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Continue Shopping10 easy ways to reduce your waste
Want to try your luck towards a zero waste lifestyle? Or just want to switch to eco-friendly habits to reduce your daily waste? It's possible!
You may think you don't have the time or the resources to adopt this kind of lifestyle .. and it may also seem difficult for you to adopt new habits, but don't let that put you off! There are countless ways, big and small, to reduce your waste and easily make a difference every day.
Have you heard of Waste Reduction Week in Canada? It is a national environmental campaign aimed at raising awareness about sustainable consumption as well as promoting actions to reduce waste in all facets of our daily life [1]
This is your sign! Start your sustainable journey now! Here are 10 easy ways that will help you reduce your waste everyday.
1. Use reusable bags
Reduce your plastic consumption by using reusable bags instead of disposable plastic ones. Many local brands now offer a variety of quality produce and bulk bags, grocery bags and other reusable products. Using them when you go shopping and in your kitchen will help you eliminate a lot of unnecessary waste.
Some reusable bags can also be a smart option for lunches and snacks! One of our team favorites surely is Demain Demain’s bag collection made from recycled plastic.
2. Buy products in bulk
A simple and effective way to reduce your waste is to buy in bulk. More zero waste or bulk stores are opening and offering a wide variety of products.
All you have to do is bring your reusable bags as well and jars to refill them with what you need. In addition to eliminating packaging (that quickly ends up in the trash, let’s be honest!), buying your products in bulk could help you save some money by buying only what you need!
Did you know that many of our favorite local brands like Oneka and Unscented Co are taking a huge step in the zero waste direction by offering their skincare and cleaning products in bulk? Another good reason to stop shopping products with packaging!
3. Reduce food waste
Food waste turns out to be a significant part of our waste production. Reducing the amount of food we throw in the trash on a daily basis can therefore make a huge difference on our waste and even be good on our wallet!
Start planning your meals, buy only the amount of food you need to cook your meals and learn how to store your food to keep it fresh for longer. Forget the plastic bags and plastic wrap, start using reusable containers as well as reusable beeswax food wrap and dish covers.
For the waste that is unavoidable, compost it! In addition to being a good fertilizer for your plants, your compost will help reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfills.
4. Choose products without packaging
Be part of the zero waste movement by opting for products sold without packaging. Trade your bottled soaps, shampoos, conditioners and moisturizers for bar products. These small changes are accessible to everyone!
You can also support household products brands like TruEarth and Nowa both of which offer effective natural products in minimalist packaging. A simple choice that reduces the production and consumption of unnecessary waste.
5. Choose sustainable products
Several small changes can be made in your daily life to adopt more sustainable habits. Rather than consuming more plastic, choose to trade for eco-responsible products.
Bamboo toothbrushes, compostable makeup remover cotton swabs and dental floss, plastic-free sanitary pads are a few options to reduce your waste in the bathroom. As mentioned in one of our last blog article The environmental impact of our daily actions, you can be more sustainable by switching to products sold in compostable containers.
6. Encourage local green businesses
Buying local products will allow you to encourage your local economy and reduce the pollution associated with transporting your purchases.
If you shop online, try to support local brands that are taking actions towards a more sustainable world. Find out about the environmental measures they are taking and encourage them to reduce their use of plastic when sending their packages!
7. Be prepared
Get a “zero waste” kit to keep in your car or in your bag when you're on the go. Here are some of our essentials ; reusable utensils, straws, containers and bags so you always have a zero waste option on hand.
There is no doubt that being prepared will help you reduce your waste by helping you reduce, or even eliminate, your single-use plastics consumption. And don't worry, the preparation is minimal, effective, and quickly becomes a habit!
8. Consume less and better
Consume less by reducing consumption of new items. Rather than buying new items to fit the ever-changing new trends, choose to recycle and repair your clothes and electronics to keep them longer.
Consume better by making your purchases more sustainable. To do so, rather than always buying new items, try to find second-hand products (clothing, decorations, furniture). There are plenty of options out there, you just have to be patient! And if you decide to buy new, why not look for eco-responsible clothing and furniture brands, for example.
9. Recycle items that we already have
Using what you already have is another easy way to cut down your waste. Try to recycle the items you have by finding a new use for them ... An empty candle can turn into a pot for your new plant or a coffee cup, glass containers and jars can be used to store your food purchased in bulk or to preserve your jams, sauces and granolas for example.
10. Take the time to question yourself
Believe us when we tell you that the majority of us are constantly creating new needs. When you make your next purchase, take the time to think about its necessity… Do you really need it? If so, is this a good option for you and for the environment?
