Our waste culture is becoming a HUGE problem. We consume without even thinking of where our trash ends up. Just because we don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. The average American produces more than 4.1 pounds of waste daily. Can you believe it? We’re literally filling up our home with garbage, and it stinks! We need to take action and actually do something about our waste culture. We need to become aware of where and how we produce trash. So, today we will talk about some of the simple ways to help you with your waste reduction.
Step 1: Get to Know your Trash
The very first step to waste reduction is to dissect your trashcan. Go ahead and have a look. What do you have in there: anything that isn’t compostable or recyclable is considered trash. So, to begin with, separate everything to see what you’re left with. That is the garbage you produce – that’s what you add to the landfiTherehere really isn’t a way to reduce or manage your w unless you knowest.
Step 2: Compost
Separate your food waste and add it to your compost bin. Learn about how composting works in your neighbourhood or city. If you’re lucky, it gets picked up at your door. In some cities, you may have to take it to a centre. One tip for those in busy towns with small flats: store it in the fridge, so it doesn’t smell. Keep your compost separate and either paper bags or biodegradable ones. In some cities, you can even get away without using any bags!
Step 3: Go Plastic-Free
A lot of our waste comes from food, so once you learn to separate your trash and begin to compost, you’ll realize that you’ve substantially reduced your waste. But if you really want to be on your way to waste reduction, you have to be careful with recycling plastic. The truth is, plastic never breaks down completely, which means it goes into landfills. So a waste-free life really means reducing and even eliminating your plastic consumption. Check out our previous blog on tips and ideas for a plastic-free lifestyle.
Step 4: Say NO to Disposables
A lot of the trash we produce comes from disposable items. If you’ve got a busy lifestyle and are constantly on the go, invest in a nice Food Storage Set that you can take everywhere with you. Make sure your to-go mug, reusable water bottle, and tote bags are always on hand. This is a super simple way toward waste reduction.
Step 5: Less Animal Products
The impact of consuming animal products (meat, eggs and dairy) is massive. If you’re really looking to reduce your waste, you must seriously consider what you eat. Going completely vegan may not be for everyone. But we can all make some changes to our lifestyle. You can try Meatless Monday or be vegan for one day out of the week. The point is to become aware of what you consume. Educate yourself about how the food on your table gets there.
These are some of my simple tips and ideas to help you get started on your waste reduction journey. Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts with us. Let’s clean up and take care of our home.
