For some, zero waste can be a complex task, but in reality, I’m going to show you that consuming differently is within everyone’s reach. You just need to have the will! Here is a complete guide to zero waste to get you started on this ecological approach and adopt a responsible and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
What is zero waste?
It is quite normal to wonder what Home Zero Waste is. At first glance, you may think that zero waste means that you will not consume anything to avoid waste as much as possible. The principle of “zero waste ” is actually based on a different, more responsible consumption. This will allow you to throw much less household waste in the trash. But the idea is above all to take a step back from what you buy and do on a daily basis to ask yourself the right questions. With a zero waste approach, you finally become an actor of your consumption. You choose your products according to your values and your desires. Know that every eco-responsible gesture has an impact on the world.
Why embark on a zero waste approach?
We all know that our precious planet Earth is going through complicated times. Between global warming, pollution, declining natural resources, it is our duty to preserve this habitat in order to be able to continue to enjoy it.
Today, the production of plastic waste that we have been generating for years is becoming a real black mass for the ecosystem and no one knows where and how to store it anymore. Every year, hundreds of millions of tons of waste are thrown away on our planet. A 7ᵉ continent full of plastic has even appeared. A quantity of waste that represents several countries!
At first glance, this “zero waste facts ” approach seems minimal in order to be able to cope with large-scale events such as the 7th continent, fires, melting ice, drought, famine, destruction of forests or disasters. Natural this can lead us to feel ineffective and helpless.
But believe me; it is precisely at our level that everything happens! In the actions of everyone on a daily basis, we make things happen as small as they are. Zero-waste, also called “zero waste” takes on its full meaning here and becomes a real trigger for most of you. And that is great! By adopting different and responsible habits on a daily basis that allows you to take a step back from the consumer society, you are taking a very big step forward.
Plus, reusing many everyday items and living with less will save you a lot of money on your daily expenses. You will see zero waste only has advantages! To find out more, here is my article which explains in detail why to embark on zero waste.
The 5 principles of zero waste
It was a reference in the zero waste lifestyle, who unveiled the 5 principles of zero waste:
1. Refuse what you don’t need
This first principle is quite simple. It is based on the fact that you can refuse the various objects offered to you when you do not need them. I am thinking in particular of samples in stores, paper towels, plastic straws, receipts, etc.
2. Reduce what you need
The consumer society pushes us to consume in large quantities. Between the different fashion items lying around in the back of your cupboard and that you never put, the everyday objects for the kitchen or even the bathroom that you use very rarely, the tools that you buy for a single use. You can drastically reduce the objects around you.
3. Reuse what you consume
The first reflex when you no longer use an object, when it is broken or even when it is in poor condition will be to leave it lying around or to throw it away. In fact, you can bring a second life to all these objects! Whether by repairing them, reselling them to people who need them or even using them in another way! There are many ways to reuse the different things around you to give them a second life so take advantage of them.
4. Recycle what you can’t refuse, reduce or reuse
When the previous solutions cannot be implemented, you can still opt for recycling and sort your waste. When you have to throw away objects, think about selective sorting by separating the different containers: plastics, glass, paper, etc. This approach makes it possible to improve the treatment of rubbish. With time and the adaptation of zero waste, know that you will throw less and less things in your trash cans.
5. Compost the rest
If you have waste that you can avoid throwing in the trash in order to compost it, this is an excellent initiative.
Zero waste trends
Zero waste brings together different trends. By becoming more and more interested in multiple eco-responsible actions and practices, you will take a step back from your consumption and discover new interests.
