Zero waste is a concept of reusing everything possible and not throwing anything in the trash.
We have covered a few ways to repurpose certain products, such as wine bottles and tee shirts. Today we'll cover a few ways to replace the products you use every day with sustainable, reusable products instead.
Kitchen
Replace the plastic wrap that is only good for single use with beeswax wrap, which can be used over and over. Just make sure you don't use it on hot food items or surfaces, because the beeswax will melt. Beeswax wrap molds to food easier and is much better at preserving foods in the refrigerator than plastic wrap.
Use cloth bags when grocery shopping to replace plastic. Also, opt for food options without too much packaging. Try shopping locally at farmers markets because the food does not have to be packaged, it is also fresher and has a smaller carbon foot print because it has not been shipped across the country, or you could try growing your own vegetables.
When cooking be sure to compost your food waste rather than throwing it in the trash. Inedible parts of your fruits and vegetables can be composted, as well as coffee grinds, tea bags, and paper (I have found this to be a very useful way to get rid of junk mail).
Paper towels can be replaced with washable rags. I like using microfiber cloths to clean the various surfaces in the kitchen and throughout my home.
Bathroom
Opt for toilet paper which is made from recycled paper or without the cardboard tube in the center. For your toiletries, use options which do not have bottles. You can purchase soap, shampoo, conditioner, and even lotion with no bottles.
Rather than using loofahs, use wash cloths. If you prefer the exfoliating properties of loofahs, you can purchase soaps made with natural ingredients which provide the same exfoliating properties.
Ladies, there are a few different reusable options for your time-of-the-month concerns.
Living spaces
For your bedroom and living room, use plants and repurposed décor. Plants naturally filter your air. Who wouldn't want a limitless supply of fresh air without the electricity usage or noise of an air filter? There are many options for decorating with repurposed items, and many of these can be functional as well. You can make a variety of furniture and other items with pallets. Wine/liquor bottles can be used to make decorations for your home and can be used for a variety of other purposes as well.
For the workplace
Get rid of sandwich bags and use reusable sandwich bags instead. Rather than using plastic bags, invest in a lunch box to take to work with you every day. Plastic silverware can be replaced with metal ones. Instead of using styrofoam cups for your coffee, purchase a reusable metal coffee cup. Replace your bottled water and beverages with a BPA free reusable water bottle. Add flavor (and vitamins) by adding different fruits, vegetables, and herbs from your garden.
Although some of these options have a small upfront cost, you actually end up saving money by getting rid of the single use items in your home.
*There are a few affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase using an affiliate link, I will make a small profit, but it will not come at any additional cost to you.
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