Audit Your Waste
The first step to reducing waste is to understand where it’s coming from. I take a week to save all my trash and recycling and go through it category by category. This helps me identify areas where I can make easy swaps or reductions. For example, I noticed a lot of plastic food wrappers, so I started packing lunches in reusable containers. Doing a waste audit annually helps me stay accountable.
Opt For Reusables
Disposable paper towels, plastic bags, water bottles, straws, and other single-use items generate tons of waste. I try to use reusables whenever possible. I always bring my own bags grocery shopping and use reusable produce bags. At home, I switched to reusable cloth napkins and reusable straws. For quick cleanups, I use washable microfiber cloths instead of paper towels. Reusables save money and reduce waste.
Buy In Bulk
Buying food and other household essentials in bulk with reusable containers significantly cuts down on packaging waste. Bulk bins at grocery and health food stores allow me to purchase precisely the amount I need. I also save money buying bulk staples like rice, oats, pasta, and baking supplies. Bonus – buying in bulk reduces my trips to the store. I keep reusable glass jars on hand to store bulk items.
Compost Food Scraps
An easy way to reduce waste is composting food scraps. I have a countertop compost bin that makes saving vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and stale bread very convenient. About 30% of household waste is compostable organic material. Composting turns food scraps into nutrient-rich soil for plants. I use my homemade compost to fertilize my vegetable garden. Not only does composting reduce waste, but it also improves my soil.
Declutter and Donate
Periodically decluttering my home helps eliminate things I no longer use or need. I follow the one year rule – if I haven’t used it in over a year, I donate it. Clothes, books, kitchenware, decor, and electronics can often be donated if gently used. I donate to local charities including women’s shelters, libraries, and thrift stores. Decluttering frees up space in my home while benefitting others.
Be Mindful of Packaging
When grocery shopping, I choose products with minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging. For produce, I opt for loose items instead of pre-packaged when possible. I try to avoid heavily packaged snack foods, instead choosing snacks from the bulk bins. When I do buy packaged foods, I compost or recycle what I can. Being mindful of packaging helps me avoid unnecessary waste.
Maintain a Zero-Waste Kitchen
The kitchen often produces a lot of waste. To reduce my impact, I maintain a zero-waste kitchen. I meal plan based on what I already have to minimize food waste. I wash and reuse zip-top bags. Dish soap, hand soap, and counter spray come in reusable glass dispensers refilled at co-ops. Reusable beeswax wrap replaces plastic wrap. With some easy habit changes, my kitchen barely produces any trash.
Improve Recycling Habits
Recycling properly is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste, but many common mistakes result in recyclables ending up in the landfill. I rinse all containers to remove food residue before recycling. Only plastics #1-5 are recyclable in my area, so I avoid #6 and #7. Shredding paper waste helps save space. Breaking down cardboard boxes is important too. Improving my recycling habits keeps more waste out of the landfill.
Rethink Laundry
Laundry involves waste from detergent packaging, microfibers, and dryer sheets. To reduce waste, I switched to laundry detergent sheets that come in recyclable cardboard. I use wool dryer balls instead of plastic dryer sheets. I also wash clothes in cold water to minimize microfiber shedding. When possible, I utilize the power of the sun and dry clothes on a line rather than the dryer. Rethinking laundry habits can make a big difference.
Choose Quality over Quantity
Cheaply made items often break or wear out quickly, resulting in more waste. Whenever possible, I invest in durable, quality products that last through years of use and can often be repaired if needed. High-quality cookware, furniture, electronics, clothing, and other household items stay out of the landfill longer. Choosing a few purposeful, long-lasting possessions over cheap quantities saves money and reduces waste.
Shop Secondhand First
Before buying something new, I always check secondhand stores first. Gently used items are readily available at thrift stores, consignment shops, Facebook Marketplace, and more. Shopping secondhand keeps existing items in use and gives them a new life. From furniture to clothing to housewares, I’ve scored some amazing secondhand finds in great condition. Buying secondhand reduces demand for new products and packaging.
Limit Take-Out and Delivery
While take-out is convenient, it generates lots of single-use packaging waste. Limiting my take-out orders helps reduce waste. When I do order take-out, I request no plasticware or condiments. At restaurants, I skip straws and only take leftovers if I know I’ll eat them. Picking up food myself rather than getting delivery also cuts down on waste. Meal prepping at home allows me to control what type of packaging my food touches.
Be Mindful of Cleaning Supplies
Many conventional cleaning products come in single-use bottles that end up in the trash. To reduce waste, I stick to simple, natural cleaning ingredients. My all-purpose cleaner is just white vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil. Baking soda naturally scrubs surfaces. For laundry, I make my own detergent from soap, washing soda, and borax. Using natural cleaners in reusable containers significantly cuts down on plastic waste.
Reducing waste takes a conscious daily effort, but it leads to lasting sustainable habits over time. With some mindset shifts and simple swaps, I’ve been able to dramatically cut down on the waste produced in my home. A few small daily changes really do make an impact. The reward is a home that stays sparkling clean and clutter-free while keeping trash out of landfills.
