10 Ways to Adopt a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

After a whale in Thailand recently died after swallowing more than 80 plastic bags, the zero-waste movement has gained a noticeable amount of traction. Though it’s unfortunate that it often takes tragedy for positive change to occur, it’s never been a better time to jump on the zero-waste bandwagon. Big brands such as Ikea and McDonalds are already on the forefront of mainstream change by ditching plastic bags and straws. So how can you reduce your waste? It’s easier than you think: 

1. Use Reusable Bags- One of the first lifestyle changes that comes to mind when reducing your waste is eliminating plastic bag usage. On average, a person uses a plastic bag for only 12 minutes. After each bag plays its minute-long role in our lives, it takes over 1,000 years to decompose. Is 12 minutes of convenience worth 1,000 years of waste? Reusable bags are often a few dollars and available right at the checkout. Stores such as Target even give discounts to patrons who use reusable bags. Ditching plastic bags is one of the easiest ways to reduce personal waste. 
2. Invest in sustainable menstrual products- As menstruation is often not spoken about, it’s easy to not give any thought to how much waste is actually produced during a woman’s period. Over the course of an average of 38 years of menstruation, a woman can expect to produce over 62,415 pounds of garbage. Reusable period products such as Thinx period underwear or menstrual cups are easy ways to immensely reduce your garbage production.  
3. Ditch straws– Especially for those that love their daily coffee fix, straws have become a huge part of our plastic-reliance. Replace plastic straws that aren’t recyclable with these stainless-steel straws from Amazon.
4. Invest in reusable cutlery- Similarly to straw-usage, plastic silverware is another mindless addition to the global waste problem. Toss one of these reusable utensil sets in your bag to begin your zero-waste lifestyle.  
5. Look into composting- Though composting is often thought to be associated with farms and country-living, it’s easy to do it even in apartments. Though we often toss our organic leftovers in the trash thinking that they’ll magically decompose, 16% of all methane emissions are from foods that can’t decompose in landfills. Compostable items include fruit and vegetable leftovers, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags, and more. Many cities even have compost-pickup services. Check out Milwaukee’s Organic Collection Program here: http://city.milwaukee.gov/Milwaukee-Recycles/Yard-Food-Waste/Organics-Collection-Pilot.htm#.WyVRQC3MzVo 
6. Hydrate with reusable water bottles- Especially with the trendiness of reusable water bottles such as Swell and Camelback, using non-disposable bottles has never been more appealing. Reusable water bottles can even save you money by being able to fill up at water fountains or at home from the tap, getting rid of the need to spend hundreds of dollars lugging cases of water home from the grocery store each year.  
7. Invest in things that last- Spending the extra dollar on a quality product that will last a long time will steer you clear of any planned-obsolescence conspiracies. From clothes to technology, investing in higher-quality items will reduce your waste in the long run.  
8. Use a compostable toothbrush- Though toothbrushes aren’t something you throw out every day, about 50 million pounds of toothbrushes get sent to landfills every year. Brush your teeth sustainably with these bamboo toothbrushes.
9. DIY Cleaner- Purchasing items such as cleaners and laundry detergent are a massive source of plastic waste in America. Making your own products at home not only reduces waste but also can save you money. For an effective and easy-to-make all-purpose cleaner, mix a half cup of distilled white vinegar with two cups of water, and add about 20 drops of your favorite essential oil for scent.  
10. Know what’s recyclable- Just because it’s plastic doesn’t mean it’s recyclable. Knowing what’s actually recyclable will help you make more conscious decisions when purchasing goods at the store. Surprisingly un-recyclable items include pizza boxes, plastic bottle caps, plastic grocery bags, Styrofoam, yogurt cups, and more.  

For more information on the zero-waste moment, head to https://www.goingzerowaste.com.