“Zero waste is a set of principles that aims to reduce waste by reusing and repurposing.”
You may have read the term “Zero Waste” on the packaging of an item at the store or heard it being thrown around in a conversation about sustainability. But what exactly is it? And where do you even start? Zero waste is a set of principles that aims to reduce waste by reusing and repurposing. The goal is for no waste to be sent to landfills, the ocean or incinerators. This waste includes anything you buy or use, including the packaging. If you are considering adopting a few zero waste habits, here are some tips for starting.
- Compost. You can either save food scraps at room temperature or in the freezer to avoid the smell. If your city doesn’t pick up compost from your house, you can take it to a compost facility. If you are feeling adventurous, you can buy a compost tumbler or make a compost area in your backyard.
- Ditch the single-use plastics. If you are only using plastic water bottles, plastic utensils, and plastic bags once then throwing them away, consider investing in some reusable items. Reusable grocery bags are an easy swap, and can even provide some insulation for cold items. Bamboo cutlery is a great substitute for plastic utensils. Get yourself a reusable water bottle, there are so many to choose from. Find out about more ideas.
- Check out a Zero Waste Store. Zero Waste stores highlight not only the creativity of sustainability but also how much money you can save in the long run. Check to see if there are any in your local area. If not, Whole Foods and other natural food stores often have Zero Waste options. Enweave offers affordable products and allows you to sort by features such as woman-owned or 1% for the planet.
- Buy Secondhand. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of all carbon emissions, and 85% of all textiles go to the landfill every year. Shop at your local thrift store, on Depop or Poshmark, or have a clothing swap with friends. You can also get furniture, books and decorations secondhand from Facebook Marketplace or your neighborhood Nextdoor page.
- Kitchen Swaps. Believe it or not, a lot of items in the kitchen can be swapped out for Zero Waste options. Instead of plastic wrap, you can use beeswax wrap. In place of a sponge and dish soap, you can get a dish brush and solid dish soap. Buying in bulk not only saves money, but you can use glass jars to create a Zero Waste option. My favorite thing to do is use the various leftovers in my refrigerator to create new meals or snacks.
Remember, you don’t need to be anywhere near perfect. Everyone’s journey is different. I challenge you to try out a few of these for a week and see how it affects your life.
Tessa is a senior Biology major from Redmond, WA. She is interested in how climate change and environmental issues affect minority and low-income communities.