Here are some tips to start (or further) you on your zero-waste journey. These are simple ways to keep items from landfill and to reuse/repurpose/recycle items that you might have previously thrown away.
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Bring you own containers
Refillable water bottles are one of the easier switches to zero-waste living. If you don’t already have one, ZWC offers a water bottle. Mintie offers very nice stainless steel lunchboxes, while Bambuu Brush offers coffee cups and other items to service your needs when out and about.
To refill your water bottle or locate places offering rewards if you bring your own coffee cup or lunch box, download the Refill app or look out for the Refill logo in shop windows.
Coffee pods etc.
If you’re into your coffee pods, reusable ones save a tonne of plastic from entering circulation.
Similarly for tea, a metal tea strainer and loose leaf tea bypasses a whole load of packaging. And if you can get your tea from a zero-waste refill store, all the better – eco-friendly, cost effective and SO much tastier than your average tea bag from the supermarket!
For water, luckily in the UK we have decent tap water. But if you like it filtered, rather than buying gallons of water in single-use plastic bottles, consider using a water filter. Bamboo charcoal water filters are a great natural way to do this. Or buy a Brita jug and filter (which basically contains charcoal). Brita water filters can be returned for recycling.
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Used coffee grounds
Many used coffee grounds end up in the general waste, destined for landfill. Although biodegradable, they can be extremely damaging to the environment if they end up in landfill – they emit methane, a greenhouse gas which is even more harmful than carbon dioxide.
Instead:
1) Throw them in your your kitchen compost bin.
2) Use them directly on plants as a natural fertilizer.
3) Place them in your fridge to absorb bad odours.
Eat more sustainably
It takes significantly more land and resources to feed a population on a meat-based diet compared to a plant-based diet. And with a global population of 8 billion and growing, this is simply not sustainable. Mass deforestation, the stripping of marine vegetation through destructive fishing techniques, rising green house gas emissions – we’ve heard it all before.
Switching to a fully plant-based diet is not a tempting option for many. But there is plenty we can do to alleviate the strain on the planet. This includes: eating meat in smaller quantities and less frequently; eating a greater variety of food types; reducing food waste through meal planning and creative use of leftovers; eating local and seasonal produce. Click below for recipe ideas.
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Earth hour and beyond
Since 2007, Earth Hour has been known for the “lights off” moment – an awareness raising event to show our collective support for the planet. This year, 2023, it falls on 25th March at 8:30 pm local time. Will you take the challenge?
To extend the impact beyond the one hour, Earth Hour has summarised 10 easy ways which, if done collectively, will have a significant impact. It includes tips on reducing food waste, travelling more responsibly and being more energy-efficient. Click on the button below to view the full list. Help the planet and save money too!
Gifting & Special Occasions
It can be difficult to guess someone’s needs and often tempting to buy ‘stuff’ just for the sake of it. It may end up in landfill. Edible gifts or experience gifts can be less wasteful. For physical gifts, well-made, locally produced items with minimal packaging are preferable. Consider second-hand (aka recirculated) items. As for gift wrap – reusable fabrics, boxes, cushion covers, tote bags etc, or recycled/recyclable paper secured with string or paper tape do the job just as well. Avoid glitter which is often made of micro-plastics and can end up in the food chain. Similarly, paper balloons & decorations are preferable to hard-to-recycle plastic balloons. We adore the Japanese paper balloons (animal themed) and ball garlands created by British artisan Petra Boase.
Christmas can be an extremely wasteful time. But it needn’t be. Click the link for 24 excellent tips on how to reduce waste this Christmas, without losing the joy.
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Travel sustainably
Transport accounts for around a quarter of CO2 emissions globally. Depending on where you live, consider using public transport for more of your journeys, or car sharing. Even better, walk or cycle! If you live in a city, this is a great way to get to know your neighbourhood and get fit at the same time. Feeling daunted by the idea of cycling round London? Visit London Cycle Routes for speeded up videos navigating specific routes within the capital.
Planning a holiday? Explore local destinations before looking overseas. You might be surprised at the hidden gems your city or country has to offer. If you have to fly, choose economy class and fly direct – stopovers mean more takeoffs and landings, which cause most of a plane’s carbon emissions. Also, choose airlines that invest in carbon offsetting programs.
Join the change!
Join our Facebook group , follow us on Pinterest, or contact us to share any ideas related to zero-waste, sustainability or cycling.
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