Choosing to live a more sustainable life can start right now. You don't have to do a ton of planning or much investing to begin to reduce the waste in your home and in your life.
Here are 6 Small Ways to Reduce Your Waste Right Now:
- Use a Reusable Cup: I know it was hard with Covid, but we are back to being able to use a reusable cup at most places! This includes water bottles while on campus or in the office, and also coffee cups. I love my Kleen Kanteen to go cups but you also probably have something at home already (or the thrift store).
- Compost Your Scraps: You may have seen a compost station at your local farmer's market or through your government! This is an easy thing for you to jump in on. Stop throwing away your fruit and veggie scraps and instead store them in the freezer to later drop off at your local compost station.
- Bring Your Own Silverware: You can easily keep a spoon, fork, and reusable straw in your bag for on the go. This way you won't have to use a disposable option when you are eating out and about. I love using our Reusable Straw Pouches that comes with two straws and a straw cleaner nicely tucked in a pouch made from upcycled fabric!
- Choose Secondhand: When you can, choose secondhand (wow, what a rhyme!). This goes for almost anything but especially clothing and furniture. Choosing to buy something secondhand instead of new makes such a big impact on the environment. With so many "things" already out there, the more we can encourage production to slow, the better. If you are looking to buy secondhand clothing online, you can read about the 4 Online Thrift Stores You'll Fall In Love With!
- Mend What You Have: Many things have a longer lifespan than we would like to admit. Just because something has a hole in it, doesn't mean it's done. Give mending a try to help your clothes live a longer life! You can also upcycle furniture and other pieces for a new purpose instead of tossing them in the dumpster.
- Do a Trash Audit: One of the first things I did when I switched to a low waste lifestyle was a trash audit. This is a great way to see what trash you are producing the most of and slowing turn to reusable or lower waste alternatives. For me, that was paper towels, swiffer pads, and cotton wipes. This is why I created products that helped me, and YOU, reduce these things. Switching to Reusable Paper Towels, Reusable Duster Pads, and Reusable Cotton Rounds has been a huge waste (and cost) saver.
Choosing a sustainable lifestyle shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg, often times it should save you money! You don't need new items to reduce your waste, often times you can use what you already have or slowly invest in smart alternatives.