How to Reduce Waste
Reducing waste is one of the best things you can do to help the environment. You can do it at home, on the go, in your workplace, or at school. 5-Minute Crafts wants to show you a list of 8 eco-friendly things you can start doing today.
1. Swap your toothbrush out for bamboo.
The plastic part of regular toothbrushes has a short lifespan and ends up in the landfill. Consider buying a compostable bamboo toothbrush as a more eco-friendly choice since they don’t end up in landfills.
2. Buy secondhand items.
By buying something secondhand, you’re not only saving the environment, but you’re also saving money.
3. Compost your food scraps.
Things like food scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and leaves can actually be composted in your backyard instead of thrown into your trash can. The matter from these food scraps can serve as a great fertilizer.
4. Invest in reusable products.
Buy products that you can reuse, like bags, water bottles, straws, containers, etc. A lot of single-use plastic waste ends up killing wildlife, so you should avoid it as much as you can.
5. Plan your meals.
Meal planning is key in reducing waste. Make a weekly plan of what you’re going to eat during each specific week so that you’re not over-purchasing food that may end up in the trash.
6. Buy in bulk.
The smaller quantity of products we buy, the more packaging it comes with. Consider buying bulk-sized things, like dried fruits, nuts, cereal, rice, beans, spices, etc. This way, you’re reducing the amount of packaging the items come with.
7. Donate your old stuff.
If you have things you don’t want but they’re still in good condition, donate them, especially to charity. Sometimes we get rid of items we don’t need anymore because we don’t know where to put them. A lot of people would appreciate those items.
8. Repurpose your items.
Get crafty and repurpose your old things. Create shopping bags out of old T-shirts, vases from old glass bottles, and pencil holders made of cheese graters. Be creative!
Don’t use things or buy things unless they’re essential. Try to have minimalistic tendencies, and to reuse whatever items you can. Buy items with recyclable packaging, and lastly, compost your organic waste.