10 Easy Resolutions To Reduce Your Waste In The New Year

Out with the old and in with the new! The average American creates 4.5lbs of waste daily. Zero waste lifestyle expert Marina Qutab and founder/creator of the {Zero} Waste Kit, offers some easy and manageable tips to “leave your trashy ways behind” for low impact living in 2019.

1. Start Fresh!

Let your fridge and pantry go empty. Then, fill them up with eco-goodness. Things like fresh, local + organic produce, homemade pickles, package-free snacks, bulk beans + nuts.

2. Adopt the 6 R'S.

Marina Qutab / Via zerowastekit.org

You've likely been taught the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Now it's time to add three more to the mix: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Rot and Recycle (and only in that order).

3. Say ‘sayonara’ to plastic.

Marina Qutab / Via zerowastekit.org

Toothbrushes, chapstick, plastic razors, dish sponges, tampons + pads, hairbrushes, etc. Swap disposable items with sustainable & reusable alternatives made from bamboo, hemp, sustainably-sourced paper, wood, or metal.

4. Just say NO!

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To bags. To straws. To plastic utensils. To napkins. To freebies (this is a big one!). To ALL single-use disposables, really. Practice setting boundaries by politely saying, “No, thank you” when confronted with potential waste. Say it more than once so it really lands.

5. DIY!

Marina Qutab / Via youtube.com

Your makeup, your cleaning products, your personal care products, your nut milks, etc. Get creative, friends!

6. Shop in bulk.

Marina Qutab / Via youtube.com

Bring your own produce bags and containers to the store and fill em' up with the goods. Be sure to tare your containers prior to filling them so that you aren't charged extra.

7. Shop local.

Shop at the farmer’s market. Shop local and organic when possible. Refuse twisty ties, elastic bands, plastic bags and plastic containers. Bring your own jars and reusable bags.

8. Shop secondhand.

Marina Qutab / Via youtube.com

In addition, learn how to upcycle (such as sewing an old pair of jeans into a purse!); only buy what you need; trade clothes with friends; and when necessary, invest a little more to support responsible, slow fashion.

9. Bring your {Zero} Waste Kit with you Everywhere!

Alex Mortensen / Via zerowastekit.org

Yes, everywhere! The key to living a minimal waste lifestyle is being hella prepared at all times. Once you make a habit of it, it will become second nature.

10. Most importantly… DO YOUR BEST!

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The point of this lifestyle is not to be perfect or even ‘zero’ but rather to make healthier, more compassionate lifestyle choices that are in alignment with mother earth. When we empower ourselves to take action and make a difference starting in our own lives, we open the door to endless possibilities. Start your journey with that is easiest for you and slowly add on more changes. Before you know it you’ll be a full-time “that was easy” Zero Waste Badass who is paving the way for less trashy lifestyles.