If it feels like life is filling up with disposable stuff, you’re not alone. Over two billion tons of household waste get processed each year.
Most items get burned or sent to landfills. Recycling programs help reuse some things, but that doesn’t stop each person from producing over one ton of trash per year.
The good news is that you can start doing something about this issue at home. By taking these simple steps to reduce waste, you can be part of the change you’d like to see in our world.
1. Paperless Billing
Instead of allowing your bills to pile up in your mailbox, switch them to your inbox. You’ll want to ensure each sender is on your safe list so that the payment reminders don’t get sent to the spam folder. Mark your calendar to pay each month, enter the info, and click to send.
2. Compostable Toothbrushes
Those plastic handles and bristles eventually reach the landfill. If you switch to compostable bamboo products, you’ll get to clean your teeth more effectively while reducing another small part of the waste being created at home.
3. Buy Travel Mugs
Coffee cups and similar products are not recyclable because of the coating placed on the inside of the item. If you drink hot beverages, invest in a travel mug. It’ll stay warm for a longer time, and you won’t need to throw it away.
4. Start Sewing
Clothes get torn. Furniture upholstery can wear out. When you know how to fix tears and holes through sewing and stitching, you can significantly extend your items’ life. If you need new materials for chairs, sofas, or other items, shop thrift and second-hand stores first to reduce your waste even further.
5. Buy in Bulk
When buying foods in bulk, you reduce the amount of packaging needed to hold your items. This option works incredibly well for dry goods. If you work with a store that accepts purchases with reusable containers, even more waste gets eliminated from your daily activities.
6. Use Dryer Balls
Instead of buying dryer sheets for your laundry, switch to wool dryer balls. You’ll notice an immediate reduction in drying time and produce less trash. The average store-bought product lasts for 500 washes or more, but you can also make them yourself.
7. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags)
When you invest in a few reusable bags, you can stop using the plastic or paper ones at the store. If you forget to bring them, ask for a box to carry your items instead.
8. Eliminate Disposables
Silicone baking sheets are a suitable replacement for parchment or tinfoil. Wash rags and cotton products can replace paper towels and napkins. If you’re used to having sandwich bags or storing leftovers, switch to reusable containers. These steps will stop a significant portion of the household waste you and your family create.
9. Stop Food Waste
If you don’t roast vegetables with the skin on, start a compost pile or bin at home for your leftovers. You can zest citrus rinds and freeze them for later use. When you purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, get enough for what you need so that less goes to waste. Having a night or two of leftovers helps to keep things organized.
These simple steps can get you on the road to lowering how much waste gets created each day. Reuse, reduce, and recycle whenever possible! If you need help with any plastic, polystyrene and cardboard removal let me know, and I’ll get you a competitive quote.
