3 Creative Zero-Waste Tips for Sustainable Living

It feels good to make choices that are better for the environment. By producing less garbage and finding ways to cut back on utilities, I know I am doing my part to make this planet a cleaner place to live for everyone. Not only do these tips help reduce waste, but they also help save money. So, no harm done. It's a win-win. Besides that, these are things that I just genuinely enjoy doing for other reasons to be mentioned. Below are zero-waste tips I use.

Buy in Bulk

Depending what you are getting, buying in bulk can reduce packaging waste. For example, if I buy one big bag of rice, it uses less packaging than if I buy multiple smaller bags of rice. Another example would be buying a large container of juice compared to a pack of juice boxes. Something I have learned, however, is to only buy in bulk if you are going to use that much and if you know you like it. If you have a small family and it is something that doesn't last long, it isn't beneficial to keep buying it in bulk if it keeps going bad before you can use it all. Similarly, if it is something you've never tried before and you discover you don't like it, you have now spent your money on a bulk pack of something you do not want. As far as additional benefits though, I like that something can be bought in bulk and I don't have to worry about buying it again for a long period of time, sometimes even several years.

Always Carry a Reusable Water Bottle

By carrying a reusable water bottle, I reduce the need to buy drinks in disposable bottles and how many dishes I need to wash. Plus, it encourages me to drink more water and reduces the need for whatever processing and resources are used to produce a non-water drink. I use my water bottle at home and when I am on the go. And, eventually when I have a job with a cleaner environment, I will begin using my water bottle at work too.

Open a Window to Cool Down Your Home

I love to do this because not only does it cut back on electricity, but it opens up my home to fresh air and the sounds of outside. It brings me happiness to be able to hear the birds chirping and children playing while I am doing dishes or cooking. My cat, Annie, loves it too because she enjoys sitting by the open window and taking in the outside air and sounds. When it gets later, the air gets really cool and the sounds of crickets can be heard.