Living zero waste might seem like an impossible challenge, but it’s easier than you think. Today, we’re going to look at 20 tips to help get you there.
Kitchener Clean proudly offers the Office Compost Program to businesses across the Waterloo Region, helping promote living zero waste in office settings.
Many of the following tips are simple and easy to do - let’s dig in and see how you can get started today.
20 Tips For Living Zero Waste
Living zero waste saves valuable resources and reduces the effects of climate change. Here are some ways to reach that goal.
1) Avoid plastic straws
When eating at a restaurant or picking up fast food.
2) Carry a reusable water bottle
Use when out and about.
3) Donate unused items in good condition
Also consider shopping at second-hand stores when looking to purchase household items or new (to you) clothing.
Stores like Value Village help your zero waste initiatives
4) Bring reusable bags
Handy for grocery shopping to avoid using plastic.
5) Shop at the farmer’s market
This a great alternative while living zero waste. Farmer’s markets offer limited packaging, and you can support local vendors, which reduces the effects of transporting food across the country.
6) Take steps to reduce food waste at home
Consider doing the same at work with an Office Compost Program.
Composting is a great step towards living zero waste
7) Recycle all paper
Remember, shredded paper can also be used in your compost.
8) Use bars of soap instead of liquid soap
They require less packaging.
9) Parents can invest in cloth diapers
Disposable diapers add to landfill waste.
10) Sign up for a sharing program
For example, the Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things - “a space where you can borrow infrequently used items such as tools, garden equipment, kitchen appliances or camping gear.”
11) Instead of replacing broken items, actually get them repaired!
12) Pack a lunch with Tupperware
Choose not to eat out every day. Living zero waste is a daily commitment!
13) Hang laundry outdoors to dry
Skip the dryer when possible and hang laundry outdoors. This will help you save on your energy bills and reduce waste formed in lint traps.
14) Bring your own mug
Ask for a ceramic mug at coffee shops when staying in to enjoy your hot beverage, and bring a refillable mug with you when ordering to go.
15) Consider living a minimalist lifestyle
Check out the video below to learn more about minimalism.
What could you live without?
16) Purchase rechargeable batteries
This way, you won’t have to constantly throw out dead batteries.
17) Avoid using wrapping paper on birthdays and for holidays
Use newspaper or gift bags that can be used again next year!
18) Make the Three R’s part of your daily vocabulary and lifestyle
Reduce, reuse, recycle!
19) do your research
Learn about environmental matters and how you can help. Read our article on 6 Composting Myths Uncovered: The Truth About Composting at Work, for example.
20) Remember, living zero waste is a process
“It won’t happen overnight,” writes Trash Is For Tossers, “and it might even take a year or two to go fully zero waste if that’s your goal. But you know what, you’re awesome for wanting to make this change and for making the effort to do so.”
Surround yourself with like minded people - there’s power in community
Committed to Living Zero Waste? Start Composting at Work!
From our inception, we have always been an environmentally responsible company.
We proudly offer our office composting services to businesses across the Waterloo Region, helping businesses make a positive impact on the environment.
Create a greener workplace with our Office Compost Program - contact us today!
What our customers are saying:
“Derrick and Tori from Kitchener Clean are extremely organized and very nice people to work with.
We had some unique needs for our office compost program, including six different compost locations, pick up twice a week, and security clearance for them to enter our facility. They are always quick to answer any questions we have and accommodate us to the best of their abilities.
Within the first week of the program, we realized we needed two extra bins, which they immediately ordered and had ready to go for us in a few days.
We have really appreciated their communication and professionalism, and look forward to continuing to build or relationship with them!”
- Sandvine