How Do You Have a Zero Waste Lifestyle?
A zero waste life example is something that everyone should consider in their lives. When you consider it, the actual concept of a “zero waste” lifestyle may be way out of our reach because of all of the things we waste when we are outside and while at home. Some people may live such an active lifestyle that they hardly even realize that they are wasting food, water, and energy.
Zero waste life examples are often difficult to follow because of all of the unnecessary things that we discard down the drain or toss in the trash. However, once you realize how easy it is to live such a lifestyle, you will find it much easier to actually put it into action. One way to begin the journey to a zero waste lifestyle is to purchase items that you will use and throw away immediately after use. For example, instead of purchasing plastic water bottles, buy reusable ones. If you are a tremendous coffee drinker, refill your coffee pots as soon as it is empty, too.
Another way to start the process is to start cooking your food in stainless steel pots or pans so that you can reuse them. Instead of throwing your coffee grounds in a garbage can, use them on your freshly washed vegetables. Food scraps such as vegetable peelings and apple peelings make excellent meals and can save a great deal of money. Instead of throwing your food away, cut it up very finely and add it to your compost pile to make fertilizer. Composting is one of the most efficient ways to recycle food waste materials.
Water is another vital component of a “zero waste” lifestyle. If you do not have a drinking water container, fill up a large pot or container with filtered water and add a few fresh garden leaves every day. Water is necessary to live so make sure that you replenish your water source daily. The leaves will act as a natural fertilizer for your plants and help to slow down decomposition. This will save you money on your grocery bill.
Instead of throwing your paper garbage and plastic into a waste receptacle, shred it. Thinner papers tend to decompose at a much faster rate than heavier paper. This method can save you quite a bit of money by reducing the amount of trash that ends up in our landfills. By using less paper and plastic, you will be reducing the amount of waste material that is collected by waste management systems.
Another way to reduce waste material is to purchase rechargeable batteries at your local hardware store. These rechargeable batteries can last a year or more. One rechargeable battery will last approximately twice as long as a non-rechargeable battery. This will help reduce your need to throw away disposable items as well. If you are like many, you have probably been receiving text messages or emails on a regular basis that are urgent in nature. These messages will not go away until you take a moment to delete them.
Instead of tossing the disposable cameras that you are no longer using, scan them into your computer. You can then print out the photos and store them. Scanning paper into your computer also helps to reduce the amount of waste material that ends up in a landfill. You may also consider taking public transportation instead of driving to work each day. Using public transportation saves gas money and you are helping to protect the environment.
How do you have a zero waste lifestyle? It’s easier than you think. By making a few simple changes you can significantly reduce the amount of waste that you produce. This all starts with your food choices. Instead of buying too much fast food, stop at a small fast food establishment that also serves a healthy menu. Doing so will allow you to eat healthy and still feel full.