Zero Waste: Low Hanging Fruit
I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts on moving toward waste reduction.
1. Use it up. Finish the products you already have in your home. I spent 2020 diligently working my way through all kinds of products: crappy shampoos I don’t like, half-empty body washes, weird travel toothpastes, you name it. Recycle the packaging if you can.
2. Replace as you go. While you’re using things up, research waste-free alternatives and replace things as you go. For example, I’ve got half a tube of regular toothpaste left, and before it runs out completely, I’ll order some toothpaste tablets to replace the plastic tube. This is what I mean by “low hanging fruit” — it’s easiest to swap out something when you have to buy a replacement anyway. You don’t need to do a dramatic (and wasteful) purge and an expensive all-at-once lifestyle change. Just do better a little bit at a time!
3. Beware Greenwashing. Most plastic is not curbside-recyclable, even if it says “recyclable” on the container. “Compostable” packaging will need to be sent to an industrial composting facility that actually accepts compostable products. (You can try to find a place by going to http://www.findacomposter.com and select compostable products as the feedstock). The best packaging is no packaging, followed by paper or cardboard which can actually be composted in your home bins.
Here are a few swaps I’ve made.
- Swiffers - Steam Mop (bonus, chemical-free!)
- Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Floss - https://bitetoothpastebits.com
- Aluminum Antiperspirant - Natural deodorant in cardboard packaging https://meowmeowtweet.com/collections/deodorant/products/baking-soda-free-deodorant-stick
- Paraffin tea lights in disposable aluminium cups- beeswax tea lights with reusable steel cups https://www.katesmerc.com
- Plastic Ziplocks - reusable silicone ziplocks
- Household cleaning spray (409, Mrs. Myers) - Diluted Castile soap (bulk purchase) in glass spray bottles, white vinegar in glass spray bottle
Paper napkins - cloth napkins
Hand soap - diluted Castile soap in foaming dispenser
- Paper towels - cloth “unpaper” towels, I use Gerber Birdseye cloth flat fold diapers (cheaper, last forever)
- Shampoo & Conditioner - Refill bottles from local bulk soap shop
- Body wash - Bar soap in compostable cardboard box
- Tampons - silicone menstrual cup
- Diet Coke & Carbonated Water - plain water in reusable steel water bottle
- Dishwasher Pods (yikes plastic!) - Plastic-free tablets https://www.blueland.com
- Laundry Detergent - tablets from https://www.blueland.com or powder from https://meliorameansbetter.com
- Makeup - Cake mascara (also doubles as liquid liner and brow filler) and lipstick https://besamecosmetics.com
- Hand creams, cuticle cream, lip balm - Bag Balm https://bagbalm.com
I hope this helps give you a few ideas and resources for making easy swaps. I’m definitely not an expert and I know there is a lot more I can do to improve my footprint, but these are baby steps I’m taking ☺️ (not sponsored by any of these companies, just sharing what I use)
