What is zero waste
Do you know about zero waste, this concept which consists of generating as little waste as possible. And by extension, a way of living that better respects the planet, but also its inhabitants. Because waste and overconsumption are scourges, both for the planet and for the economy. Let’s take the plunge towards more responsible consumption, with some simple ideas.
Having a zero waste lifestyle is simply about reducing your waste. Ideologically, it is a question of restoring value to our goods, our resources and our ecosystems and to our local producers. It’s about coming back to our level of overconsumption and rethinking our ecological footprint.
It will take a lot of personal initiative and collective action to change the way we create, make and consume. It will undoubtedly take time to move from our linear economy based on overconsumption to a more reasoned, circular economy.
According to Fort Lauderdale Dumpster Rental Whiz, by radically eliminating the amount of waste we generate, we send a message to companies and manufacturers to design and take responsibility for their products and be an example of a zero waste economy.
It’s not about being perfect or creating no waste; it’s about being a consumer-actor pushing our society towards a more conscious model, with less waste management issues.
Analyze your trash
To do this, start by analyzing your trash or rather your trash cans, because there is no doubt that you have already started sorting! Look at what you already recycle but could do without, for example.
Analyze what you don’t recycle but could easily recycle. Glass, for example, is infinitely recyclable but sometimes requires a long journey to the collection bin, so that we end up putting the bottles in the trash with the other waste. You can also easily recycle most kitchen waste, by setting up composting, for example, or buying chickens!
Practice minimalism
“Less is more”. And that has never been more true. There are many ways to simplify our consumption and even our lifestyle. Sorting can be an opportunity to ask yourself the right questions:
- What really makes me happy?
- What do I really use?
- What are the things that inspire me?
- What could I really not do without?
When we declutter our homes and our heads, we change our environment and create more space. Minimalism helps us avoid being distracted and overwhelmed.
Asking ourselves these kinds of questions can help us curb our consumption and restore value and meaning to the objects we use and store. This way, we will be more likely to invest in something that has more durable, repairable and multifunctional qualities.
Say no to disposable products
Planned obsolescence (planned or perceived) is an industrial and economic concept. The product is, from the start, designed with an artificially limited lifespan, so that it will become obsolete, go out of style, or no longer work after a certain period of time. Many of the products we buy are designed this way, unfortunately for our wallets and the planet.
The pinnacle of planned obsolescence is found in single-use disposable products. Disposable products are often made from plastics made from petroleum, and this is why there is no much plastic waste in the seas. Collectively, we generate a lot of waste using these products. Plastic cups, takeout containers, straws, toothbrushes, wipes… These are things we can avoid, especially plastic.
Change your consumption habits
One of the easiest ways to significantly reduce your waste is to find sustainable and reusable alternatives to these single-use disposable items, also for an eco-friendly Christmas. You can very easily change your consumption pattern with these tips:
- Say no to plastic straws when ordering drinks, or use your own metal straw.
- Bring your own shopping bags or bulk bags instead of accepting plastic bags.
- Carry reusable tissues with you.
- Use bamboo tableware instead of disposable plastic tableware.
- Simplify your meal by avoiding unnecessary food packaging.
- Use cloth napkins rather than paper towels.
- Avoid plastic wrap and store your food in glass containers.
- Buy in bulk, with your fabric bags or jars, as much as you can.
These are just a few basic actions for eco-responsible consumption. But you will see that you will get the hang of it by adding, over time, other good zero waste habits such as using solid cosmetics or making your own household products. You can consult the government ecology website for more information on the actions put in place.
