You’ve likely heard the latest buzzword, “zero waste,” but do you know what it means for the everyday consumer? Simply put, when living a zero-waste lifestyle, a person aims to send as little trash to the landfill as possible. In today’s use, zero waste often refers to a diversion rate of 90% or more of one’s waste.
While it can feel daunting, there are many small steps on the journey to achieving a true zero-waste lifestyle. Here are our tips to get started today!
- Make sustainable swaps. Start by reducing the number of single-use items in your life, which often consist of plastic. From purchasing a reusable water bottle to refusing to-go containers and straws, find out how you can go plastic-free. While you’re at it, consider what other disposable items in your household, such as paper towels or cotton pads, can be swapped for a reusable alternative.
- Consider after-use disposal when purchasing products. Zero waste starts at the store. While shopping, actively think about how a product will be disposed after use and adjust your consumption habits accordingly. For example, when buying wrapping paper, avoid glittery paper that belongs in the landfill and opt for a plain, recyclable wrapping paper instead.
- Take advantage of local thrift stores. Give gently used clothes and household items a second life by donating them to local thrift stores. Check out our Donation Guide to locate a convenient drop-off or pickup option for you. While you’re there, shop for items secondhand to further reduce your waste.
- Check out the Library of Things. Did you know you can borrow more than just books from the library? The George & Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library offers a “Library of Things” with an ever-growing collection that includes sewing machines, telescopes, and more!
- Repair before you replace. Before purchasing new items, mend clothes and repair items when possible. Repairing tears in your shirts and pants without a sewing machine is easy once you master the basics.
- Upcycle old items. Instead of tossing waste in the trash, consider how it can be repurposed. Get creative with a quilt from old t-shirts or a bird feeder from an empty soda bottle!
- Compost food waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, food waste makes up approximately 24% of all landfill waste. Composting food provides an alternative means of disposal and benefits your garden. Start your backyard compost pile today and join one of our free compost classes this fall! If you’re not ready to commit to a compost pile of your own, check out local options for curbside compost service or drop-off on our Recycle More Guide.
- Recycle beyond the cart. If you are already an avid recycler, take it a step further and explore special recycling programs. From contact lenses to TVs, we’ve created a handy Recycle More Guide to help you expand your recycling efforts with ease.
Whichever action you choose, be it just one or all of these tips, must work in your everyday life to be sustainable in the long run. If you find yourself short on time, add one step a week and build towards a fully zero-waste lifestyle. Similarly, if one of these changes is not compatible with your lifestyle, explore how other steps may still reduce your waste in a more convenient manner. Diversion from the landfill in any way is always a step in the right direction!
For assistance in starting your zero-waste transition, contact Environmental Services at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800.
This is a wonderful post, thank you.
Thank you for the kind words! We are glad you enjoyed it.