2 easy-peasy ways to boost your zero waste game
Mum and I with the zero waste home queen herself, Bea Johnson at The Source Bulk Foods in July.
Don't be put off by the "zero waste" label - here are some of the best ways to live low-impact, without overhauling your life overnight.
It seems the zero waste movement is getting more traction than ever - after all, we've got a week for it!
Though the community sharing the zero waste/ low waste/ plastic free/ low impact lifestyle online is huge and brimming with ideas, it can still seem like you're the minority in an uphill battle when you try to make changes day-to-day.
Have you been knocked back trying to BYO container with food? Did you buy all your produce loose at the markets only to wander in to the supermarket and see more than half the produce wrapped in plastic?
We don't live in a zero waste world (yet!) but as more is invested in the circular economy - a cradle to cradle approach to the design and lifecycle of the products we use - it will only become more mainstream (read: easier!).
Everyone can buy loose produce! It’s even easier at your local farmers’ market.
But there are sooo many ways we as individuals, as households, as families can make changes, without relying on others.
Here are some of the best (and enjoyable) ways you can lower your impact TODAY - no massive changes needed, I promise!
Rediscover the things you already own.
This doesn't sound very fun, but trust me, it's an awesome place to start and will give your clothes and other belongings a new lease on life!
This tip covers multiple R's in the checklist -
refusing what we don't need,
reducing what we consume,
reusing things already in existence,
recycling in the home for multi-purpose - and a few new ones too.
Think repair, re-wear, repurpose, up-cycling, mixing and matching new things together and even just finding items you'd forgotten about in the back of that cupboard or drawer...
The wardrobe is a great place to start when falling back in love with the things you already own. There are many ways to approach the wardrobe - and these ideas can certainly be applied to other areas of your home too.
Try a wardrobe audit.
Ok, so this isn't my wardrobe... I wish! Taken at Habitat Woman in Byron Bay - natural fabric heaven
Pull EVERYTHING out and look at all items. Try on things you haven't worn in a while - then you'll see what may need repairing or altering, what doesn't fit, or what just doesn't work for your body.
Make piles, and get creative! Think about how they could be re-worn with something different.
Can you tuck a mini dress into a skirt to make it a top? Can you layer under or over something to make it trans-seasonal? Can that long skirt also be worn as a dress?
Even worn-out socks can get a new lease on life as handy dandy dusting mitts.
Consider selling good quality items rather than just donating them as the first step - that way you're ensuring they end up in someone else's hands, and you make a few bucks too! This goes for all things in the home too - you'd be surprised what people are on the hunt for.
Can't sew? Find a local alterations service (I have a wonderful "sewing lady" who works from home) or ask a family member and offer to cook them dinner in return.
Experiment with a capsule wardrobe.
Lee Vosburgh doing her capsule wardrobe 10x10 Challenge!
I am yet to go "full capsule" (I'm working towards it...) but many people rave about it - and there are many ways to do it!
The idea is you have a limited number of your favourite staple pieces (with a few statements thrown in there), encouraging you to get creative with mixing and matching AND reducing outfit stress in the morning.
Some inspiration if you want to find out more:
Lee (the Bee) Vosburgh of the blog Style Bee, particularly her 10x10 Challenge.
Project 333 by Courtney Carver - dress with 33 items or less for 3 months.
Never Ever Pay Retail by Hannah Klose for DIY, mixing and matching, outfit inspo and second hand finds!
A Pair & A Spare by Geneva Vanderzeil for easy DIY, upcycling and creative projects.
What else could this be used for?
Going beyond the wardrobe, there are so may things around the home that can be multi-use.
Think of the humble things too like cardboard boxes, brown paper bags, jars and bottles, empty candles, fabric pieces, even your kitchen cutlery.
Reusing a little jam jar for DIY zero waste deodorant!
I recently created a stand-up desk for myself at home, wrapping a cardboard box with used brown paper (which I'm balancing my laptop on right now!). I've also double-layered some old brown paper bags and rolled down the top to cover indoor plant pots.
When you think you're finished using something - a jar of food, a candle, a spray bottle, lip balm, bathroom products, worn-out clothes and socks - consider what else it could be used for. A pencil holder, a container for simple DIY beauty products, a cleaning rag, a pot plant - it's limited only by your imagination.
Low-impact win: No new resources required!
Put second-hand first.
After rediscovering, reusing, re-wearing, repairing and repurposing what you already own, you've naturally refused and reduced what you actually need - no new resources, easy as pie!
Putting second hand as your go-to is such a huge part of slowing consumption and the next best step in using what already exists.
I've set myself the challenge to try and find as many things as possible second hand - making that my first stop whenever I need (or want) something.
You'd be surprised what's on the second hand market - someone will almost always be selling what you need.
See, I told you these tips were gonna be easy!
I'd love to hear what gems you rediscovered, or how you repurposed something at home.
- Ash