When people hear the concept of zero waste, it can seem somewhat overwhelming. How can someone not create any rubbish?! But the truth is, for the vast majority of people who try to practice a zero waste lifestyle, it is more like zero waste is something to aim towards by taking a slow step by step journey in the right direction. And that’s ok. It is really about doing your bit to protect our planet. Plus each action you take tends to become a gateway to the next. So it really isn’t as hard as it first sounds!
This post covers alot of different areas, but the point is just for me to share tips and alternative products with you all. I intend for you, my readers, to pick somewhere to begin, and to find new ideas to continue from whatever stage you are already at; the idea is not for anyone to try to take it all on at once! Gradual change is the key to making it feel sustainable and not too overwhelming. This is also by no means a comprehensive list by any stretch of the imagination! There are many, many people far further along the journey than I am, but we can all learn from one another, so I am just sharing what I know!
Here are my ideas for developing a zero waste lifestyle, divided into sections for ease of reference (because I like to be organised!)…
Toiletries
This is the area that I have been working on myself most recently, so I figure it makes sense to start here!
Deoderant
Earth Conscious sell a zero waste natural deoderant that now comes in both tin or stick format. I have only just got mine so too early to comment personally, but reviews on it are great!
Shampoo/ Conditioner
Shampoo bars are the obvious choice for zero waste hair washing. Alternatively, powder is another option. However, if you cannot get on with zero waste shampoo bars or powder, I recommend that you buy a huge bulk size container of shampoo and conditioner so that it needs replacing far less often. You can purchase a smaller reusable pump bottle to make it more practical.
For example, Faith in Nature sell huge 5 litre refills for around £50. If you feel put off by the price for a product you haven’t tried, it is well worth ordering the smaller size versions first then investing in your favourite. They also offer free samples for a small limited number of their products, so you can try before you buy that way too. I realise this may sound like it defeats the point of choosing zero waste items somewhat, but it is really about looking at the bigger picture and thinking ahead. Other brands probably have bulk size versions too, if you look into it and find any others, do let me know in comments.
As for conditioner, I have written before about natural hair conditioners. Although these are not actually zero waste ideas as such, they are items that can be used for a range of purposes and again can usually be purchased in much larger sizes so this helps to drastically reduce waste.
Soap
There are a wide range of beautiful, often handmade, natural soaps available that are sold without packaging (or minimal, recycled packaging) so produce little to no waste. If you prefer liquid handwash, again I recommend buying in bulk to reduce waste. You can also make your own handmade soap.
Facewash/ Scrub
I totally recommend you make your own! There are some fab DIY recipes around if you google. I made a great coffee scrub last year. Alternatively, there are various eco conscious independents and other brands who ensure their packaging is minimal and environmentally- friendly. (And remember to check for no microbeads too!)
Toothbrush
Go for a bamboo toothbrush. Most come in fully recyclable minimal packaging and the toothbrush is biodegradable. I have one from Save Some Green.Â
Cleaning
Alot of people buy many different types of cleaning products for all different purposes, which immediately creates far more waste. So my first bit of advice is try to simplify!
Cloths/ Wipes/ Scrub pads
Opt for resuable versions made from sustainable natural materials, such as bamboo, hemp or organic cotton cloths and wipes, and coconut hair scrub pads for example.
Multi – Purpose Cleaner
I recommend making your own DIY version if possible. We tend to use vinegar solution. Otherwise choose an eco-friendly brand in the largest size possible that covers a range of uses.
Washing up Liquid
Again my best advice is to select one that lasts longer so less waste!
Laundry
I was sent this fab soapnut starter pack from Living Naturally, which I have used for my most recent washes (probably about 4 loads now of various items). I am really impressed at how effective they are; in my opinion, they leave clothes just as clean and fresh as regular detergent! Not only are they natural and zero waste but they also work out much cheaper too, so this is a very cost effective way to do laundry as well as protecting the environment. Do give them a try and tell me what you think!
Menstruation
Ok, so granted this isn’t relevant to everyone but menstruation products can cause alot of waste so this is an important one! There are various reusable products, so you will most likey find that there is something to suit everyone that needs them. Earthwise Girls are my go to site for this, since they stock a good range of items to choose from. Personally, I mainly use a cup but also have reusable tampons, period pants and cloth pads too so that I can go with the flow. (Get it?! Sorry, excuse the pun!!!)
Eco Fluffy Mama has written alot on this subject and offers great advice.
Food and Drink
This is a huge area. There are so many different aspects and I doubt very much that I have covered even the majority of them in this post, but here goes…
Groceries Shopping
First things first; take your reusable bags along! Or use cardboard crates instead, which is what we do as we find that easier.
Choose items with minimal and recyclable packaging wherever possible. Aiming for a fresh raw food diet, rather than buying convenience goods, is not only good for your health, but better for the environment too. Fruit and veg, for example, do not need plastic wrappers! Of course, I totally understand this might be ideal but is not always realistic for many – but it is, at the very least, just something to consider when doing your shop. Buying bigger versions of long lasting cupboard food also saves on some packaging too.
Food Waste
Try not to buy more than you will eat, freeze if applicable so it lasts longer and my favourite for fruit and veg – make it into a smoothie and drink it up!
Storage/ Lunchboxes/ Picnics
There are lots of durable, practical ways to store food without causing waste. Mason jars, glass or metal containers, resuable sandwich bags and washable beeswax wraps (to replace clingfilm) are all good options. For snacks on the go, carry around reusable cutlery, made from bamboo or similar. Plus carry washable cloths rather than wipes in your bag too.
Drinks
Use a resuable cup or flask, and water bottle for drinks on the go. And ditch the plastic straws, opt for eco- friendly alternatives instead if you can’t do without!
Other
Did you know? Aluminium foil is not rubbish; scrunch it into a ball and throw it into your recycling pile!
Further Reading
There are lots of great blogs, articles and books about this subject, but here is just a small selection…
Eco Fluffy Mama green living blog
12 Ways To Cut Your Waste by Grow Eat Gift
Zero Waste Guide by Earthwise Girls
Rethink Your Rubbish by PinkOddy
Last but not least…
To celebrate Zero Waste Week, I have a fab Bathroom Starter Kit from Earthwise Girls to giveaway to one lucky reader!
Earthwise Bathroom Set includes:
- Bamboo medium bristles toothbrush
- Wooden hair comb
- Hemp hair & body soap (supplied in a compostable wrapper)
- Earth Conscious deodorant
- Divine chocolate bar
- Pukka herbal teabag
Ends 25th September 2017. Open to UK residents only. Other T&Cs apply.
How are you getting on with these now? By reducing waste it also saves money, which is something a lot of people unfortunately need to think about right now.
l always recycle my packaging and try to buy more eco friendly packaging but it can be so much more expensive
invest in a good quality drinks bottle and never buy a disposable plastic one again
I grow my own tomatoes – none of them goes to the waste
recycle recycle recycle everything you can
freeze food and reuse it <3
I buy loose fruit and veg at the supermarket to reduce packaging and get meat from the butcher counter, as again less packaging is used. I take my bags with me when I go shopping and also avoid buying online as products tend to come massively over packaged.
I try to only buy what I need and make sure to always meal plan to avoid food waste!
I grow a lot of fruit and veg and freeze what I can. I have chickens so food waste can go to them in return for lovely eggs and I also compost. Meal planning is essential to food waste and I even use the water from the condenser drier to water the plants ?
Playing meals and using up leftovers for soups
We always meal plan for the week ahead every Sunday and only order what we will use x
We recycle but find that packaging is a big part of it. However, we do cook just what we need for meals, and also buy what is needed and try to keep away from the buy 2 deals if we dont need them.
Meal planning and checking my fridge and cupboards before i go shopping
Plan ahead with food, take a packed lunch- definitely reduces waste!
I grow my own fruit and veg so i have less waste as i only pick what i need, i also have chickens that have my scraps
Use up leftover food in meals for next day.
Recycle, reduce and reuse – every single day 😀 xxx
As a family we’ve decided to shop more consciously i.e. biogradable, recyclable products not wrapped in excess packaging etc thereby reducing our plastic waste and we’re making more of an effort not to buy on impulse.
We’ve also got into the habit of picking up rubbish we spot on the beach where we walk our dog.
Stop and think before you buy something. Nine times out of ten I dont end up going ahead and can recycle something at home!
Teach the kids as you go along life to recycle
Recycle and give the suitable leftovers to the dog x x x
Use all local council recycling equipment, get a compost bin and reuse jars, plastic tubs etc.
I try and recycle as much as I can but after reading this I found that I could do a lot more
So thanks.
Recycle ♻️ and upcycle whenever possible. It’s so important to pass this message onto your children too!
Everything has another use, just think about it before you throw it away. I’ve saved up all our old worn out clothes and recently started to make a rag rug out of them.
Recycle everything you can 🙂
I always think about what we buy in before it gets to what we can recycle. I like as much food/products as possible to be local which means we are supporting the local community and we try and buy in pack/portion sizes that may mean we have to shop a few times a week if we need a top up but it does mean we get to eat fresher foods. The thing that irritates me the most is fancy packaging on products bought on line, I have to throw half a forest in the recycling just from boxes inside of boxes inside of boxes.
I try to use Eco packaging where possible and I recycle everything that can be recycled. I freeze food where possible and make most meals from scratch, I usually buy fresh fruit/veg but do not place them in the little clear plastic bags I tend to keep them loose.
Pay attention to what you buy.
Eat before you shop. Stick to your shopping list. Focus on portion size – less waste. Compost.
We recycle as much as possible and use a compost bin
Try to only buy what we need & no extras
Recycling and use a compost bin definitely helps for us
We recycle as much as we can and when shopping take a list so that we do not buy anything we do not need.
save food waste by never cooking more than you will eat
recycle as much as you can
Choose products that are returnable, reusable, or refillable over single-use items.
Do a weekly shopping list and only buy what you need
Recycle as much as you can, and walk or use a bike whenever possible.
recycle when can only use food that you need any spare freeze if can for anothr day
Get the kids involved and teach them from a young age
recycle as much as i can and try not to waste any food
We just set up a recycling area upstairs as well as downstairs so we can sort rubbish as we go along rather than when the one bin was full
The best way to reduce waste is to make an effort every single day to either do one thing better or to encourage others to produce less waste and recycle.
Meal plan to save food waste!
plan ahead dont buy what you dont need
My top tips would be to reduce the amount of product packaging that you bring into your home and before you decide to “bin” anything think about whether you can find another use for it, recycle it or pass on to someone else.
I have a meal plan for the week because I have such a hectic schedule. It means I can cook what I need and freeze leftovers. This minimises waste as I am using everything in my fridge
Freeze leftovers immediately instead of thinking you’ll eat it for lunch tomorrow (you won’t!) including bakery rolls, baguettes etc. I’ve been freezing sliced bread for years but was really surprised how well fresh crusty rolls freeze and now batch freeze, taking them out as needed.
We recycle everything that can go in blue bin and I plan our meals for the week
I meal plan to reduce food waste and try and buy things with little packaging
Before putting anything in the bin just question if it could possibly be used for something else!
Use everything.
Grow your own fruit and vegetables, bottle the fruit, freeze some too and share the veggies amongst friends and neighbours.
Educate your children properly so they can tell you off when you waste electricity, water etc (my son’s brilliant at this!)
Recycle everything and buy products like toothbrushes/razors etc made from recycled plastics.
We make a weekly menu and only buy what it needed for that menu so absolutely no waste.
I try to avoid food deals as I end up buying too much. I plan out my meals to make sure food is used up.
I reuse plastic packaging and make them into fun stuff for the kids like spaceships, cars or painting pots. The kids love recycling and I’m helping educated tgem.
Ignore all best before and use-by dates – smell the food. If it’s off, don’t eat it. If it’s mouldy, chop off the mould and eat the rest.
I re-cycle everything , compost & re-use items
Shop from a list, that way everything is planned and unneeded food is avoided
I meal plan and reuse most of our food waster – bones make stock and veg peelings make stock too. Any spare portions go in the freezer for emergencies.
I always buy unpackaged ‘loose’ fruit and veg, always carry a reusable coffee cup and always bring my own bags
As far as it possible cook from scratch, that way you are reducing plastic packaging that ready meals and part prepared meals are in. Fresh fruit and veg can be bought loose again reducing the ‘film’ plastic that can be hard to recycle.
Use everything
I recycle all I can, educating certain people you are on to a loser, num nuts
Meal plan in advance so you always use the whole bag of veg instead of throwing most of it away. Use veg peelings for stock.
Use bag clips for sealing opened packets. I’ve recently discovered them I’m constantly using them, Saving on food waste and keeping food fresh!
We meal plan in advance so we dont have food wastage
We make our own cleaning products; it smells divine and contains no nasties.
I buy frozen veg and chicken so only cook what we are likely to eat. I think we are wasting less now.
i freeze left over food, and recycle as much as i can!! x
we enjoy buying food that comes in recyclable materials as well as growing our own we only have a little amount in tubs but we are hoping to grow lol we are also big fans of foraging
we recycle, up-cycle, and re-use everything we can xxx
I tend to be somewhat thrifty and think about the cost to my pocket of waste. This then has a direct impact on the environment, as I tend not to ‘buy in’ to the consumerist society, and I recycle things, upcycle things, and don’t just replace perfectly good items just for the sake of it.
My top tip for reducing waste is to be aware of how much of a product you are using – for many things it’s actually worth buying more expensive because you’re using twice as much of a cheaper product, which isn’t only no cheaper but also creates more waste!
Write to or message every major retailer you buy from and ask them to reduce their non-recyclable wrapping and containers. At home, buy a small composter for your food scraps and peelings.
I only buy what I have to get, so there is no food wastage,what is left I try to make up another meal, and I compost all pickings, I also recycle my carrier bags, they get used several times
We recycle as much as we can, and have a compost bin. I also put out uneaten cat food and meat scraps for the foxes that live at the bottom of our garden. This stops them raiding our dustbin as there is no meaty smell to attract them.
Making meal plans to avoid food waste
Using a small sandwich sized lunch box instead of food bags/cling film and putting all peelings on the compost heap. At the end of the week I put all of our veg in the slow cooker for veg soup lunches for the week.
We meal plan in advance so that we don’t buy too much food and end up with additional waste.
i do lots of recycling and plan meals to avoid waste
Don’t overspend on food. We recycle as much as we can and give to charity
I try to reduce food waste by freezing food
I check my cupboards and fridge just before I write up my shopping list so I don’t end up buying extra just what I need this week. If we do have leftovers I freeze most of it or use for lunches and dinner the next day.
We made a garden composter using an old kitchen bin.
Categorize what you already have and use it up before buying more. For example, I have loads of lotions. I’m currently working my way through them one at a time. I’ve managed to work my way through most of my selection of shampoos and perfume this way, and it keeps me from bringing unnecessary waste into the house.
we use a tumbler composter for all the leftover food
The biggest tip for me was try not to get overwhelmed by it all. Take on one issue at a time and resolve that before moving on to the next. That way you’ll make progress rather than getting bogged down with the enormity of the bigger picture and potentially giving up. Know that even a small change makes a big difference over time.
I try to freeze any fresh food that we dont get around to using in time and i recycle as much as possible!
When buying fruit or veg in a supermarket don’t use their little plastic bags and freeze all leftover food
We reuse letters for shopping lists. It saves using a fresh piece of paper. Sounds little but it makes a difference.
My tip is to start with looking at what you’re bringing into the house to start with – and only buy what you know you will use and can be repurposed, re-used or recycled when you’ve finished with it.
Recycle! Even my 3yo makes sure she puts her rubbish in the right bin 🙂
Recently swapped to cloth nappies with my baby too 😀
Not to everyones taste but we don’t flush wee’s in the night – and just flush wee’s once a day
freeze left over food, reuse what we can ,
dont leave the tap running when cleaning your teeth
I meal plan so that we only buy what we need and I always take my own bags and packaging, and I try not to buy prepacked. I also try and reuse stuff too particularly glass – so many uses!
Make the most of leftover food!
Make your own lunch instead of relying on pre-packed stuff. (Angela Kelly)
recycle as much as you can and educate all the family as well
make more meals out of left overs
Try to buy locally…fruit and veg from Farmer’s Markets, always support local charity shops where you can pick up fab, perfectly recyclable products and use bath water for watering plants.
I used to buy salad and fruit with my fortnightly online shop but was wasting a lot that wasn’t used so now I buy as I need
buy larger bottles and tins to reduce how many you use xx
Try not to buy things that you won’t need, just because they’re on sale!
Cook up soft veg and fruit and freeze to use for future in sauces, pies and puds instead of throwing it.
we freeze all our left overs
Don’t buy more than you need.
cook what you need, use a composer and sort rubbish from recycling.
freeze leftover food, and recycle as much as possible
use a weekly menu and make soups stocks and cakes from left over peelings veg and bones.
I write a meal plan and then a supermarket list with this! stops me buying things I would waste or not have time to use! I also keep left overs and make lunchbox dishes for them! Your freezer is your best friend
Meal planning works well for us. I also measure most ingredients out to avoid cooking too much.
I look for interesting ways to use up any leftovers we do have.
It’s pretty much a way of life to not waste anything in our house. We use an old metal coal bin as a composter and put in veggie peelings,teabags,etc. Because it is all enclosed and metal it gets hot and we have the most brillient compost each year from it which we use to pot up out tomatoes and use as a mulch on the vegetable plot. We also have lots of waterbutts including old dustbins to collect water.
Don’t leave the water running when cleaning your teeth.
buy enough each week what you need
Just about everything has a potential second or multiple use if you are creative enough. I recycle everything possible in all the ways open to me. I get a kick out of re-purposing something and finding a way to mend or repair rather than buy new. I think water is a precious resource and use any left over water from kettles or hot water bottles to water plants. They prefer water at room temperature anyway. I wash dish cloths, flannels and cleaning cloths until they wear out.
We use long-lasting instead of disposable items and we choose products with minimal/recyclable packaging.
Eat left over the next day or put in the freezer depending on type of meal.
Bring reusable bags and containers when shopping, traveling, or packing lunches or leftovers.
Prepare and plan meals
Buy less food & only buy foods that fill you up 🙂 x
Find interesting ways to use leftovers – eg use up egg whites by making meringues, use cold rice in egg fried rice dishes etc
Plan ahead, so you only buy exactly what you need
My top tip for reducing waste is to actually throw away as little as possible – so freeze leftovers or fruit and veg which is about to go off and use later in puddings and soups, recycle everything you can, give suitable items to the charity shop, swap items with friends, put items on local boards to give away or sell.
make a list before you go shopping so you onnly buy what you need
I minimise the amount of packaging I take home
We do lots of re-cycling, use leftovers and grow our own fruit and veg.
Making “bubble and squeak” from leftovers and freezing portions for future meals …
Avoid wasting food by freezing everything. If I find myself shopping without a bag I buy a thicker 10p one instead of a 5p one as I will use it many times, whereas a 5p one will only get used once then used as a bin liner.
For me it has to be trying to find ways to recycle leftovers from previous meals
freeze leftovers, recycle and cycle or walk if you can x
i end up with veg and salad getting out of date so i have started making curries and sauces with them and freezing them so it saves waste x
buy from your local, greengrocers and butchers and recycle all your green waste into compost
Buy vegetables loose not in plastic bags.
Recycle as much as you can. Don’t waste food, think about what you really need.
Being on my own means I do get food that goes stale / out of date before I can use it. But it doesn’t go in the bin. Couple of examples: dregs of jam went mouldy – put outside for the insects to eat. Crackers (to go with cheese) went stale – fed to the birds (wet them first). Out dated flour / cooking oil / rice / pasta – make a bird cake!
I’ve started meal planning and batch cooking/freezing to reduce food waste
any left overs that you can save freeze them x
plan your meals in advance
Some fantastic tips. I hadn’t heard of beeswax wraps, I’ll have a little google!!
I try to freeze leftovers when I can
I admire what you doing here! Great tips and keep it up! x
https://vanessaventuri.com
Store food in airtight containers so they stay fresh longer.
Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach. You’re more inclined to impulse buy.
Grow your own food. Even if it’s just some herbs on a windowsil.
Use up leftovers creatively, re-use and recycle wherever possible.
Don’t puit too much food on the plate
Only buy what you need and know you will use. Recycle as much as possible.
do as much recycling as possible
Making shopping lists and meal plans
As a household we waste very small amounts. We only buy foods that we will eat and buy some of our veg frozen as that is what tends to be wasted when it is fresh.
Draw up a meal plan and stick to it – incorporate any leftover you have so little or noting gets wasted – it saves you money too!
we reycycle at home but also when we go to the park we recycle there as well x