6 Simple Ways To Reduce Waste and Live More Sustainably!
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Being wasteful has become too convenient, and when you combine convenience with overwhelming schedules, it can be difficult to slow down and do our part to reduce waste. However, the ever-increasing amount of waste is having a devastating effect on our planet, the animals, and even our own health.
That’s why it’s vital for us to try to do our part and find ways to reduce waste. It may surprise you that you can make a huge impact with small changes in your lifestyle. I spoke with Simar Bedi, founder and CEO of Sol Recycling, for tips on simple ways to reduce waste from our households and help us all live more sustainably.
Easy Ways to Reduce Waste and Embrace a Sustainable Lifestyle
According to Enviromentamerica.org, in 2018, over 292 million tons of municipal waste was thrown out in the United States alone.
“I recycle two NFL football fields of waste from our landfill. I see so much waste and often realize that a lot of what I see in waste is never used, brand-new items,” Bedi informs.
That’s a lot of waste that could have been avoided! That said, here are some simple things you can do to help reduce waste and start your journey to living more sustainably.
Reduce Plastic Use
According to Sol Recycling, the average person generates 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of waste per day. Plastic is among the major causes of waste, and it is everywhere. “My goal is to explain that plastic is bad, no matter how you look at it. We should all think twice about buying anything plastic,” Bedi says.
He continues, “I see firsthand that it takes six weeks of a change in behavior for consumers to let a corporation know they should stop producing something. As a consumer, your choice is powerful.”
There are a couple things you can start doing to help reduce the amount of plastic waste, such as utilizing reusable cups for your coffee, swapping out plastic shopping bags for cloth ones, and finding ways to repurpose items rather than throwing them away.
2. Start Composting
Did you know that food waste is one of the largest components in landfills? In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that “24% of municipal solid waste disposed of in landfills is food.” Not only is food waste taking up precious space as it decomposes, but it also produces methane emissions into the atmosphere.
A simple way to combat food waste is to start composting. Bedi says that composting can improve soil health and help you save money on fertilizer products. “Coffee grounds are great in the garden compost, so are eggshells,” he says.
Rather than tossing rotten vegetables in the trash, you can add them to your compost bin. Other organic materials, such as leaves and brown paper products, can also be composted. You can learn more about composting from this post featured by The Spruce.
3. Grow Native Plants
Bedi says something as simple as growing native plants can help reduce waste. They require less maintenance and water. “Grow native plants instead of grass, think of wonderful butterflies and bees showing up on your property. Decorate with some giant rocks and overall less grass. Support your local ecosystem,” he encourages.
Use sites like saveplants.org and nativeplantfinder.nwf.org to learn which native plants you should grow in your area.
Related post: 5 Unique Themed Garden Ideas!
4. Reduce Waste by Avoiding Impulse Purchases
One of the best ways to reduce waste and save money is to avoid impulse purchases. Remember that many items in landfills are brand new! ”Shop once a week, bring a few reusable bags, and shop instead of ordering 20 different things on Amazon,” Bedi advises.
When it comes to saving money, avoiding impulse purchases can keep a big chunk of cash in your pocket. In fact, Capital One reports that in 2022, the average consumer spent $3,768 in impulse purchases.
So, by skipping buying items you don’t need, you can help the environment and save money for something better—like a vacation.
5. Shop Secondhand Stores
Shopping secondhand also reduces waste because it gives items a second life rather than them ending up in the local landfill. Bedi advises buying items from vintage stores and looking for fabrics with single ingredients/origins, such as wool or cotton. Fabrics are getting blended, and those textiles cannot be recycled.
There are tons of places and sites to get secondhand items that are in good condition, such as thrift shops, buy/sell stores, and pawn shops. You can find everything from clothing to home decor on sites such as Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Etsy, and eBay.
6. Focus on Experiences Not Material Items
The best things in life are moments—not things. “Focus on family experiences, not family 'things.' Create memories—those last so much longer. The average item purchased now ends up in landfill within 1 year,” Bedi says.
There are so many ways to create memorable moments without purchasing material items. Get outdoors and watch wildlife, go to a park with your pup or kids, slow down and enjoy the little things because in the end, they are the big things.
You Can Help Reduce Waste and Live Sustainably with these Simple Tips!
You might think your actions don’t make a difference, but even taking small steps to live sustainably can significantly reduce waste.
You will notice that once you begin to slow down and consider the impact of your purchases and lifestyle, it will be easier to create better habits, stop being wasteful, and embrace a sustainable lifestyle that can help our lovely planet.