Going trash-free can seem impossible, but with a few simple zero-waste steps, it can be as easy as making trash. Here’s how to do it.
More than 100 million marine mammals are killed by plastic pollution per year and 50 percent of all plastic is single-use. There are so many alternatives to combat pollution every day and it’s up to us to do it! What do you waste in one day? Keep a note in your phone, or better yet, I dare you to save all of the things you’d normally throw away in just one day! The wrappers, coffee cups, dirty napkins, chip bags, etc… Not only would you feel messy, but it puts into perspective what you are doing to our planet. Trash and plastics stay on earth for up to a thousand years.
In an aim to eliminate waste in my life, I’m outlining 5 simple steps below that have helped me through this journey.
De-clutter
Become aware of what you really need and what you are better without. Make piles and sort items accordingly. If there is a “maybe” or “what if” pile, get it out of there! Ask yourself first if you can donate or sell those items. You won’t miss it, I promise. If you got rid of these “no” and “maybe” piles then all you have left is the “I love this” pile, and that’s what we want our spaces to be filled with. If you use something often but it consists of trash or plastic (lip balms, shampoo, spices etc…), use it up. It’s better to use what we have first and phase out of it.
Identify
While you’re taking inventory of all the items in your home, identify where you generate trash and plastics — the makeup containers, kitchen supplies, your bathroom essentials, etc… Look at your “get rid of” pile and your trash can. Take note of these items and think of the overall sustainability of the item (its source, material, environmental impact, lifespan, and end result). You will feel much better knowing that you can easily replace the items you and the earth are not benefitting from. This newfound consciousness in day-to-day life will invigorate you!
Prepare
Yay! It’s time to take action! To prepare, it’s helpful to make a quick list of JUST the things you threw away while you were out of the house, and on a general day. What’s the coolest thing about this list? It may just be the realization that every single item can be easily replaced with reusable and sustainable products. But you’ll also be reminded that that we have the power to combat plastic pollution, overflowing landfills, and wasting resources with simple shifts.
Purchase
Here’s a basic list of items that can start you off. Although buying alternatives is important, there are also some amazing recipes that you can make to replace toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, and more. The biggest thing to remember is that being prepared is the most successful route to being trash-free.
Adapt
This step is the most satisfying. You start to notice how thankful you feel. You realize all the moments where you would normally make waste, such as throwing your food away or buying a coffee, now become sweet because you’re making a more responsible choice. It is the best feeling to know the food scraps you take to the farmers market compost drop-off have a new life as a tree. It’s amazing to use up that last plastic toothpaste bottle because you made your own with peppermint and lavender. And coffee tastes better when it comes in your reusable cup.
An important everyday reminder: You will mess up! There will be times when you accidentally go to the market and forget your produce bags or your reusable cup for coffee in the morning. Or times that are out of your control when the waitress brings you a straw when you told her (twice!) not to put one in there. In order for this waste-free journey to stick in your life, we have to remember perfection is impossible. As long as you are doing your best with intention, you are on the right track. This is all part of adapting. Your alternative choices will eventually integrate into your life and it will be a normal part of you.
