Getting Started with Minimal Waste

 
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ONE- FIND YOUR MOTIVE

When I started to explore a minimal waste lifestyle, there were several factors at play; 

  • Could I reduce my environmental impact? 

  • Could I simplify the amount of ‘work’ I had at home?

  • Would it lead to a healthier lifestyle?  

  • Could I actually save money by embracing minimal waste?

Six years later and I am still questioning and exploring these ideas.  I know that when someone decides to explore a minimal waste lifestyle, it’s worth asking “Why?”.  And after six years, I can answer ‘yes’ to my own questions, and I return to these questions on a daily basis as my inner motive to continue to explore ways to live a simpler, cleaner lifestyle.

TWO- GET ORGANIZED

As I began to look at my habits both in and outside of the home, certain things became clear- I generally packed a lunch for myself from home, I bought coffee from time to time from the coffee shop, I purchased cleaning products and home essentials on a regular basis, and I frequented the market to feed my family of five.

Considering these facts, I set out to identify one area at a time that I could adjust to make my routines more sustainable.  I started with the easiest for me- I brought my stainless steel insulated cup with me everywhere I went.  That way, I not only avoided the paper coffee cup with the plastic lid, but I found myself drinking more water.  I also started to carry more canvas bags and mesh bags with me for trips to the store.  Once I broke it down, taking a few simple steps felt really doable, and reminded me of my purpose.

THREE- BUY AND REPLACE SLOWLY

If you already have items you use, like toothbrushes and shampoo bottles, don’t go throwing them out before you’ve used them up.  Once I had used up certain products, I knew I would replace them with compostable, or sustainable alternatives, but it did take time.

FOUR- LEARN HOW TO RECYCLE, DONATE, OR UP-CYCLE ITEMS

The goal of minimal waste is to keep stuff out of landfills.  Follow the 5 R’s:

  • REFUSE

  • REDUCE

  • REUSE

  • RECYCLE

  • ROT

FIVE- IT’S A PROCESS- TAKE BABY STEPS!

After I started to use my own cup at the coffee shop, I realized I could also bring my jar when ordering coffee beans to take home.  They gladly accepted to fill my jar with their beans.  Then, when my coffee machine finally wore out, I replaced it with a stainless steel french press.  Then, when I bought my half and half for the coffee, I purchased Strauss, which comes in a returnable glass container.  Then, my daughter took a ceramics class and I now drink my morning cup of joe from a beautiful, handmade mug.  But I do still own a set of lovely coffee mugs, purchased from my local thrift store!

 
Katherine Llodra