How to Live a Zero / Low Waste Existence
How to Live Zero or Low Waste
In the present climate, it is a wonderful privilege to know how small changes and better lifestyle choices can improve life on earth for all its inhabitants. Zero waste living is not a passing trend on the Twitter feeds of the rich and famous, but an essential shift in perspective for everyone trying to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s an exciting time in the history of the world, where technological discoveries and daily advancements have the potential make life better, for right now and for the sake of our progeny.
Global citizens are faced with a significant increase in global waste levels, too, and there is a call to action for every business and every individual to reduce and reuse wherever possible. How fantastic it is to think that your individual contribution can change the world! The first step is to consider how to live zero to low waste.
Waste in the World
Global waste comes in different shapes and forms, with pollution through greenhouse gases or toxic waste being pumped into bodies of water. While most of this is industrially-driven waste, there is one type of waste that every single one of us produces—household waste, commonly known as trash.
The scale of global waste is unfathomable with the world producing approximately 2 billion tonnes of waste each year. While efforts to recycle, upcycle, and reuse are becoming paramount for developed countries, most of our waste still ends up where it shouldn't be. An example is the large garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean. It is big enough to cover multiple countries. Plastic waste does not go away, in fact, it stays almost forever. This is why at Nezza Naturals we are reducing the impact of packaging on the environment by offering refills, packing in biodegradable bags, and switching to glass and even cardboard options as needed.
What Does it Mean to Live Zero-Waste?
Changing to a zero-waste lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight as it requires serious commitment and dedication. The whole process may seem a little overwhelming and unachievable with most of our comforts wrapped in a convenient foil of plastic.
Don't be discouraged! This change can start small, such as using a reusable mug for a coffee from your favourite cafe. It may be better to begin by aiming for a low-waste lifestyle rather than zero-waste. After you get the hang of low waste, try for more ambitious goals!
You may have a personal motivation for cutting down waste. While the obvious reason may be helping restore the earth, finding a personal touch will increase the chances of sustaining your goal of living zero to low waste. Having a genuine reason gives your goal purpose, and may even influence other people to do the same.
Improve the world by living Zero Waste
Living a zero- or low-waste lifestyle has endless amounts of benefits to our community and our environment. By sticking to the three R’s (reduce, reuse, and recycle), we can significantly reduce toxic pollution and garbage disposed of in the sea. This can also help the economy.
Plastic is a carcinogenic product that can cause diseases such as cancer and other fatal illnesses. When it is exposed to the water supply, we are all in danger when those chemicals are absorbed into the water, and we are ultimately exposed to them.
Greenhouse gases also play a key part in climate change, with pollution from vehicles playing the most significant role. By ride-sharing or using an environmentally-friendly car, we reduce the number of fumes released that are harmful to both the environment and ourselves.
While the main reason for reducing our waste is to help clean the earth, you’ll be surprised that it also helps the economy by creating up to ten times more green jobs from recycling plants rather than disposal.
Tips for Changing Your Waste Habits
- The global recycling initiative has slowly increased the number of waste plastic products reused resulting in the reduction of waste. However, there is still a considerable amount dumped in landfills and the ocean. A common misconception is that all types of plastics are recyclable. However, the truth is that most types can’t be recycled.
- Be aware of the items you are purchasing and their ethos when it comes to conservation, sustainability, and environmental awareness.
- Take a look around your house for sources of disposable plastic. Ask yourself if you really need all the plastic items and see if you can switch them out for a reusable option, or simply avoiding it altogether.
- Buy food that is grown locally without the need of commercial methods to avoid chemicals being used to make it.
- Showering instead of having a bath uses 40% less water!
- Food waste is also rife in households in more developed countries. Sadly, lots of food is thrown away when it is still perfectly edible. Donate any leftover food to homeless shelters, or only purchase food as you need it to avoid wastage.
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Use reusable jars, tubs, bottles, and bags to hold things like liquids, dry goods, fruit and vegetables. Use tote shopping bags for that grocery trip. Keep them by the door or in the car for easy access.
The Refill Program and Jar Swap Initiative at Nezza Naturals
An effective way to reduce single-use plastics is by using a storage method that can be reused. At Nezza Naturals, we offer a unique program that allows our customers to bring empty bottles of the same product to be refilled in-store. See our full list of refillable products here
Not only can you reduce waste by using a refillable bottle or by swapping your glass jar, but you can also save money with our 10 percent discount. The refill program includes products like bath soap, moisturizing lotions, and essential oils— all naturally made.
The effect of waste is a ticking time bomb, and we must play our part to clean the earth. By learning the three R’s, we can live a lifestyle of minimum waste. It is a long process, but by having a desire and reason to change, it is certainly achievable. The benefits of reducing may not be seen in an instant, but by doing our little part, we just may save the earth for our children.
To find more tips on living zero-waste check us out on Facebook.
To find more tips on living zero-waste check us out on Facebook.
Got Questions? Give us a shout!
If you have any questions about natural skin care for anyone, we are happy to help. Send your thoughts to info@nezzanaturals.com
Or visit our website at www.nezzanaturals.com for more essential oil information and DIY recipes.