5 Tips to Having a Zero Waste Home

The word ‘zero’ might sound unachievable but that is far from the truth. Zero waste living benefits the environment as well as your health, mind and bank balance. Here at Spaces & Places, we are keen to cut down on the waste we create and so, here are our top tips on cutting out the excess in your home.

Refuse the free stuff

Learn to say no. Junk mail, freebies, business cards, testers whatever it may be, they are examples of things you can say no to. Every single time somebody takes one, the demand to create more increases. Not only will this help declutter your home without extra waste, but it also puts into perspective how many resources we are wasting on a daily basis.

Reuse what you have

Not only is reusing your own belongings one of the easiest principles, but it also saves you a lot of money whilst making a massive difference to waste levels. Swap plastic bottles for refillable, use cloth napkins that can be washed rather than tissue and take reusable bags to the supermarket.

Reduce your intakes

Start with your first grocery trip. The less you buy, the less you waste – simple! Keep your items to a minimum and see what you need more than what you want. Also, reduce the clutter of your home. If you decide to get rid, take it to the charity shop. Not only will it help somebody else, but it will also allow you to see what you actually have to hand already and prevent you from buying extra.

Recycle as much as you can

Not only will reducing your items help waste less, but it also helps recycle more! Buying items like fruit and vegetables in bulk rather than lots of small packages means it is easier to recycle. Avoid plastic and choose cardboard and metal that can be recycled in your designated recycle bins adhering to your city’s policies.

Rot any thrown out food

If there is no option but to throw food, ensure you have a compost system in place. This allows your waste to be put to good use and nature around you to be greener with its nutrients too!

Waste levels are rising by the second so however you choose to become a zero-waste home, the time to do it is now.  It doesn’t have to be difficult, just follow the tips above and you’ll be down to zero in no time.