Tips to Reduce Waste

Lorraine Chow

Earth Day 2018 focussed on the all-important theme of reducing plastic litter and pollution. Of course, we shouldn’t just reduce our plastic footprint; we should try to reduce waste in all shapes, sizes and forms. Here are manageable tips and tricks to help you cut waste:

Think local

Is there a farmers’ market near you? Not only are you supporting local producers, the food travels fewer miles and often comes without, or in much less, packaging. For instance, the onions and potatoes from my local market never come in the unnecessary packaging you often find at the supermarket.

BYO (Bring Your Own)

We all know we should bring our own bag to the grocery store, but what about bringing your own straw or takeaway container to restaurants? I now make it a habit of toting a “Zero-Waste Kit” with me everywhere so I don’t make trash when I’m on the go. It contains essentials like canvas bags, utensils, beverage holders and cloth napkins. Reusable items are staples for a trash-free lifestyle.

Three Rs

The hierarchy of the eco-refrain ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ is key. For instance, switching to a reusable water bottle will help you stop buying single-use plastic ones. Almost all drink bottles are made from petroleum-based plastic, not recycled material. The vast majority end up in landfills, oceans or other bodies of water, where they never actually degrade, but break down into tinier and tinier pieces, potentially causing harm to the natural environment and wildlife.

However, recycling that disposable bottle isn’t the best answer either. Recycling itself is an energy-intensive process and has emissions associated with it, too. Simply, we have to find ways to buy less and use less. I’d like to add two more Rs to the list:

Refuse. For instance, you don’t need that paper or plastic bag at check-out; tell your servers “no straw”; refuse to buy things that come in wasteful packaging.

Repair. When your clothing gets a tear or your electronics aren’t working, try fixing it instead of buying new.

DIY

If I had to recommend one must-have tool for the home, it would be a high-speed blender. I use it to whip up smoothies, nut milks, soups, sauces, dips and flours. Sure, homemade food is often healthier and cheaper, but it also means I don’t have to buy these individual items from the store, cutting down on unnecessary packaging. Many everyday products and cosmetics can be made at home.

Is there something you consume a lot of that you can make at home instead? I love yoghurt, so I make my own. I also grow simple foods such as leafy greens and herbs. I know, I know, you don’t always have the time or effort to DIY. But if anything, it’s a big money saver.

Multipurpose, long-lasting

Buy in bulk for things you always need, such as non-perishable foods, laundry detergent, oil, toilet paper, etc. Also, the best products have multiple uses, like castile soap. Just a few drops can go a long way in making soap, shampoo, all-purpose cleaner and even fruit wash. I like to buy the biggest version, which lasts for months.

Catalogue your waste

The most important step, really, is to take an honest look at what you throw away. Have you been tossing out a lot of food lately? Try making stock from veggie scraps or start a compost heap. Does your car guzzle a lot of petrol? Consider taking public transport, if it’s available, or investing in a bike for shorter distances. Do you go through a lot of clothing? Try second-hand or raid someone else’s closet. The point is, there’s almost always a more environmentally friendly option.

Keep in mind that cutting your waste might not happen overnight, but it’s important to make the effort. The planet will thank you for it.

 

Tips to Reduce Waste

Lorraine Chow Earth Day 2018 focussed on the all-important theme of reducing plastic litter and pollution. Of course, we shouldnt just reduce our plastic footprint; we should try to reduce waste in all shapes, sizes and forms. Here are manageable tips and tricks to help you cut waste: Think local Is there a farmers market near you? Not only are you supporting local producers, the food travels fewer miles and often comes without, or in much less, packaging. For instance, the onions and potatoes from my local market never come in the unnecessary packaging you often find at the supermarket. BYO (Bring Your Own) We all know we should bring our own bag to the grocery store, but what about bringing your own straw or takeaway container to restaurants? I now make it a habit of toting a Zero-Waste Kit with me everywhere so I dont make trash when Im on the go. It contains essentials like canvas bags, utensils, beverage holders and cloth napkins. Reusable items are staples for a trash-free lifestyle. Three Rs The hierarchy of the eco-refrain Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is key. For instance, switching to a reusable water bottle will help you stop buying single-use plastic ones. Almost all drink bottles are made from petroleum-based plastic, not recycled material. The vast majority end up in landfills, oceans or other bodies of water, where they never actually degrade, but break down into tinier and tinier pieces, potentially causing harm to the natural environment and wildlife. However, recycling that disposable bottle isnt the best answer either. Recycling itself is an energy-intensive process and has emissions associated with it, too. Simply, we have to find ways to buy less and use less. Id like to add two more Rs to the list: Refuse. For instance, you dont need that paper or plastic bag at check-out; tell your servers no straw; refuse to buy things that come in wasteful packaging. Repair. When your clothing gets a tear or your electronics arent working, try fixing it instead of buying new. DIY If I had to recommend one must-have tool for the home, it would be a high-speed blender. I use it to whip up smoothies, nut milks, soups, sauces, dips and flours. Sure, homemade food is often healthier and cheaper, but it also means I dont have to buy these individual items from the store, cutting down on unnecessary packaging. Many everyday products and cosmetics can be made at home. Is there something you consume a lot of that you can make at home instead? I love yoghurt, so I make my own. I also grow simple foods such as leafy greens and herbs. I know, I know, you dont always have the time or effort to DIY. But if anything, its a big money saver. Multipurpose, long-lasting Buy in bulk for things you always need, such as non-perishable foods, laundry detergent, oil, toilet paper, etc. Also, the best products have multiple uses, like castile soap. Just a few drops can go a long way in making soap, shampoo, all-purpose cleaner and even fruit wash. I like to buy the biggest version, which lasts for months. Catalogue your waste The most important step, really, is to take an honest look at what you throw away. Have you been tossing out a lot of food lately? Try making stock from veggie scraps or start a compost heap. Does your car guzzle a lot of petrol? Consider taking public transport, if its available, or investing in a bike for shorter distances. Do you go through a lot of clothing? Try second-hand or raid someone elses closet. The point is, theres almost always a more environmentally friendly option. Keep in mind that cutting your waste might not happen overnight, but its important to make the effort. The planet will thank you for it.