10 principles of a zero waste lifestyle for those who want to save the Earth

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

How to stop using plastic, save some money and reduce environmental damage.

The population of the Earth is about 7.5 billion people. Every day, residents of developed countries drink water from plastic bottles, use disposable tableware, and buy bags in stores. What happens next with all this plastic?

The area of the garbage island in the Pacific Ocean is almost three times the size of France. Garbage pollutes water and kills large numbers of fish, turtles, marine mammals and birds. The rate of plastic consumption is far outstripping the rate of its recycling, and it would be nice for everyone to try to make a difference.

1. Buy a reusable water bottle

Having your own water bottle will not only save you from thirst and waste of money, but also give you the opportunity to experiment with the taste of the drink. The most sustainable alternatives are metal and glass bottles, but reusable ones (made of quality plastic) are also suitable.

2. Replace the plastic bags with a reusable cloth bag

Almost every trip to the store ends with the purchase of a plastic bag. It performs its function for several minutes, after which it ends up in a landfill in the role of garbage or a garbage bag.

Small cloth bags are a good alternative. In some stores, you can buy them directly at the checkout. They almost do not tear, do not wrinkle and take up little space.

3. Do not use plastic bags when weighing vegetables and cereals in stores

For these purposes, bags made of natural fabrics have long been invented. You can buy them or sew them yourself from old clothes or bed linen. And you can also refuse packages if one item is weighed: one apple, one carrot, one onion or one lemon.

4. Recycle food waste and paper into compost

This method is ideal for the summer season. Creating a compost heap will reduce waste and make it easier to maintain your garden and vegetable garden.

5. Give preference to glass storage systems

They are not only prettier than plastic containers, but also harmless to health.

6. Buy combs and toothbrushes made of wood

They are not inferior to ordinary plastic ones either in price or in functionality. What's more, some types of wood, such as bamboo, have an antibacterial effect.

7. Refuse disposable devices in favor of metal

In stores, you can buy small sets, consisting of a fork, spoon and cover, which you can always take with you.

8. Use cotton wool and toothpicks instead of cotton swabs

This is not only cheaper, but also more convenient, since now the cotton wool will only take the form that is convenient for you.

9. Replace razors with more environmentally friendly metal razors

Although they are not that easy to use, their content will cost you a penny. It is worth noting that this item is also suitable for the beautiful half of humanity.

10. Switch to other means for intimate hygiene

Panty liners can be replaced by a timely change of underwear. And during your period, it is better to use menstrual cups or reusable cloth pads. The first one can be ordered on the Internet, and the second one can be sewn by yourself.

Switching from disposable products to reusable products reduces the amount of plastic waste, and also significantly reduces costs for some items in the budget. But even if you are not ready to follow these principles, you can always help the Earth by simply not throwing garbage on the side of the road or in the bushes. The purity of the planet depends only on us!