8 Effective Ways to Reduce Your Household Waste
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Did you know that the average American household produces approximately 1,704 pounds of garbage every year? That’s around 4.4 pounds per person per day, and as the population rises, the numbers continue to increase.
If you’re thinking of reducing the amount of trash you produce, you’re in luck. There are plenty of different tips to help you keep it under control so that you can do your part to help the environment.
Below we are going to talk about eight effective ways to reduce your household waste.
Sound interesting? Then let’s get started!
Purchase and invest in reusable products.
The first step in cutting down your waste production is to invest in a few good reusable products. This way, you can get multiple uses out of something, rather than throwing away an item instantly.
A few things that you can switch out include:
– Plastic bags = Totes
– Plastic straws = Metal straws
– Disposable diapers = Cloth diapers
– Tissues = Handkerchiefs
– Paper Towel = Rags and Cloths
You can find more alternatives here.
Use compostable trash bags.
It’s challenging to go “zero waste,” but you can make sure that your trash bags aren’t creating more problems by opting for compostable options. They also work well if you happen to have your own compost for food waste.
It can also be good to find ways to visualize how much trash you are creating. For instance, you might look at getting a 4 gallon trash can instead of something larger. With a smaller bin, you can physically see what you are producing and are more likely to stay motivated.
Buy in bulk.
Some items can’t be bought without packaging, but another great way to reduce the amount that you bring home is to buy in bulk. It’s easier for meal planning (which we will get into below), and most bulk stores allow you to bring your own containers.
Don’t forget that the farmer’s markets are also a great way to source produce. Not to mention it tastes better straight from the farm too!
Prep meals ahead of time.
When it comes to reducing food waste, one of the best tips is to prepare your meals ahead of time. When you know what you are making, you know what you have to buy when it’s time to grocery shop.
Try and keep a list handy of what you plan to eat for the week, including breakfast, dinner, and school lunches. One other benefit is that it can even help you save money as you won’t be buying unnecessary snacks.
Use your scraps.
Most people throw out scraps that they don’t use after cooking, but before you do that, you should see if there are any other uses. Alongside storing leftovers in containers, you can try preserving or reusing the food items in other meals.
If you’ve got a green thumb, you can take the seeds from fruit and vegetables and grow them in your garden.
Donate and resell items.
Have something that you no longer need, but it’s still in good condition? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! So instead of throwing it away, try donating or reselling on places such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
Your old items can help go to someone else in need, and you can make extra cash on the things that are worth it. You might even purchase new items from local charity shops rather than buying from big-brand stores.
Repurpose materials.
Before you donate or recycle, another idea is to repurpose any materials. For example, particular containers can be reused for storage, and things such as cardboard boxes make great art supplies for the kids.
You might even be able to create some DIY décor with items around your home. There are so many options out there – it may even become a new hobby.
Go digital.
Finally, if you want to reduce that paper clutter in your home, it’s always a good idea to go digital. Today, you can get books and magazine subscriptions on your phone or tablet.
With so much entertainment available with the touch of a button, it’s convenient and makes a big difference to our depleting forests.
Final words.
And that’s it! These were eight effective ways to reduce your household waste. While it may seem like a lot to adjust to at first, it’s essential to try and see the bigger picture. By changing just a few habits, you play a very significant part in protecting our planet.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.
