Zero Waste

This is a blog about Zero Waste Lifestyle

[nrahman-blog3]

This blog is made by the founder of the Zero Waste Movement, Bea Johnson. If you’d like to buy her books, search bulk stores using her finder, buy zero waste products from online stores, or just simply want to know more about this movement, this website is perfect for you! 

[nrahman-blog3]

Check out this TED Talk about why Lauren Singer lives a Zero Waste life! 

[nrahman-blog3]

Landfills?

According to Going Zero Waste, the average American sends 4.4Ibs of trash to the landfill everyday. We live in a society where we dispose of everything once we’re done with it and we don’t value our resources. Landfills are toxic and are responsible for 20% of the methane emissions in the US. Toxins from goods such as cleaners or batteries leach into the soil and can be sent to the ocean and ground water when it rains. Much of the trash doesn’t make it to the landfills. They clutter the sides of the roads or end up in garbage patches in the ocean. 

Plastic is very harmful for us, our marine life, and the environment in general. As it does not biodegrade, they only get smaller. Each micro-plankton in the ocean has 36 micro-plastics to match. They break down so small that they’re in 90% of drinking water (bottled & tap). As sea animals eat the micro-plastics, and are then eaten by their predators, who are then eaten by us, is it not weird to think the fact you’re eating and drinking plastic? 

[nrahman-blog3]

More than $31 billion of food is wasted every year

Toronto Environmental Alliance

[nrahman-blog3]

Benefits of Zero Waste

Note: Source comes from the Toronto Environmental Alliance 

Climate Change

Zero waste helps to reduce our climate change. The motto ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ is a very effective strategy regarding our greenhouse gas emissions. According to the U.S EPA, roughly 42% of all greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the production and use of goods (e.g food, products, and packaging). By using this strategy, we will conserve energy and reduce our carbon emissions. 

Resources & Pollution

Zero waste helps to conserve our resources and minimise pollution. Our current consumption rate of resources are unsustainable. When we extract materials from the earth, we are causing pollution whether it be by logging a forest, mining, or drilling for oil. The processing requires more energy and causes even more pollution. Once the goods are used, they’re simply dumped in a landfill or end up in the ocean’s many garbage patches. 

Zero waste is a good strategy to conserve our natural resources and reduce pollution from the process of extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. Recycling keeps waste out of landfills and provides manufacturers with materials to make new goods. 

Communities

Zero Waste helps to build communities. Community groups and small businesses help to promote zero waste and address social inequities. The projects in community groups can focus on redistributing goods to people in need, donating leftover food to shelters, hosting garment sales, and giving unneeded furniture to refugees. Strategies like composting at a community garden or sharing tools and skills to reuse and repair can be done. It ensures that everyone has access to tools to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste where they live. This way, everyone can participate in protecting our environment. Zero waste also protects the health of communities by reducing water, air, and soil pollution. 

Jobs

Zero Waste can help to create jobs. A circular economy creates good, green jobs as goods are recirculated rather than being disposed of after one use. The website states, “Ontario’s recycling, composting, and diversion program creates 10 times more jobs than disposal.” Jobs are created in handling materials to recycle at facilities. This creates even more jobs in different businesses that already exist. Local money is spent on local and jobs and stays within the community as apposed to buying products that were imported. 

[nrahman-blog3]

Did you know, only 9% of plastic is actually recycled?

Going Zero Waste

[nrahman-blog3]

How People Make Only a Jar of Trash a Year

The growing zero-waste community is radically slashing their waste output, while living more fulfilling lives.

Check out this National Geographic Article about the Zero Waste Community! 

[nrahman-blog3]

Image Source 1,  Image Source 2, Image Source 3, Image Source 4

[nrahman-blog3]

25 Days Challenge!

Note: The original website is for 31 Days (aka a month), but I reduced it. If you want to participate for 31 days, here’s the Link. 

Day 1 - Hold on to your plastic trash

Collect your plastic (even recyclable) for the month so you can audit it later. 

Day 2 - Buy nothing new

Unless it’s something absolutely necessary, you can go off this. Try to do this for as long as you feel comfortable. 

Day 3 - Make a zero-waste kit from items you already own

A zero waste kit will save you from many problems. For example, taking a jar with you when you eat at your favourite restaurant. Some item’s include: 

Water Bottle and/or Mug

Metal Cutlery & Chopsticks

Cloth napkins

Jars

Cloth bags (e.g snacks) 

Cloth shopping bags

Day 4 - Cook with food only from the fridge

Cook a meal with what you have on hand to prevent food from going to waste. 

Day 5 - Shop at your local farmers’ market

If you don’t have access to any farmers’ markets, try to join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

Day 6 - Plan for Composting

If you have any place in your home with dirt or grass, you can start composting. Collect food scraps in a container and toss them on the ground. Cover them with brown matter (e.g dry leaves). You can repeat this process everyday or once every few days. Many cities also have local food scrap locations where the organisations compost.

Day 7 - Pack a low-waste lunch 

Not only will you save money, you’ll get rid of the trash associated with take-out food. The wrappers, paper cup, plastic lid, straw, paper napkins, condiment packages, the bag that holds all the food, etc. 

Day 8 - Examine your 1st Week’s worth of trash

Every week, collect the trash or take pictures of it. Try to figure out alternatives for your problems (e.g what you don’t need or can make yourself). 

Day 9 - Plan meals

Plan your meals ahead of time (start off by planning at least one meal). It prevents packaging and food waste. Zero-waste cooking is much easier if you eat more vegetable dishes rather than meat dishes, which also are the healthiest. 

Day 10 - Fill up Bulk Bins

Flour, sugar, dried fruit, rice, oils, baking soda, olives, spices, tea, etc. are all things you can fill up on to reduce packaging waste. 

Day 11 - Save your veggie scraps

Save vegetables like celery, carrots, onions, cauliflower, garlic, tomatoes, etc. and put them in glass jars in the freezer. You can make broth out of the leftover parts!

Day 12 - Go Hiking

Not only will you appreciate nature more, but it has many benefits like improvement on short-term memory, reducing stress, improved vision, and increased concentration. Don’t forget your water bottle! 

Day 13 - Buy bread in a cloth bag (if you buy bread)

Find a bakery that sells bread loose and place it in your cloth blag. 

Day 14 - Switch to cloth menstrual pads 

You can save hundreds of dollars buy buying cloth pads! There are multiple websites online that sell cloth pads or cups. They are also available at drug stores and some grocery stores. 

Day 15 - Choose bar soap

There are much better bar soaps online that aren’t as harmful. Look for naked bars of soaps as well to reduce packaging waste. Bar soaps are also better than liquid soaps. You can even use them to wash dishes! If you want, you can turn the bar soap into liquid. 

Day 16 - Use a bamboo toothbrush

Bamboo toothbrushes are much more eco-friendly than plastic ones. You can get them online or try to find stores near you. 

Day 17 - Wash your hair

There are many homemade shampoos that are much more efficient than store-bought ones. Shampoo bars also exist. Try to wash your hair in a new, but much more safer way! 

Day 18 - Go to the thrift shop

If you’ve stuck to Day 2 but want to go shopping, try going to the thrift shop. 

Day 19 - Buy a meal in your own container

In case it feels unnatural, ask for moral support from a friend when making this request. After a few times, this will be completely normal. 

Day 20 -  No Snacks!

You won’t be tempted to buy junk food because you aren’t eating them AND they’re usually wrapped in plastic. You’ll appreciate your food more and save money. 

Day 21 - Replace paper towels

Use rags made out of old towels or t-shirts. You can even make cute reusable cloth towels. 

Day 22 - Clean your house! 

Clean your house using mild products like vinegar or baking soda (hint: use the rags you just made!). If you’re confused, just search online about homemade products to clean your house with. 

Day 23 - Make something

Make anything you want with your own hands! You can cook homemade pasta, mend a pair of pants, or even grow your own plant. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect! 

Day 24 -  Join a zero-waste community

Try to join a zero-waste community at your place or even create your own with your friends, family, and/or neighbours! You can even participate in communities online. 

Day 25 - Reward yourself

Of course you haven’t reached the lifestyle just after 25 days. Treat yourself for all the hard work you’ve done and see if there’s anything at all you can adapt into your current lifestyle. 

[nrahman-blog3]

The average American household throws away $2,200 worth of food each year

National Resources Defense Council

[nrahman-blog3]

Zero Waste Stores

https://app.zerowastehome.com/ 

This website link is a Bulk Finder provided by the founder of the Zero Waste Movement. It is a very useful site to help you locate local organic markets that meet your requirements. 

There are Zero Waste stores all over the world! Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, and the UK are only some that hold Zero Waste stores. Despite the financial risks, many businesses have opened across the countries. Zero Market opened in Denver in 2017, and The Refill Shoppe in Ventura, California opened in 2010. Owners now receive emails from people that are trying to open their own stores asking for advice. The process is simple for most stores. The customers arrive with their own packaging materials or buy the jars on sale at the store, weigh the products, and then subtract the weight of the receptacle from the weight of the goods added to get their final price. That way, nothing ends up in a landfill, at least for the customer. For the business itself, they are responsible for the shipment of all products, and are tasked with finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint and waste. 

Some of the world’s largest companies are now taking steps to reduce single-use plastics. With Starbucks, Disney, and even the EU taking part. Unilever, Nestlé, and PepsiCo all have plans for reusable packaging for certain products. America’s largest grocery store chain, Kroger, said that they will divert 90% of its food waste from landfills by 2020, and eliminate plastic bags by 2025. Ultimately, governments and major corporations need to be held responsible, as our individual consumer choices are nothing compared to their waste. Many places are trying at least by banning items like styrofoam and plastic straws. 

Image Source 

Image Source

[nrahman-blog3]

My Top 7 Tips!

1. Bamboo

Always choose bamboo over plastic. Bamboos have been reported to be the fastest growing plant on earth. While most bamboo is fast-growing, bamboo can also grow 30 inches per day, making it completely renewable at a very fast pace.

2. Toothbrush & Toothpaste 

Toothbrushes are terrible for the environment because they can’t be recycled. Make an easy switch to bamboo toothbrush. The handle is completely compostable and the bristles can be removed and recycled. They are very cheap and can be bought at even $2. For zero waste toothpaste, research DIY toothpaste guides. You can make very effective toothpastes from items you already have around your house. Just make sure to check with your dentist before switching.

3. Make your own stock

When vegetables start to go bad, most times they’re still perfectly safe to eat. Carrots that lose their crunch or herbs that wilt can be frozen and saved for when you’re ready to make vegetable stock. Other veggie scraps that work well in stock are celery, onions, shallots, garlic, and leeks. Thaw out your frozen vegetables scraps and simmer them in a slow cooker or stock pot for a few hours, strain, and enjoy! From an economic perspective, the homemade stock is free, considering it was made from scraps that would’ve been wasted and thrown out.

4. Rags > Paper towels 

Rags can be made up of old towels or old t-shirts that you don’t use them. Try to switch to wiping down your counters and spills using rags instead of wasting paper towels. You simply have to wash them after use. Just make sure you have a good quantity before starting to use them. Not having to buy paper towels can save an average household around $182 per year. 

5. Bring your own To-Go Container 

Many restaurants can charge an additional to-go ‘tax’ to cover the cost of packaging. Order and ear your meal at the restaurant to save money and reduce your waste. If you have to order food to-go, ask if they’ll package the food in your own container. If you like to buy coffee, remember to bring your own reusable cup. A lot of places offer discounts if you provide your own cup and/or straw. Pack the container in your bag in case you have leftovers when eating out. 

6. Grocery Bags 

Remember to bring your reusable grocery bags to the grocery store. To help you not forget, place them in your car after emptying them out so that you’ll always have them when pulling up to the store. Not only are plastic grocery bags horrible for our oceans and land, but some grocery stores actually charge you extra for them. Save your money AND the planet at the same time! 

7. Stay in Homes instead of Hotels 

Hotels offer unnecessary housekeeping services and disposable one-time use items. If you do stay in a hotel, ask for less frequent housekeeping services. Otherwise, there’s always Airbnb and hostels. If you’re staying in a house, they’re more likely to offer recycling or composting. Plus, you’re going to save more money as opposed to pricey hotels. 

[nrahman-blog3]

Beginner’s Guide pt.2

6. Learn how to make things 

Most toiletries, makeup, and processed food items are packaged in plastic materials. You can reduce this waste by learning how to make things yourself. Don’t do takeout and make some easy homemade meals for dinner. Change your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush or buy zero waste toothbrushes and mouthwash. Learn how to make your own butter and cashew milk. Everyone uploads many DIY videos for simple and elegant decorations on youtube. There are endless possibilities!

7. Get involved with your Community! 

Your community can help you achieve so much! It’s a great way to meet new people and gain new friends. You can even team up with your friends and neighbours in order to recuse trash in your area. You’ll be able to witness the local impact first-hand!

Some ways to get involved in your community:

Support your local bulk food store, farmers market, and community garden

Get involved with the local government (if you have one) and talk all things zero waste

Plan a clothing swap or host a cleanup

Host garage sales in your community to let other people reuse items you don’t need anymore

Get your local school to do garment sales for secondhand/rejected clothing and raise the profit for a good cause

8. Find your support group

Having a support group matter regardless of who it’s with. It can be an online community, with your friends, or with your family members. If you live with your parents or have your own family, get them involved with the movement and tell them why it’s important to you. You can even participate in the 30 days challenges together! It’s a fun, interactive way to peak their interest in the movement.

9. Appreciate your possessions 

Our society is very quick to throw out things when they’re broken or stop working. Challenge this by developing a relationship with your items. Purchasing products built to last will also save you money. If something breaks, take the time to repair it or give it a new purpose. If you treat your items with care, they’ll last longer than you think.  

10.  Start Composting 

 Composting is excellent for the environment. Try it out by placing all your leftover foods into a jar and putting them in the freezer. Proceed to dump the scraps off at your local food scrap location. If you have a backyard, invest in a tumbler: All you have to to is add the scraps and give it a crank. In no time, you’ll have fresh, nutrient dense compost. Check online websites for guides to composting in your apartment/house. 

[nrahman-blog3]

Beginner’s Guide

This is a beginner’s guide for anyone interested in the Zero Waste Movement.

1. Why are you doing this?

Why exactly did you decide to go Zero Waste? Writing down or even thinking about the purpose on why you’re adapting this movement creates a strong reference for whenever you need motivation. It could be because you care about the environment, want to save money, or avoid the toxins found in plastics you use daily. Any reason is valid. Reference the ‘why’ whenever you need motivation or inspiration. You got this!!!

2. Focus on eliminating single use items

Waste is found everywhere on a daily basis. Before you overburden yourself when changing into this lifestyle, focus on cutting out items already in your life. What do you find yourself reaching for? Plastic utensils? Paper napkins? Plastic water bottles? You can easily take any of these items to your nearest recycling bin. There are many websites online that can inform you more about where your waste is coming from and what you need to eliminate. This will also help you organise your home life and clean out unnecessary items.

3. Use what you already have

You don’t actually have to buy new items to go Zero Waste. Just look around your house. I bet you already have many tools you didn’t even consider!

Empty glass jars are great for storing dry goods, homemade treats, leftovers, composting on the go, or it can be used as a water bottle. There are websites online that can help inspire you about the other ways to use empty glass jars. An old shirt can be made into a reusable produce bag, or can be used as rags. Reusable cutlery in your kitchen can be used as daily utensils. You don’t have to go out and buy ALL new stuff! Just be creative!

4. Buy secondhand

Before buying a new item, check your local thrift stores first. They might have what you need (at a much lower price too). Items in thrift stores are already made, so new resources aren’t wasted when creating them. You’re also keeping a perfectly usable item out of a landfill. If you can’t find what you’re looking for second-handed, there are Zero Waste shops online where you can find all the products you need to make this lifestyle much easier.

5. Wait!

When you see an item you like or want, ask yourself if that item is completely necessary. Step away from the item and wait for a few days. This will allow you to avoid overconsumption. If there’s something you need, ask your friends and family before buying it. For example, did your hairdryer just break? Ask your mom or sister if they have a spare. This will help you not only save money, but you’re also not wasting any resources.

[nrahman-blog3]

What is the Zero Waste Movement?

The Zero Waste Movement was founded by Bea Johnson. She adopted the lifestyle back in 2008 and introduced it to the world through her blog in 2009. Now, she is a famous founder of the movement, an author, and a blogger. She also goes onto multiple platforms like TED Talk to speak about the movement.

The Zero Waste Movement helps to redefine the system and write waste out of existence. People who partake in this lifestyle aim to send nothing to landfills, stay healthy and organic, reduce and reuse whenever they can, and contribute positively to our environmental issues. Instead of discarding resources, the lifestyle helps to create a system where all the resources can be reused in our society once more. 

A more simpler definition of the lifestyle is it intends to decrease the amount of garbage to zero. We can live a life without creating unnecessary wastes, especially wastes that are non-recyclable and non-biodegradable. The lifestyle brings a new idea that creates a solution for the environment and our earth.

[nrahman-blog3]

Introduction

Hello! This is a Zero Waste Lifestyle Blog. The purpose of this blog is to inform the viewers about the benefits, impacts, and history of this particular lifestyle. Through the different approaches, I hope you are interested in this solution and adapt some of the aspects into your own lifestyle. I would very much appreciate if this is shared through other social media platforms in order to reach a wider audience. 

Note: All the information that is used from the original websites in this blog has been given credit with proper citations in the actual report.