Waste Management Reducing Waste and Safe Removal
You are probably aware of how much garbage humankind has accumulated. According to World Bank Group data, 2.01 billion tons of solid waste is generated annually. As you surely know how detrimental this can be to the planet, you might be thinking about some ways how you can contribute to the environment’s preservation and reduction of waste. Here are some easy tips you can follow and be more sustainable.
Be an eco-conscious consumer
Being an eco-conscious consumer involves considering the entire life cycle of the products you purchase. Choose environmentally friendly products, including Australian made toilet paper, and look for items made from recycled materials or easily recyclable. Opt for products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging, and avoid single-use plastics.
Sustainable and ethical fashion brands prioritize eco-friendly materials, fair labor practices, and transparent supply chains. Reduce energy consumption by choosing energy-efficient appliances and using LED light bulbs. Conserve water by fixing leaks promptly and installing water-saving fixtures.
Consider sustainable transportation options like public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking. Support local farmers by choosing organic produce when possible. Moreover, educate yourself about the environmental policies of the companies you support.
Have reusable bags at the ready
For starters, you want to reduce your use of plastic bags and containers. With that in mind, you can make or buy several reusable bags that you will always have at the ready. Whether you go to the supermarket or the farmers’ market, you will have a tote bag where you can place everything you buy. If you tend to forget easily, you can simply add bags to your grocery list or keep them near your wallet or in your car.
Creating your reusable tote bag is a simple and eco-friendly DIY project. Choose a durable, washable fabric like canvas or cotton. Cut two identical rectangles, typically around 14 by 16 inches, for a standard tote bag. Place these rectangles with the right sides facing inward and secure the sides and bottom edges with pins.
Sew along the sides and bottom with the top open. For handles, cut two strips of fabric, each about 20 inches long, and attach them to the top inside edge of the bag, securing them with stitches. Fold the top edge by about 1 inch to create a neat finish and sew along the folded edge. Turn the bag inside out to reveal the right side of the fabric.
Use an iron to press the seams and edges for a polished look. Your homemade reusable bag is now ready for use. Get creative by experimenting with different fabrics, adding pockets, or embellishing with fabric paint or appliqué to make your bag uniquely yours.
Use reusable water bottles
In addition to reusable bags, you should also get some reusable water bottles. That way, you will cut down on single-use plastics and stop contributing to the ever-growing pile of plastic that is waiting to be recycled. Moreover, there are also businesses that give you a drink discount if you bring your own mug. That means that you can be eco-friendly when drinking coffee, tea, or juice too. So, you can invest in a travel mug as well.
Stop using disposables in the kitchen
If you’ve cut down on your use of plastic bags and containers, you can also stop using other kitchen disposables. For example, paper towels, plastic wrap, zip bags, and even tin foil create plenty of waste, even though they can be very convenient. There are some useful alternatives you can go try out instead. Silicone baking sheets, microfiber cloths, and reusable bags and containers can all lower the amount of garbage your household produces.
Decrease your food waste
Food worth billions of dollars is wasted every year worldwide and almost half of it is produced in people’s homes. To help the planet, you want to understand how best to lower the food going to waste. Be mindful of expiration dates and plan how you can use everything while it’s still usable. If you buy in bulk or make too many portions, freeze some.
Start your own compost
Another way to reduce food waste is to start making your own compost. There are different things that you can add to the compost pile and expired food and leftovers are just some of them. Veggie and fruit peels, coffee grinds, tea leaves and paper tea bags, cooked plain rice and pasta, bread, corn cobs and husks, and eggshells can all be added to the bin as well. Moreover, non-glossy paper, used napkins, toilet paper, paper towels, egg cartons, and many other items can also be used for compost.
Learn how to get rid of your garden waste
Besides adding kitchen waste to the compost, you can also add garden waste. As green waste can be unsightly, attract pests, and be a fire hazard, you should add various things from the garden to the compost pile too. If you don’t want to deal with compost, there are other ways to handle green waste such as hiring a wood chipper, taking the waste to a local disposal center, or calling the pros to deal with it.
Look for ways to recycle
While about 75% of waste can be recycled, the potential is wasted because people are not aware of what can be recycled, how, and where. So, look into local recycling centers and the materials you can take there. Then, start a few bins that you can use for different types of waste and take them to be recycled once they are full.
Find secondhand items to use
Aside from recycling, you should also adopt the practice of reusing. That means that you should look for secondhand items that can serve a certain purpose just as well as brand new ones. You can find everything from furniture and appliances to clothes and books in vintage stores, garage sales, and online shops. What is more, as there are many charitable organizations that are happy to accept them, you also want to start donating the pieces you no longer need but that are still usable.
Lower your use of paper
Among other things you can do, lowering your use of paper is something else to think about. First of all, you should use less toilet paper and paper towels. Investing in bidets and reusable washcloths will save you money but also the planet. Moreover, you can switch to paperless billing and opt for digital magazine subscriptions. Lastly, you can also add a “no junk mail” sticker to your mailbox so you’re not swamped with unnecessary flyers and brochures (although, sadly, this often doesn’t deter the distributors).
As you can see, there are so many different things you can do when it comes to waste management. From recycling and reusing to making your own compost, implement as many of these methods as you can into your everyday routine.
