Waste is a massive problem in today’s world. Over time, we’ve turned into something of a disposable society. We buy a bottle of water every time we’re out, and we throw the bottle away. We buy a new top every time we go out somewhere nice. We throw socks away and replace them at the first sign of damage. We throw half a meal away when we decide that we fancy something else, without ever thinking about all of the people out there that don’t have a meal in the first place.
We waste things every day. Sometimes, you waste a little of your own time, and nothing terrible happens. But, most of the time, our waste is hurting our planet. It’s leading to higher levels of pollution, overflowing landfills and its hurting animal life. Our seas are filled with plastic, our environment is filled with harmful gases, and our bins are overflowing with household waste. It’s a terrible thing, and for the most part, it’s entirely avoidable.
We don’t need to waste. But, we’ve got into the habit of doing it. We’ve become wasteful without thought. We just do it. Once you’ve taken that first step to realizing just how wasteful you are, and how it’s affecting the world around you, the process of wasting less doesn’t actually have to be that difficult. Here are 11 ways that you can start wasting less in your everyday life.
Buy Reusable Produce Bags
Zero waste stores are popping up all over. Shopping in these stores, or directly from farms and other suppliers is a great way to limit packaging waste. But, to make it easier, it can be worth investing in some good quality reusable produce bags to help you to get what you need, take it home safely and keep it tidy in your cupboards.
Collect Totes
Plastic shopping bags are terribly wasteful. They don’t last, so it’s hard to reuse them even if you wanted to. Instead, collect a few canvas tote bags in different sizes and keep a few in your bag and car, so you never need to ask for a plastic bag.
Find a Good Water Bottle
Plastic water bottles are another massive waste. Buying drinks out is a waste of plastic, and money and they’re not usually good for you (even the ones that claim they are). Invest in a good water bottle that will last, and start carrying tap water around with you.
Meal Plan
Food waste is prevalent but entirely unnecessary. Start meal planning and writing shopping lists to make sure that you only buy what you need.
Use Your Freezer
If you have got leftovers, even after planning, freeze them. If food is close to its use by date, freeze it. Buy in bulk to save money and freeze what you don’t need. In your fight against waste, your freezer can be a valuable asset.
Learn to Sew
As can a sewing needle and some thread. Being able to fix small holes in clothes and upholstery, and sew on a button can mean that your clothes last a lot longer, and need replacing more often.
Buy Less
Buying less in the first place means that there is less for you to waste. Buy only what you need. Spend a month trying to spend as little money as possible, just buying absolute essentials, to try to get into the right habits.
Eat a Packed Lunch
How much money do you spend each year on lunches? Work it out, and you’ll be horrified. Start taking a packed lunch to work, and you’ll be helping to waste less food, packaging, and money. Use a reusable lunch box, and it’s even less wasteful.
Make and Grow Your Own
Grow your own vegetables and fruit and make meals from scratch and you’ll only ever pick what you need. You’ll also be less likely to waste things that you’ve put effort into creating. You can also make things like gift cards to cut your waste.
Stop Printing
In today’s world, where most things can be saved onto the cloud and accessed on iPads and smartphones, there’s rarely a need to print anything out. If you do need to print something, make sure you do it double-sided to use half the paper.
Use Cloth instead of Paper
We use paper towels to wipe up spills. We also use disposable nappies and wipes. Switch to cloth, and you’ll waste much less. It can seem strange to start with, but you’ll soon get used to washing and reusing. Try going back to an old fashioned cotton hanky while you are at it.
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