Photo by Laura Mitulla on Unsplash
Are you wondering how you can make a turn towards a more ecofriendly life and contribute to a sustainable environment ? What if I told you it´s easy, fun and way cheaper than you think ? But is going zero waste easy? Really ? Let’s have a closer look.
Moving from a linear system that consists of resource extraction — production — distribution — consumption — waste to a circular economy, where everyone is part of an ecosystem takes time and at the same time needs only little work every day. Often it´s the smallest changes that make the biggest impact. Switching from single use to a reusable earswab for example, bringing your own coffee cup or carrying a bag with you when you go shopping.
What is zero waste exactly, is it possible to live without waste and how can you go zero waste ?
This is what you will know investing 5 min of your time.
What is meant by zero waste ?
Zero waste is a movement that started in New Zealand about 20 years ago. It is a lifestyle that supports the circular economy. Living zero waste means maintaining all resources given by producing and consuming responsibly. It involves practicing sustainability by reusing and recovering all materials without harming the environment or human health – which go hand in hand. Other similar movements are Fridays-for-future, cradle-to-cradle or eco-consciousness.
Does zero waste mean I am not allowed to produce any waste? No, it is about taking little steps and doing what is feasible within everyone’s limits. Moving towards zero waste and living close to zero waste is possible by minimising waste in our day to day lives. If we will ever be able to live fully zero waste lies in our own hands.
Check out some zero waste pages like goingzerowaste, trash is for tossers or zero waste home to get inspired.
Is going zero waste easy ?
Yes, it is. You can go zero waste by refusing single use plastics, reducing your ecological footprint, reusing items, recycling materials and rotting organic waste. Changes in your daily life are easy to apply, and at the same time you save time and money. Sounds like a deal ? Alright, let´s have a look at how the 5 R´s – the main pillars of zero waste – can influence your daily life:
The 5 R´s in the kitchen
Photo by Maria Ilves on Unsplash
Refuse: it´s easy – just say NO to packaging and avoid overconsumption, search for bulk stores in your region.
Reduce: ask yourself the following questions:
* Does it work ?
* Do/Would I use regularly ?
* Is it a duplicate/Do I already have one like this ?
* Do/Would I keep it out of guilt ?
* Is it reusable ?
If there are things that you want to get rid of, find a way to donate them or reuse them in a reasonable way.
Reuse: avoid single-use items, : check out reusables ones/options.
Recycle: wash materials such as glass, cans and plastics before you dispose of them. Additionally, you should check out the 7 plastic types.
Rot: buy or make a bokashi bin to rot/break down your organic leftovers
The 5 R´s in the bathroom
Photo by EcoPanda on Unsplash
Refuse: hotel shampoo bottles and ingredients that harm your health (essentially, those you can not eat 
)
Reduce: keep only what you regularly use and avoid duplicated products.
Reuse: incorporate reusables into your daily routine
Recycle: make your own cosmetics or buy in shops that offer fully biodegradable products
Rot: your hair and nails, sounds a bit funny, I know
The kitchen and the bathroom are the areas in our home that affect our consumption behaviour the most and where we can make the biggest changes. Of course there are several other areas like socialising, traveling or sports where you can make a major impact by being a role model and paving the way to a healthy environment. Admittedly there is an initial phase of decluttering that will need your attention, but once it’s done, you will not only save money and time – you will free mind space for the important things in life – whatever this may be for you.
The benefits of being zero waste
Zero waste can create benefits for our economy, society and environment.
Moving towards zero waste
- reduces costs
- supports local businesses
- enhances transparency
- conserves our resources
- makes an impact on climate change
What would happen if we would all live more sustainable ?
We would all be part of this movement in an intuitive way by making decisions on the principals of swarm intelligence. Our Co2 emissions would dramatically shrink, and nature would have time to recover.
Other benefits of Zero Waste:
- Air Quality would improve
- Water would be an infinite source
- Food would be a valuable source of energy
- Goods would be part of a circular system
- Energy would be consumed responsibly
