Zero Waste Tips
Posy Mckinney | Published on 7/1/2024
Making small changes in our lifestyles is a simple, effective way to live a more sustainable life. The following simple steps can be taken everyday to be more sustainable at home:
1. SHOP FOR YOUR GROCERIES LOCALLY. Purchasing fruits and vegetables from your local farmer’s market is the best way to buy fresh and seasonally appropriate foods. If you don’t have a local farmer’s market, many grocery stores buy produce from local farms. It’s a good way to promote local businesses and farms. And always bring your reusable grocery bags!
2. BUY SECOND HAND CLOTHING. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, contributing 10% of the earth’s carbon emissions. Instead of purchasing new items, buy “new to you” items from thrift stores and second hand shops. Here are some online eco-friendly thrift stores: MAW Supply - Black-owned vintage reclaim shop that specializes in sustainable day to Day pieces. LuxAnthropy - Female founded and woman run resale website with prices up to 80% off Retail. ThredUp - High quality affordable clothing bought and sole
3. UPCYCLE. Make use out of clothing or other items that don’t get a lot of wear time, are older styles, or don’t fit the way you would like them to. Upcycling is upgrading an item like furniture, clothes or bags and using it as part of another project.
4. REDUCE YOUR MEAT INTAKE. Switching to a vegetarian diet is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and reduce food waste, Try incorporating one meatless meal into your weekly meal plan. But even choosing chicken over beef can significantly reduce carbon emissions. 5. DO A WASTE AUDIT. How much do you throw away in a week? For one week instead of throwing out your daily trash, collect it in one location. Look at the types of waste you are throwing away. How many single use products are in your trash? Any recyclables? How much food is wasted? Once you are able to see what you are throwing away, it is easier to determine ways to reduce your waste.