How to Reduce Waste: 21 Ideas for Zero Waste Living

Consider buying staples in bulk and storing them in reusable containers like mason jars or cloth bags. Because you can control the amount you buy, you can get exactly what you need. You should notice a difference at the grocery store checkout, too, since pre-packaged goods tend to come with a higher price tag. To save more money, consider joining a local food buying club (or start one)!

According to a 2014 report by Food and Water Watch, approximately 64% of bottled water sold in the United States is tap water in a misleading package. Instead of falling for clever marketing, invest in a quality water filter and a reusable water bottle. We love glass, but there are plenty of other sustainable options! Save money and help the planet by not contributing the thousands of gallons of oil needed to meet global demand for plastic water bottles.

You know those flimsy plastic bags they offer in the produce department? Super wasteful. Investing in (and remembering to bring) a set of cloth produce bags will protect your purchases and prevent more plastic from ending up in the ocean. These bags are great for transporting bulk goods, too. Plus, your produce will never be cuter!

This can be hard to avoid, since many supermarkets go heavy on the shrink wrap—even for produce with naturally biodegradable "packaging." Shrink-wrapped bananas, anyone? But, that brings us to our next tip!

The food will be fresher, tastier, more sustainable, and way more nutritious. Besides, by supporting local farmers, you’ll put your money into your local economy instead of a corporation. Alternatively, you could join a CSA or sign up for a local food delivery service.

Plastic cutlery, straws, plates, and cups clog our landfills and can be very dangerous for aquatic life. To make it simple, get yourself a cute set of reusable cutlery, stainless steel straws, and reusable containers to keep in your car or bag while out and about.

Most tea bags are loaded with micro plastics that are bad for you and the environment. But have no fear: loose-leaf tea is here!  Pick up an in-mug strainer or a set of reusable cloth tea bags and you’ll be on your way to a delicious, sustainable brew in no time! Herbs and blends for tea can usually be found in the bulk section of your local food co-op.

Buy exclusively from sustainable clothing brands or hit up your local thrift or consignment shop. Often, you'll find unique, gently worn (or even brand new) garments at a fraction of the retail price. Get used to people asking “where did you get that?” And while you’re there, donate that pair of jeans you haven't been able to squeeze into in 10 years. In the words of Marie Kondo: "To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose."

Meal planning can streamline your grocery trips, trim food costs, and reduce waste by ensuring you'll use everything you purchase. It will also save you from the question many dread after a long day of work: “what’s for dinner tonight?” And who knows? You might just score a little more "you" time on busy weeknights. For more ideas, read our sustainable diet guide.

In a perfect zero-waste world, everyone would go vegan and consign environmentally destructive factory farming to history. But if you aren’t ready or able to do that, choose local, humanely raised meat. And consider making Meatless Monday a tradition at your house. You might just be pleasantly surprised by how satisfying and delicious plant-based meals can be.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 30% of the waste Americans produce is made up of yard waste and food scraps, which can be composted instead. By diverting that waste from the dump we can shrink landfills and reduce methane production, a volatile greenhouse gas and major contributor to global warming. Getting started is easy. You can create your own compost or take advantage of a local compost pick-up service. 

Made with a combination of beeswax, cloth, oil, and pine resin, bees wrap is plastic wrap’s fun, eco-friendly cousin. Sold in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns, you’ll be sure to find one you like. It's reusable, works surprisingly well, and saves a heck of a lot of plastic waste. Bees wrap is also relatively easy to make and can be a great gift!

Yes, that one! Give (BPA-free) menstrual cups, period underwear, and reusable cotton pads a try. Using them can help keep the 10,000 tampons (and plastic applicators) the average woman uses in her lifetime, out of our landfills. And think of all the things you'll buy with the money you save. Fair trade, heavy metal-free chocolate, anyone?

When shopping for produce, we've been conditioned to expect everything to be shiny and unblemished—which happens to create a LOT of waste. Check out the “last chance” shelf at your local supermarket (or, check out the TooGoodToGo app!). You’ll save perfectly good food from the dumpster and get better deals on things you need.

Make cloth rags out of old, un-wearable clothes and use them in place of paper towels for deep cleaning projects around the house. If you go through a lot, check with your local thrift store—they may sell bulk rags created from un-salable donations. Or if a t-shirt just doesn't fit you anymore, turn it into a reusable bag! 

Not that kind! Give plastic shampoo, conditioner, and soap bottles the boot. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, try handcrafting your own homemade beauty and skincare products. 

Did you know that conventional cleaning products are full of harmful endocrine disruptors and other chemicals that leach into our sewage systems, waterways, and bodies? Fortunately, it's pretty easy to make your own eco friendly cleaning products with ingredients you probably already have at home.

A dirty air filter can reduce your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Read your car’s user manual to figure out what type of filter you need, and how to change it. And don’t be intimidated! On most vehicles, this is a simple task.

Most landfills won’t accept tires, but retailers that recycle them will be happy to take 'em off your hands. Some tire shops will also recycle them for a fee. You could also get creative and upcycle them into tire swings, dog beds, and more.

Switch to digital documents to save on paper and ink. And while you’re at it, get yourself off those junk mail lists, ask for paperless bills, and always opt for digital receipts. Receipt paper is often coated with toxic BPA and BPS, so this is a good way to avoid unnecessary chemical exposure, too.