Learn how to produce less trash. It’s easier than you think!
The growing awareness of the impact of our self-centred consumer habits on the environment has resulted in a movement based on being waste-free. Obviously, being totally waste-free is an ideal as it is an unavoidable part of living (even our bodies need to get rid of ‘waste’ on a regular basis). The main goal here is to at least try to drastically reduce the amount of rubbish we generate by consuming consciously and throwing away as little as possible.
Why the urgency?
The first global investigation into the amount of plastic ever produced was completed in December 2017 – and, unsurprisingly, the findings were quite horrific. According to National Geographic, the study found that humans have produced 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic since the 1950s (when the product was invented), and of that, 6.3 billion metric tons have become waste.
Of that total amount of rubbish, only 9% ended up being recycled, 12% was incinerated – and you can guess where the other 79% went! The prediction that there’ll be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050 now looks entirely plausible.
Kathryn Kellogg of the Going Zero Waste blog says we live in a ‘linear economy’ that revolves around buying things for temporary use and then dumping them in a landfill where they never degrade fully. Instead, we should be advocating for a ‘circular economy’, where whatever is produced can be used repeatedly, and when it can’t anymore, it should be ‘reabsorbed’ into the manufacturing process – as nature intended.
Recycling is one of the ways we can do this, but it’s not the only solution and should really be the last resort. The process of recycling itself is resource-intensive, and just because you’re putting something in a recycling bin does not necessarily mean it will be reused. Rather avoid having anything to recycle in the first place!
“Humans have produced 8.3 MILLION METRIC TONS of plastic in total since the 1950s”
You don’t need to toss out the contents of your home and start over. Start small, even if it’s in one room of your house, and first finish the products you’re currently using before replacing them with a product that is reusable or packaging-free.
Bea Johnson, one of the most prominent advocates of the waste-free movement, has given us five easy rules to follow when it comes to a zero-waste home:
1. Refuse what you don’t need.
2. Reduce what you do need.
3. Reuse what you consume (or already have).
4. Recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce or reuse.
5. Rot (compost) the rest.
There are quite a few things that we think we need but can live without, or that can be replaced by products that are made for long-term, continuous use and reuse.
Looking for alternatives to use in your home? Look no further!
IN THE KITCHEN
PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS FOR GROCERIES
Reuse the ones you have or replace them with fabric bags. And try to buy products with little or no packaging.
CLINGWRAP & TIN FOIL
Cover food with a plate or tea towel, or store in glass containers with lids. Even wax paper is a better option.
PAPER TOWELS & SERVIETTES
Opt for reusable, washable cotton cloths and napkins instead. You can even cut old clothing and linen into squares to be used as dishcloths or rags for cleaning.
GARBAGE BAGS
Turn your dustbin into a compost container (that is, throw only decomposable into it); everything else should be reused or recycled. If a dustbin is absolutely necessary, rather use a paper bag and get a smaller bin.
BOTTLED WATER
Invest in a water-filtration system and fill your own glass bottles with drinking water.
DISHWASHING LIQUID
Make your own by grating a bar of Sunlight (or, even better, Castile) soap. Add 30g of the flakes to 600ml boiling water and stir until they have dissolved. When the water is still warm but no longer boiling hot, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. To give it a nice scent, add 3 drops of your favourite essential oil. Let the mixture cool overnight, shake well and transfer it to a jar or a soap dispenser.
SCRUBBING SPONGES OR BRUSHES
Buy a biodegradable wooden cleaning brush with organic bristles.
IN THE BATHROOM
AIR FRE SHENER
Get some sweet-smelling plants or scented beeswax, soy or coconut candles (which will help set a relaxing mood as well).
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Try shampoo and conditioner bars. Or buy the liquids in bulk and refill empty bottles.
SHOWER GEL
Stick to the old faithful bar of soap. You can make these yourself and get the kids involved, so they start practising being waste-free.
EAR BUDS
They’re bad for your ears anyway; use the corner of your facecloth or towel instead.
HAIRBRUSH & COMB
Go for wooden ones rather than plastic.
DISPOSABLE RAZORS
Get a reusable stainless-steel safety razor.
SANITARY PADS
Opt for washable, reusable material pads or menstrual cups.
“There are quite a few things that WE THINK WE NEED but can actually LIVE WITHOUT”
1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
FOUND IN: Cooldrink, water and cooking oil bottles, as well as juice boxes.
Recyclable, but rather don’t reuse because of health risks.
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
FOUND IN: Milk bottles, cleaning agent, detergent, shampoo and conditioner bottles.
Recyclable and reusable.
3. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
FOUND IN: Shopping bags, bread bags, bubble wrap and clingwrap.
Not always recyclable, but reusable.
4. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
FOUND IN: Cable insulation, gumboots, shoe soles, garden hoses and safety gloves.
Not recyclable, and not safe to reuse for storing food or drink.
5. PP (Polypropylene)
FOUND IN: Yoghurt, margarine and ice-cream tubs, kettles, rope and coat hangers.
Recyclable and reusable.
6. PS (Polystyrene)
FOUND IN: Disposable picnic cups, takeaway containers, meat and fruit packaging trays.
Not recyclable, not safe to reuse (better yet, avoid it altogether).
7. Everything else:
PC (Polycarbonate)
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
BPA (Bisphenol A)
Acrylic
Nylon
Fibreglass
These items are not usually recyclable and reusable unless they’re also coded with the letters ‘PLA’ (compostable). Try to avoid these entirely.
Written by Lauren Endrody.
15 EFFECTIVE WAYS TO GO WASTE-FREE
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
July 21, 2023
Rating:
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
July 21, 2023
Rating:
