Are you looking for a new lifestyle?
Zero waste living is the future of sustainable living. It’s not just about recycling and composting, it’s about reducing your environmental impact in every aspect of your life. You’ll be amazed at how easy it can be to live zero waste with these simple tips that will change your life.
We’ve got all the information you need on how to get started! Check out our Zero Waste Basics for more info on what zero waste means, why it matters, and how to make this transition as painless as possible. So without further ado, let’s talk about ten reasons why you should be striving for Zero Waste right now!
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#1 Save Money
One of the many benefits of reducing and minimizing waste is that it can save you money. This is because products will last longer, requiring fewer replacements and repairs. For example, a 100-percent organic hemp coffee filter will last longer than single-use paper filters. This simple swap will dramatically reduce the number of filters you need to buy.
Also, by going zero waste, you could be as well saving money on the food bill each month. Some people don’t realize just how much money could be spent on groceries because of the packaging.
You’ll usually find that some stores and farmer’s markets have options that are cheaper than others, but you may have to hunt around a bit to get what you need without packaging. It’s also possible to get more creative by bringing your own glass containers for berries or a reusable shopping bag for vegetables.
#2 Reduce your carbon footprint!
Our planet is in bad shape. We produce far too much waste, and it’s one of the main factors that contribute to climate change. By reducing your impact on the earth, you decrease the number of greenhouse emissions that go into our atmosphere. This will lead to reduced heating, improved air quality, improved water quality, improved soil health, improved wildlife health, and more.
“The ocean has absorbed about 29 percent of global CO2 emissions since the end of the pre-industrial era.”—Union of Concentrated Scientists
But, what does it mean for marine life?
Fish and shellfish stocks, as well as corals and seagrass beds, are all under threat. The oceans are becoming increasingly acidic as a result of the carbon dioxide uptake. But luckily, together we can make a change!
It’s very important to think through waste strategies. The more you recycle, the less trash there is left to be buried or burned in landfill sites, so you can help reduce your footprint today.
#3 Live a life that makes you proud.
It feels amazing to live a zero-waste lifestyle. You’re doing something that will make a difference for the planet, for your future family, and for the generations that are yet to come. It’s very empowering, knowing you’re a part of something bigger than yourself.
#4 Live in harmony with nature.
More than our planet is in trouble. Our animals are dying out at unprecedented rates, deforestation is on the rise, and species are becoming extinct at an unspeakable rate.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! We can all make changes in our lives that will help improve these statistics.
You’ll feel more connected with the planet and more excited to get outdoors and play. Your new lifestyle will include many adventures and explorations, which will help you understand the beauty of nature, and increase your appreciation for what you have before it’s gone.
#5 Have guilt-free shopping trips.
When you begin a zero-waste lifestyle, your shopping trips will no longer be driven by consumerism. You’ll find yourself buying things based on their necessity and quality, not because they’re the newest trend or were advertised that day.
Your new mindset will help you avoid impulse buys and unnecessary waste that come with them. It’s like you’re shopping with your future self in mind. You’ll be very excited to not produce any trash on your next shopping trip, and you’ll never want to go back!
#6 Create your own eco-friendly products at home.
With just a few natural resources like almond oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, you can create your own, super nourishing body lotion.
A natural deodorant base can be made by mixing baking soda, arrowroot powder, and shea butter. The list can go on and on! There are natural alternatives for everything.
I’ll never forget how much fun we had trying new recipes for a DIY shampoo for the first time. You should definitely give it a go!
#7 Trash Backwards.
Recycle your trash into something useful! For example, turn old t-shirts into handbags or use an old bike seat as a planter.
There are so many things you can turn your trash into. Just use your imagination!
Check out our 20 Popular Pringles Can Crafts Ideas You’ll Actually Use for inspiration! 😉
Just by following the reusing and recycling strategies, you’ll drastically reduce the amount of waste you produce. Plus, you won’t need to make monthly trips to the recycling center, that’ll save you time and money! No more guilt over the amount of trash you generate.
#8 Stop being ripped off by unethical companies that exploit the environment.
This is truly important. You don’t want to support companies that exploit the environment for profit and with zero consideration of the future.
With a zero-waste lifestyle, you’ll become more conscious of who you’re buying from and what you’re buying with every single dollar spent — because it’s so important.
#9 No more contributions to fast fashion.
Don’t you just hate it when the $5 shirt you bought falls apart after two washes? Just throwing money away like that is frustrating.
But, what about the people who made that shirt in the first place? Companies like H&M and Zara are fast fashion companies — they create cheap clothes to sell for large profits.
And with that, they must pay their workers as little as possible. Let’s just say that fast fashion companies are known for exploiting their workers by offering sweatshop-like working conditions and paying them next to nothing just so the company can maximize profits.
It’s sad because these people making these clothes don’t even make enough money to afford to buy these clothes. It’s an endless cycle of people getting ripped off…
…So, let’s break the cycle. With a zero-waste lifestyle, you’ll start opting for brands with sustainable practices. Brands like Patagonia and United By Blue produce high-quality clothes, that are affordable and use sustainable practices in their production. You can also check out local thrift stores — you’ll be surprised at how many amazing finds you can get in them!
#10 Be part of history in the making!
If you are just reading this article, then chances are that you have not taken on a zero-waste lifestyle just yet.
But even doing something as small as bringing your own grocery bags to the store will help others be inspired by what you’re doing.
So what are you doing today to make a difference in the world?
Don’t wait for someone else to do it — be part of history in the making!
Final Thoughts
We all enjoy some of life’s luxuries — we just don’t need to do it at the expense of our environment. With a zero-waste lifestyle and our tips and tricks, you can still enjoy your favorite things and be environmentally conscious!
Now that you know how much of an impact a zero-waste lifestyle can make, give it a go and see for yourself! It will transform your life in such wonderful ways.
Iryna wants to make this world a better, greener place with less waste. Her mission is to protect the planet from plastic pollution by bringing awareness to this global crisis through her website. Send her an email to learn more about her mission and how we can help!
