25 Ways to Live with Less Waste

When I first found out about the Zero Waste Movement I tried to jump right in. Time and time again I failed (and continue to fail) and felt guilty for it.

Then I spoke with a friend in the park about developing micro-habits. Science shows that instead of biting off more than you can chew, if you start with little habits, they begin to add up and change your larger behavior.

There are so many great little behaviors I’ve developed through this movement and every day I am discovering more pain-free ways to live with less waste.

Here are 25 behaviors you can choose from and adopt to start living with less waste today:

1. Stop buying paper towels and napkins. Buy cloth napkins and rags or cut up old T-Shirts. People lived before paper towels!

2. Buy all of your shelf-stable goods (like toilet paper) in bulk

3. Live minimally. Quit buying stuff you don’t need altogether. Before you buy anything, ask yourself, do I really need this?

4. Eat in-season fruits & vegetables more & meat & cheese less

5. Eat off of real plates with silverware rather than going out for fast food

6. Cut back the number of items you buy at the grocery store. If you don’t over-shop, you’ll be more likely to actually use the food you purchase.

7. Cut back on the amount of food you order out and share meals with your friends & loved ones so you don’t take away leftovers you might not eat — or bring a tupperware with you to the restaurant

8. Bring reusable shopping bags with you every time you shop

9. If you must pick up a plastic or paper bag, use it for your trash that week!

10. Buy products in glass over plastic

11. Wash out glassware like pasta containers & use them for storage

12. Say no to straws and lids

13. Take shorter showers

14. Pair down your cosmetics & beauty routine + the number of products you use

15. Switch to almond milk or another non-dairy milk

16. Avoid convenience stores altogether — they’re a trap!

17. Walk or ride your bike wherever you can

18. Compost & recycle

19. Shop at thrift stores

20. Bring a water bottle or coffee mug with you whenever you go out

21. Pack your own tupperware and food when traveling

22. Shop at a bulk store and put your groceries directly into glassware

23. Make your own food at home from scratch

24. Make your own DIY beauty & home products from natural materials

25. Choose to live in a smaller space or with roommates

If you are interested in learning more about Zero Waste I highly recommend checking out Gittemary's channel on YouTube!