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Could you fit a year’s worth of waste into a single jar?
This is what a zero waste lifestyle claims to be able to do.
But, how realistic is a full, unfiltered, zero waste lifestyle?
In recent years, all around the world, humans & companies, have started to recognise & feel a lot more responsibility for personal carbon consumption and the amount of waste generated.
This has gained a lot of traction, especially alongside, -Veganism, electric cars & more eco-friendly practices.
Yes, there has been a lot of chat about zero waste and adopting the lifestyle, but we wanted to see if achieving this is actually possible!
This blog will take a deeper look at the benefits, and the challenges of going zero waste, so that we can see what it really takes to live a zero waste life.
We'll explore whether aiming for zero waste is a practical goal for everyone, and provide helpful tips for those who want to give it a try.
Is zero-waste actually possible?
Let's find out!
Zero-waste means just that.
Finding different ways of waste reduction to stop any waste being sent off to landfill. This could be by reusing items, recycling correctly, reducing your waste consumption, or by composting your food waste.
Refuse: Say no to things you don't need! This means avoiding the impulse buys, no matter how appealing that shiny new Temu kitchen gadget looks! By refusing single use plastics and other items, you prevent waste from being generated in the first place.
Reduce: Be mindful of your purchases. We understand that milk needs to be purchased regularly, however, you could cut down on that morning newspaper & switch to reading online, or buy quality items that will last longer rather then cheaper alternatives.
Reuse: Select reusable items instead of disposable ones. For instance...we know the Lidl 12 pack of plastic water bottles can be tempting, however, you could invest in a Brita water filter that you can refill, along with a high quality reusable water bottle.
Recycle: There is more to recycling then meets the eye. Items such as greasy pizza boxes may seem like they can be recycled but unfortunately, these items need to be properly clean to be recycled, a greasy box can't.
We aren't expecting you to start washing some cardboard, but you need to realise that this can't be recycled. You could think of a different use for this, such as making craft items with your children.
Rot: Get your rot out!
It may sound horrible, but all it means is composting. Throw away your old food items onto the compost, which not only creates nutrient rich soil, but reduces the amount of food waste sent away to be burned.
The Zero Waste Evolution:
It might seem like quite a modern 2020s thing, alongside Pulled Pork, Avocado on Toast & Instagram, but zero waste actually originated in or around the 1970s, from activists trying to reduce pollution.
It wasn't until the 1980s that a chemist called Paul Palmer gave it the term Zero Waste. The 2000s is where it became really popular though.,..
You have seen the evolution of how the zero waste movement came about...but apart from cutting down on your waste, what is the actual appeal of a zero-waste lifestyle?
Environmental Benefits: By adopting a zero waste movement, you are reducing waste which helps to decrease the amount of pollution in our atmosphere, conserve the earth's natural resources & help to improve climate change.
Economic Savings: Going waste free can save you wonga! Sure, buying that fancy reusable coffee cup might cost more upfront, but it means you’re done with a lifetime of coffee cups— sounds like saving to me!
Plus, getting into DIY projects (like making your own cleaning products) isn’t just satisfying—it’s also way cheaper. Just don't be experimenting too much, we don't want your bathroom going up in flames!
Health and Well-Being: You may not know it., or you may know it & just ignore it...but disposable single-use plastic bottles, that we drink water/juice/fizzy drinks out of, have quite a few chemicals that can be found in the plastics, these are chemicals such as BPA. These chemicals can cause harm if they enter your body.
Instead of mixing chemicals in your throwaway Evian water bottles, grab a reusable, metal, toxin-free bottle!
Just like trying to achieve anything in life, there is always challenges that you are going to face along the way....zero waste is no different!
Here are some challenges that you may come across:
Practical Obstacles: Now we always preach around reducing plastic packaging, bulk buying, DIY projects etc...but we understand that sometimes daily life doesn't allow this. We know how difficult it can be to find readily available items that don't use plastic packaging, or stores that supply bulk items to purchase.
Living a zero waste lifestyle sounds great, until you're standing in the middle of Asda trying to figure out how to buy pasta without plastic packaging. Stuffing it into your pockets may just be your only option!
Cost and Accessibility: In the long run, living a zero waste lifestyle is going to greatly benefit your wallet and reduce your costs, however, the initial start up costs can be a bit steep!
For instance: High-quality, reusable items like stainless steel containers or beeswax wraps can be pricey, and not everyone can drop that extra bit of cash upfront. Work within your own budget!
Social Barriers: We live in a society and world where easy access & convenience is king...think about all the fast food restaurants, delivery services, online shopping that is ingrained in our very culture. Going zero waste may mean that you become a bit of an odd one out.
Think about Vegetarians & Vegans who are still to this day ridiculed privately about not eating meat or eggs. It is only really in the last couple of years that they have become more socially accepted.
Imperfections in the System: Recycling systems are obviously worthwhile & vital to living a zero waste lifestyle, however, the system isn't always perfect and not everything that is classed as being recyclable is recycled. For instance, Greasy Pizza Boxes can't be. Just be aware of this.
Also, there are also certain waste products that you need to understand can't be recycled, such as medical waste & nappy waste.
You have heard the challenges, you have seen the obstacles, you get the appeal and understanding of zero waste...now it is time to put all that into action.
Adopting a zero waste lifestyle without setting any strategies, is basically the same as swimming up-stream against the tide, you are not going to get anywhere fast.
Just like anything in life, your zero waste lifestyle is going to need a bit of thought and planning!
Here are some strategies that you can use:
Start Small and Set Realistic Goals: Just hearing the words 'Zero Waste' can send shivers down your spine...not because you are repulsed by the idea (well we hope not anyway).
It is most likely because it sounds like a very, very difficult task to complete. Which it is...but by starting small and completing simple changes like refusing single use plastics or switching to a reusable water bottle, you can celebrate the small wins and gradually move on to larger projects.
It’s about progress!
Shop Smart / Impulse Buys: We understand that when your hungry, you may seem those plastic packaged donuts and be drooling at the mouth, but these little impulse buys can add up to a lot of packaging.
If you do fancy the donuts, try supermarkets like Lidl that have their own bakery section, you can then your own containers to put them in. Filling your belly & reducing your waste.
Also, make sure to shop smart & look for bulk options where you can! This can save you cash in the long run and reduce the amount of packaging used.
DIY and Reuse: Get creative with DIY and reuse projects! Making your own cleaning products is easier (and cheaper) than you think—plus, you know exactly what’s going into them.
Try your hand at up-cycling old clothes, jars, or furniture instead of tossing them out. These small projects not only help reduce waste but also add a personal touch to your home.
One thing is for certain, zero waste is certainly a serious trend that has no signs of stopping and rightly so!
With climate change & pollution at an all time high, it is no wonder that many countries around the world have been championing the zero waste movement for some time...it is no longer an individual movement but a global one!
Global Trends: Cities around the world are now leading the way...from San Francisco, USA's goal of achieving zero waste to landfills by 2030 to Japan, which has already become nearly waste-free through their strict recycling.
Countries like Sweden are the big dogs when it comes to waste habits, especially at turning waste into energy, with some countries even importing trash to fuel their plants.
Even businesses are taking more and more responsibility, and we bet you have seen plenty of zero waste management programs, such as: The Fifa Football World Cup in Qatar advertising its zero waste targets or IKEA who have pledged to become fully zero waste free by 2030.
Innovations and Solutions: To be fair to many large companies these days, a lot of thought AND MONEY is being used into developing new ways of reducing waste & we aren't talking about those McDonald's paper straws!
More and more products are being designed to be re-used or repaired.
Even phone companies like Samsung are now allowing batteries and other parts to be repaired at home, without the huge costs. What happened to the days of a Nokia 3310 battery having to be ducked taped in.
The Next Generation: Raising awareness for the next generation is going to be vital if the zero waste movement continues. We are not proud to admit it, but our culture has become a bit of a throw away culture, relying on the newest trends & binning anything that even looks remotely like the year before.
Schools & Universities are starting to step up to educate children on how to reduce food waste, minimise waste & start a zero waste lifestyle.
Well judging by the above, we would confidently like to say YES!
With businesses and countries across the world all striving and championing the zero waste movement, it is only a matter of time until it (hopefully) becomes the norm for every household and country, in every generation.
A truly, circular economy, where nothing is wasted!
How far away do you think this is?
Have you ever thought about getting involved in zero waste living?
Would you commit to at least one zero waste strategy?
We would love to hear our readers waste journey's, no matter how big or small. Feel free to share your tips, tricks or sustainability struggles with us!
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As always, remember, if you are struggling with your household or business waste getting on top of you & need a reliable, sustainable & eco-friendly waste management service, why not come join us.
At Busy Bins, all our waste is sent to a Waste to Energy facility, reducing landfill waste & carbon consumption.
So, what are you waiting for?
Give us a call on 0171 666 3330 or visit www.busybins.co.uk
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