Getting Started with Minimal Waste
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!