batteries instead of disposables

Always carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup

You can easily save over 100 bottles a year by doing this. Lot more shops are now eco-conscious and they even give discounts to their customers for bringing in their own reusable cups. And who doesn’t like a good discount on that Matcha oat milk latte?

Carry reusable shopping bags

It sounds so obvious, but so many don’t do this. If we just make a habit of carrying a reusable bag in our handbag, it will help our planet so much. Remember, being green and sustainable will also rub off on your friends. Don’t we all like to inspire others?

Think about zero-waste products 

Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush, Or, use bar soap instead of liquid soap, it tends to come with less packaging. We all love a good candle, and then we are left with a lot of jars that even with the best intention is hard to reuse. Look for refillable wax options to reuse your jar.

Eat locally and seasonally

Always have a mindset of “buy near me” as much of your food as possible from your local farmers’ market (many cities have winter markets as well) and locate grocers and bakers in your neighbourhood who buy from local companies.

Eliminate single-use items

Single-use plastics or paper goods like utensils, straws, paper towels, and plastic bottles contribute to the garbage and pollution plaguing our planet.

Remember, a zero-waste lifestyle won’t happen overnight, but the sooner you start, the better.