The zero-waste lifestyle stresses the need for responsible consumption, production, and recycling of products. It’s a movement that has gained momentum as most people are trying to do their part in preserving the earth. If you want to reduce both your carbon footprint and your waste output, there are a few things that will make the adjustment much easier for you. The following are some essential tools to help you shift to a zero-waste lifestyle.
Reusable Straws and Utensils
Single-use plastics are incredibly bad for the environment since they don’t biodegrade but instead break apart into smaller pieces. These tiny pieces can end up in the stomachs of wildlife animals and can even find its way into our food. These kinds of plastics usually end up clogging oceans and landfills. Single-use plastics usually come in the form of plastic utensils and plastics straws. You can easily eliminate this type of waste in your life by using reusable straws and utensils. Bamboo straws, stainless steel forks and spoons, silicone chopsticks – regardless of the material, if you can easily wash them and use them again, they’re great ways to eliminate your use of single-use plastic.
Tote Bag
Rather than accumulating plastic and paper bags while out shopping, put all your purchases in a reusable canvas or cotton tote bag that you can carry in your regular purse while out and about. They’re also much more durable than paper bags when it comes to carrying your groceries.
Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic water bottles are one of the easiest things to get rid of in your life, much easier than plastic straws and utensils. All you need to do is invest in a high-quality reusable water bottle. You can get one made out of aluminum, stainless steel, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, and even glass. They’re easy to use and clean and come in a variety of styles to suit your aesthetic preferences. Some also have special features such as a strap. There’s a variation of a reusable water bottle to suit your every need.
Toothpaste Tablets
Keeping your teeth clean comes at the expense of creating lots of unnecessary waste. From toothpaste tubes, plastic toothbrushes, plastic floss, and not to mention the water you have to use to rinse your mouth -it all adds up in the long run. You can significantly cut down on the waste you create when you brush your teeth by switching to toothpaste tablets instead. All you need to do to use them is pop them in your mouth, add a dab of water, chew it, and brush with an organic toothbrush.
Glass Jars
Refill shops are a great no-waste alternative to the grocery store. You can get all your important ingredients and supplies without any unnecessary plastic or paper packaging. The only things you’ll need when visiting these stores are glass jars or containers and a canvas tote to bring them in. You can buy them new, used, or you could reuse mayonnaise or jam jars instead.
These eco-friendly tools will help you get settled into the zero-waste lifestyle. If you want to reduce both your carbon footprint and your waste output, then it’s easy to get started, but you have to remember that it’s a lifelong commitment and change doesn’t happen overnight.
