Our planet can only take so much abuse. Just look at the ocean and wildlife, it is suffering because of all the pollution. Most of the pollution comes from big corporations and factories which cannot take their time and money to reduce waste or dispose of it properly. It also comes down to individuals. Every person throwing waste around is basically polluting the planet, especially if it’s plastic. But what can one individual do to help stop wasting energy and stop pollution? A lot, as it seems. Here are some tips as to what you can do to help the planet.
Use Reusable Bottles
How many times have you bought a plastic bottle? Do you know that recycling takes energy, especially with plastic. Yes, recycling takes energy, so by using a reusable bottle, made out of glass or aluminium, or a type of plastic which is not dangerous in the long run, you will be supporting the zero waste movement. The same goes for plastic bags, avoid them at all costs or use a single one if you are going grocery shopping. There are ways of getting around without plastic bags.
Use Your Clothes – Buy Second Hand Clothes
If you absolutely need to buy clothes, you should check the second hand market. It always has something to offer and you are not supporting the waste which is creation of new clothes, of so much of it, anyway. But, once your old clothes get really old and worn out and if you are not planning on wearing any of it anymore, you can recycle it yourself. Remember those bags? You can make your own bags using clothes, as well as plenty more other interesting things which can serve you in your home and out of it.
Multipurpose Stuff
If you have specialized stuff for a single task, then you are wasting energy and time and resources. If you get tools, whether a computer or a toothbrush, which also doubles as something else, then you are not wasting energy, but rather, saving it. The more you save, the better it will be, and you can save a lot by having items which do multiple things, instead of a single one, like having an integrated freezer, fridge and ice machine.
Don’t Buy Alternatives “To Save the Environment”
You know that there are zero waste alternatives, right? Well, you don’t need them, at least, not yet. You still have working and useful stuff around the house, right? Use all of it while it lasts. Once it’s done and gone, buy the stuff you need, but the kind which is supposed to last longer and even outlast you.
Going zero waste is all about making sure that you are not wasting resources that you already have, or by purchasing those which are by themselves a waste. Make smart decisions and follow the tips given here and you will be on you way to zero waste in no time at all.