Aiming for perfection isn’t the sole option when it comes to making positive changes. More people trying their best to make sustainable choices every day is more beneficial than giving up because achieving complete zero-waste status is too difficult.
Aim for small changes that complement your lifestyle. These will make consistent change more likely and reduce waste over the long term. Below, we’ve compiled a few simple eco-friendly lifestyle changes to start you on your journey.
Audit your lifestyle
Catalogue food in kitchen cupboards, fridges, freezers, and pantries to find any that has been forgotten or ignored. Research recipes that combine existing produce, or shop for a few additional items to reduce food waste. Unopened, in-date items can be donated if they are unlikely to be eaten.
In addition, a waste audit across your home will help identify problem areas. You could swap disposable cleansing wipes for reusable cotton pads, find alternatives to food in non-recyclable plastic wrap, or choose aluminium drinks cans over plastic bottles.
Keep what you already own
Some people assume they should clear their homes of plastic entirely. Sadly, this wastes otherwise useful products and increases waste output.
Prolonging the useful life of an item makes the most of the resources and energy used to produce it, even if the original materials or processes were unsustainable. Repurposing and reusing these items is a more sustainable approach, when compared to buying new.
Microplastics are shed from synthetic materials in clothing or household linens. Microfibre-catching bags and similar devices can be used in washing machines to reduce the amount of microplastics released into the sewerage system from synthetic materials.
You could also donate or sell quality clothing you no longer wish to wear instead of throwing it away. Blankets, towels, or other linens can be given to animal shelters for pets awaiting adoption.
Shop dry food in bulk
Dry food keeps better than fresh produce, making it possible to buy in bulk. Fewer emissions and packaging waste are generated from bulk buying, as only one journey is made and one set of packaging used.
Some bulk retailers provide refill stations to fill containers brought from home. Glass jars and receptacles kept from other food items can be used to hold dry food once cleaned. Containers that can be sealed help food last longer, keeping waste to a minimum.
Reusing packaging from other food items makes those purchases more sustainable and further reduces waste.
Keep a reusable ‘on-the-go’ kit
The demands of modern life can make convenience and efficiency important considerations when shopping. With a little planning, convenience doesn’t have to be compromised in favour of sustainability.
A plastic-free ‘kit’ made up of reusable eco-friendly cutlery, a reusable coffee cup, lunch box, and zero-plastic straw can be kept in a coat pocket or bag. These items allow you to refuse single-use plastic, cutting tonnes of avoidable waste.
Avoid plastic bottles
One of the simplest ways to make a noticeable change in your lifestyle is to identify a single problem product and do your best to avoid it. An impactful target for this tactic is plastic bottles.
The amount in an average shop can seem overwhelming at first: spray bottles for cleaning, toiletries and makeup, and beverages all utilise them. Finding replacements reduces domestic plastic waste.
For toiletries, responsible companies offer shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as bars. Often sold in cardboard packaging, they’re an easy zero-plastic switch. Makeup and skincare products are also becoming more readily available in refillable bottles.
Refill stations are one of the best tools for low-waste living. Eco cleaning products are often available in refillable formats, so only one plastic bottle has to be made for each customer. This reduces fossil fuel use in production and cuts waste.
Dispose of waste responsibly
Inevitably, even the most ardent low-waste consumer will generate some rubbish. Understanding how to properly dispose of different materials helps reduce the negative environmental impact of this waste.
Biodegradable products may not all be suitable for home composting and recycling, and waste collection differs between local authorities. Check guidelines for kerbside collection and carefully read packaging to determine how best to dispose of it.
Home-compostable products are helpful as these materials produce no toxic by-products. The organic matter derived from their breakdown fertilises plant growth, so no negative waste is generated.
Learn about eco issues and terms
One of the best ways to cultivate a more eco-friendly lifestyle is to understand eco issues. Identify causes important to you and prioritise areas to change accordingly.
For some people, the ethical and environmental impact of the meat and dairy industries may lead to a desire to purchase more vegan products . For others, the harmful effects of plastic on the environment may make a zero-plastic home the focus.
Whichever causes are important to you, remember that trying your best is better than giving up after failing at perfection.
For more advice across a variety of topics concerning sustainable living and ethical consumerism, FOOGO green’s blog is a good starting point. Our in-depth dives into eco-friendly products, manufacturing and approaches can help with making those first steps towards a greener future.