For some years now, it has been my personal goal to create less trash. The inspiration came from many different sources but the motivation to actually get started came from the book Zero Waste Home.
We may not be able to save the whole world with these changes but we can
make a positive impact on ourselves - it feels good to do good!
make a positive impact in our immediate surroundings - you may even inspire others!
make fewer trips to the trash can - who can argue against that?!
Win, win, win!
Following are some super easy zero waste swaps that I have personally made:
(More resources about plastic waste at the end of the post.)
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
Shampoo Bar
This is a product I’ve been using for years. From the first try on, I was hooked. This product works so well that there is absolutely no reason to switch back to shampoo in a bottle. It is also increasingly easy to find conditioner bars.
Lotion Bar
Another product that I actually prefer in the solid form! It seemed odd in the beginning but is much more moisturizing and very easy to use.
Buy it: Amazon, Fillgood (Zero-Waste store that delivers in SF Bay Area), Soap & Salve (my favorite)
Sunscreen In A Tin
This might be harder to find but if you do don’t hesitate to give it a try! Super easy to use and works as it’s supposed to. I have personally tested it in Tahiti for the whole family. No sun burns.
Extra: If you want to go the extra mile you can also find deodorant in a cardboard tube, bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable and refillable dental floss, refillable cosmetics, biodegradable diapers and even toothpaste as tablets.
HOUSEHOLD
Toilet Paper & Paper Towels
It’s paper wrapped in pretty paper. Works like paper. No plastic wrapping and delivered to your home. No brainer.
Buy it: Who Gives A Crap, Fillgood (Zero-Waste store that delivers in SF Bay Area)
Cleaning Solution
There are now several new all purpose cleaning solutions where you just add a tablet in a spray bottle and fill it with water. My favorite comes with a glass spray bottle that has lasted a few years now. The refills are wrapped in paper packaging. Super simple and works well!
Biodegradable Dish Cloths & Sponges
These are sometimes labeled as Swedish dishcloths or reusable paper towels. They collect a lot of water and after a particularly dirty job can be joyfully tossed in the compost bin (or washed)! Biodegradable sponges are also readily available.
Extra: You can also find biodegradable cleaning brushes from dish brushes to toilet brushes, candles with no packaging or only paper wrapper and even dish soap in a block.
GROCERY
Admittedly, buying groceries without creating any waste is somewhat harder. But there are some areas were you can make relatively easy choices that are better for the planet.
Milk, Cream, Juice Cartons Without Plastic Screw Top
It is increasingly popular for milk cartons to have that little plastic spout or screw top. Apparently it makes milk easier to pour. I personally can live without it. Maybe you can too?
Buy it: All grocery stores
Condiments, Yogurt, Juice In Glass
Although most yogurts and juices come in plastic packaging there are few alternatives. Choose them whenever you can.
Buy it: Most grocery stores, GoodEggs
Extra: If you live close to a grocery store (like Rainbow Grocery in SF) where you can refill your own jars, give it try! It may seem like a hassle but once you get the hang of it is quite straight forward and putting your groceries away at home is a joy ✨
My goal with this blog post is to ditch the all or nothing mentality and make small,
easy changes that are manageable and don’t add stress to our lives.
Let’s keep our planet tidy 🌎
PLASTIC WASTE RESOURCES
“In total, half of all plastic produced is designed for single-use purposes – used just once and then thrown away.”
“Today, we produce about 300 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. That’s nearly equivalent to the weight of the entire human population.”
“Of the seven billion tonnes of plastic waste generated globally so far, less than 10 per cent has been recycled.”
“Millions of tonnes of plastic waste are lost to the environment, or sometimes shipped thousands of kilometres to destinations where it is mostly burned or dumped.”
“Most plastic items never fully disappear; they just break down into smaller and smaller pieces. Those microplastics can enter the human body through inhalation and absorption and accumulate in organs. Microplastics have been found in our lungs, livers, spleens and kidneys.”