A huge waste problem exists in the United States, with each person in the country producing over four pounds of trash each and every day.
Most of this waste comes from single-use items that remain in landfills far beyond their usefulness.
Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see a growing number of zero-waste and low-waste options for everyday products.
And small changes on your part can help reduce waste without sacrificing the ease and convenience of a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
Brush Smarter
Toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes contribute over a billion pounds of plastic waste yearly in America alone, but new zero-waste oral care systems allow you to brush, floss, and rinse sustainably.
Bamboo handles, compostable floss, and toothpaste tablets or powder provide the same cleaning and freshness with none of the packaging waste.
The experts at Ecofam say that switching to tooth care tablets made from natural ingredients also reduces potential water contamination compared to mainstream pastes.
Going zero- or low-waste with your self-care routine keeps your smile bright and the planet cleaner.
Shop Smart
Grocery and household shopping likely make up a significant portion of your regular waste footprint.
Smart shopping helps cut way down on throwaway plastics, unnecessary packaging, and single-use sacks.
Bringing reusable shopping bags, buying larger or bulk volumes of staples to reduce total containers, and choosing products packaged in recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials all make a tangible difference.
Searching for low- and zero-waste swaps for everyday items like straws, wraps, utensils, and storage helps as well.
Voting with your dollars incentivizes retailers to supply more sustainable options.
Dine Differently
Take-out and to-go meals may be quick and easy, but they generate massive amounts of single-use containers, cups, straws, and bags every year.
Choosing spots that allow you to bring your own reusable containers cuts this waste substantially while saving you money.
Look for restaurants that avoid Styrofoam and plastic ware also helps turn the tide on takeout trash.
At home, using reusable rather than paper plates and cups and swapping napkins and paper towels for cloth versions eliminates tons of waste over time.
Small dining tweaks make eating more sustainable.
Drink Up
Plastic water bottles and drink cups are some of the most common yet easily avoidable single-use waste items around.
Investing in a reusable water bottle you love and take everywhere prevents piles of plastic empties from piling up daily.
Likewise, keeping a reusable mug on hand that works for hot and cold beverages cuts waste whether you’re tapping the office Keurig or popping into a coffee shop.
Stainless steel, glass, and “Tritan” plastic all work for drinkware you can raise hundreds of times while ditching disposables for good.
Staying hydrated and caffeinated doesn’t have to mean mountains of empty cups and bottles.
Reduce Weekly
Household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and personal routines like shaving and grooming also present waste reduction opportunities.
Seeking out concentrates and bulk volumes rather than individually wrapped pads, wipes, disposable razors reduces plastics use significantly.
Greener swap options range from laundry strips instead of single-load pods to bamboo toothbrushes and shave brushes rather than plastic disposables.
Reusable cloth pads, sponges, and rags also eliminate tons of paper towel waste over their lifespan.
Conclusion
With some simple daily and weekly habit changes, living light on waste is totally doable.
Small steps like brushing smart, shopping with reusable containers, requesting low-waste dining, drinking from a trusted water bottle or mug, and DIYing your own cleaners and self-care products instead of relying on disposables builds up to make your lifestyle alignment with your values easier, while still protecting your health and enjoyment.
Vote for the future you want with your dollars and daily decisions by choosing reusable, reduced packaging and zero-waste options whenever possible.
