9 Tips to Reduce Waste
We all know the golden rule for wasting less: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Here are a few practical tips to get the ball rolling.
Declutter: Wait! Don't go! I'm not saying that you have to be a minimalist, just that you should not have things you don't love, need, or use. After a thorough decluttering of your home, you will have a better idea of what "trash" looks like to you.
Buy Less: Do you need it, Will it add value to your life? Is this item likely to be in your trash bin next month?
Use Your Stuff: Do you have something that will temporarily fill this need? Wait it out.
The 3 Day Rule: Wait three days. If you still want, love, need, can't live without it, then get it!
Meal Plan: Food packaging is a massive source of waste, don't buy things you won't eat.
Look At The Packaging: Is it recyclable? Do you like this glass bottle? Is the plastic container the right size for your lunch box or meal portion? Is there lettuce that's not wrapped in plastic?
Cook Simply: Try cooking from staples instead of boxes.
Buy From Bulk Bins: I bought some very affordable, plastic, BPA free, canisters on Amazon. They are pretty on your pantry shelves, and you can take them to the store and scoop your goods right in.
Look At Your Trash: What are you throwing away? Could any of these disposable items be replaced with a permanent reusable one?
The name of the game when it comes to wasting less is consuming less. Our incentive to work and boost our economy is to buy stuff, Stuff, STUFF! We have been raised to live like this, and it's no secret that it is not a fulfilling way of life. It is a hard habit to break like all habits are. Take advantage of all the motivation that's out there right now. Watch documentaries, listen to ted talks, find people you admire on social media. Staying motivated and focused is vital to change.