Top 12 Tips for Reducing Household Waste

Top 12 Tips for Reducing Household Waste

Fewer trash bags in homes is important to many people because they care about the earth more and more. The effects of our "throwaway" culture are crystal clear: landfills are overflowing and the oceans are polluted. There are many good ways to reduce waste, save resources, and help make the world a better place. 

By making some simple changes in the way we live, we can lower this number and improve our future. You can start in any one of the ten ways.

1. Don't depend on one-time use items

Instead of single-use things like paper towels, plastic wrap, and tin foil, use eco-friendly alternatives. 

• Silicone baking sheets can be used instead of tin foil and parchment paper, and microfiber cloths that can be washed can be used instead of paper towels.
• Buy a water bottle, lunch boxes, and snack bags that you can use again and again.
• Bring along a covered coffee mug on your travels; paper cups cannot be recycled because of being coated on the inside and cannot be recycled as waste products.

2. Don't use water excessively

Link opens in a new window; the average Canadian uses 329 litres. use a lot of water every day, but these easy tips will help you use less:

Pay attention to how much water you use every day. For example, turn off faucets when not in use, take shorter showers, and wash dishes by hand if you only need to clean a few.

Consider investing in new dishwashers and washing machines which use less water.

When you're landscaping, pick local plants that need less water and spend money on irrigation systems that are good for the environment.

3. Buy in packed products in bulk

Because there is less single-use packaging when you shop in bulk, it can help you cut down on the amount of trash you make. Bring your own containers to bulk stores when you replenish items like grains, cleaning products, and nuts.

4. Plan ahead and compost food waste

Plan your meals and use up what you already have to cut down on the amount of food you have left over. You'll save money on food too if you use everything you buy.  

This A-Z guide on how to store fresh food will teach you how to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.

• There should be a "use it up" shelf in the fridge and pantry so that it is easy to see what needs to be eaten.
• Before you go grocery shopping, make a list and check it twice to see what you already have.
• Make a vegetable garden. You can use what you need and throw away less if you grow your own veggies and fresh food. Like, you don't have to buy a whole bunch of basil when you only need a few leaves. Start at home after watching our video guide.
• A community garden is a great place to grow food that you can eat.

Most of the trash that people throw away is food waste. Not only that, but the UN says that about one-third of all the food that is grown is lost every year. So that less food goes to waste:

• Plan your meals around the times that the food in your fridge goes bad.
• If you no longer want to eat something, you might want to compost it. Composting turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil that will help your plant.

You can make compost for farms, parks, and gardening by putting food scraps in your green bin. 

• Your ClearQuick green bin can easily transform food and yard waste into compost.
• Get a home compost bin at a price. Keep food out of landfills and make plant soil that is rich.

5. Try used goods 

One long-term and cheap way to buy and sell unique things and save money is to take part in the second-hand economy. When you're not using something, think about how you could reuse it or sell it on an online market or at a local thrift store. When you're shopping for new things, too, think about these same options before you buy something new.

6. Support eco-friendly fashion

Being part of sustainable fashion is an excellent way to support both the earth and those in fashion supply chains.

Look for clothes brands that care about doing the right thing and being kind to the environment, like those that have good eco-friendly certifications.

7. Give old items a new place to live

Don’t get rid of your old furniture. Give it to a local charity or put an ad online to sell or give it away. Some donation sites will even pick up your used furniture, which makes it even easier. 

8. Throw away gadgets in a smart way

Old computers, TVs, and other electronics are a big problem. If you want to get rid of an electronic gadget, check to see if the company that made it has a drop-off service or look for recycling programs in your province. Getting rid of these things in the right way helps make sure that useful parts are recovered and dangerous materials are handled safely.

9. Stop using paper

Going paperless is easier than ever in this digital world. Use online tools, such as The Personal's Online Services, to get digital files from all of your service companies, such as your bank, cell phone company, internet provider, and more. This easy change cuts down on paper trash and helps make life more environmentally friendly.

10. Teach and motivate other people

Talk to your friends, family, and people in your community about how to reduce waste by sharing what you know and what you've done. Participate in neighborhood efforts to protect the environmental and encourage others to do the same. Remember that this could start a series of events that will reduce the amount we produce.

Our series of tips should end here but here are two bonus tips for you!

11. Spend less and pick wisely

Most of the time, packaging and one-time use items are the first things that come to mind when we think of waste. But clothes, tools, appliances, furniture, and other things around the house make a lot of trash. To make things last longer, it's best to buy less and choose well.

Before you buy, think about:

• Could I use something I already have instead?
• Could I take this from a family member, a friend, or a neighbourhood group member?
• In a year, where will this be? Two years? Ten years? 
• Have I checked to see what used or rented choices are out there? 

12. Fix up and restore

Fix something that's broken before throwing it away. You can help local repair services, save money, and cut down on waste! 

Find repair shops in your area and support them. These shops can fix clothes, shoes, watches, furniture, and more.

Repair your furniture instead of replacing it. 

Conclusion

These twelve sustainable habits can help you reduce your trash and save the planet. Make the future cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable for everyone by taking action today!