Zero waste living has become quite popular over the last few years, and I wanted to write an article about the 8 things you should know before going zero waste. Everything I wish I had known when I started!
This small mason jar holding years of trash often symbolizes the zero waste movement. It’s impossible to reduce your trash down to zero. Zero waste living is a mindset shift. It’s not about eliminating all of your trash no matter what anyone tries to tell you.
Living a more eco-friendly life is about creating a sustainable, life-long practice. Start slow, make a few changes at a time. Once they stick, it will be easier and easier to pick up and add on new habits. I like to recommend everyone start with a trash audit.
A lot of people think living a more eco-friendly life means having to buy a bunch of new fancy eco-friendly products. The most eco-friendly thing I can do is to continue using what I have until it breaks and then I replace it with more eco-friendly options.
Individual action is really important, but we also need sustainable business and policy change. I see individual action as a means to an end, not the end. We need millions of people taking small, daily actions.
— A few people will treat you differently, but they will adjust. — Things won’t go your way 100% of the time and that's OK. — Be open to change and learning new things. — You will get overwhelmed.