Getting Started
Reduced or zero-waste living is NOT about perfection, it is about making better choices!
Transitioning to a new lifestyle can be overwhelming for some, so it's important to start slowly. Make a couple of changes at a time, master them, and then take on your next challenge. Set yourself up for success by approaching the process step by step, rather than trying to change everything all at once.
If you're starting at home, consider getting rid of your main trash bin in the kitchen or reducing its size. This strategy encourages you to adapt and get creative with your waste disposal choices. Reducing waste isn’t solely about recycling more; the most effective choice you can make is to refuse unnecessary items. Think of it this way: instead of saying, "I can't have this anymore," reframe it to, "I choose not to have this because it will ultimately become waste."
Here are our easiest and straight forward tips to get started on your goals to reducing waste:
1. Start Recycling: Set up a simple recycling and compost system at home. Have separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and compost. This makes it easy to recycle and reduce waste.
2. Use Reusable Bags and Manage Quantity: Always bring reusable cloth bags when you go shopping to help eliminate the need for single-use plastic bags. Additionally, be mindful of the number of reusable bags you have. To effectively reduce waste, it’s important to manage your reusable bags so that the effort to reduce waste does not become counterproductive.
3. Ditch Plastic Straws: Avoid using plastic straws. Instead, carry a reusable metal or bamboo straw with you for when you need one.
4. Compost Organic Waste: Set up a compost bin in your backyard or use a small indoor composting system for scraps like fruit peels and vegetable trimmings.
5. Buy in bulk and bring reusable containers to restaurants: Purchase items in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and bring your own containers to stores that allow it. Many restaurants also permit you to use reusable containers when ordering takeout. Additionally, when dining in, you can put your leftovers in a reuseable container without the need of asking for takeout containers.
6. Choose Eco-Friendly Products: Opt for products with minimal or no packaging. Look for alternatives made from sustainable materials.
7. Plan Your Meals: Meal planning helps avoid food waste by ensuring you only buy what you need.
8. Repair Instead of Replace: Before tossing broken items, try to fix them. This reduces waste and can sometimes be more cost-effective. Also, check out to see if your community does a "Repair Cafe" or Fix-It Clinic." These are community events where people come together to repair broken items, share skills, and reduce waste
9. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about waste reduction and share tips with friends and family to spread the word.
10. Set Goals: Start small and set achievable waste reduction goals. Gradually increase them as you get more comfortable with sustainable practices. By incorporating these simple actions into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your waste over time.
What To Expect In Store
Gather up any and all your CLEAN and DRY containers from home and come on in.
How does it work?
Check out our page here!