Zero waste has entered our vocabulary and our community. Lowering your waste in small ways can have a large impact. Low and zero waste is more than simply recycling (though that’s important too!). It’s about changing habits to create less waste and a better world. Also, with the Pay-As-Throw Programs for City and unincorporated County residents, you can save money by switching to a smaller trashcan.
Learn more during Zero Waste Week: January 24-30, 2021. Visit Zero Waste Gainesville to learn more and sign up to participate.
On the surface, zero waste sounds impossible and oftentimes expensive. It’s not necessary to buy sustainable zero waste specific products. Look around your home to see what you already have and how you can reuse or re-purpose those items.
Below are 5 easy, no-cost ways to get started:
1. Refuse waste.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste is to not accept it. For instance, when getting takeout to enjoy at home, ask that they not include plastic ware, napkins, straws, or condiments.
At the library, you can say no to a paper receipt. Opt-in for email receipts or check your account online for due dates.
2. Take bags when wherever you shop, not just the grocery store.
This one is hard in terms of remembering to take the bags with you, but it makes a world of difference. Plastic bags are barely recyclable, and even if you reuse them as can liners, they never break down. Keep a bag in the car for unplanned trips, or if you only get an item or two, ask that they not bag the items at all. Backpacks and messenger bags work too, especially if you’re on a bike.
3. Swap paper products, like paper towels and napkins, for cloth.
Dish towels and washcloths can double as napkins and clean up larger messes. Older towels or T-shirts that are too stained or damaged for reselling can be turned into rags for dusting and spills as well. Just wash and reuse.
4. Bring your own cup or containers. They don’t have to be fancy.
If you like to stop at the coffee shop or convenience store for your caffeine of choice, take a reusable cup. If you don’t have one on hand, a jar with a secure lid works just as well.
If you regularly have leftovers when you eat out, start taking your own container to bring food home. It’ll save you time, and keeps your trashcan from filling up with Styrofoam and plastic containers.
5. Buy Used. It’s great for the environment and your wallet.
One of the goals of zero waste is creating a circular economy. Our area has a plethora of second-hand stores with useful everyday items. Before visiting an online retailer, see what your local second-hand store has to offer. The Repurpose Project has a little bit of everything from crafting supplies and jewelry, to picture frames and furniture, to tile and bathroom vanities.
Create a Zero Waste go-bag
Locate a bag you already own. It can be a tote bag, a backpack or string backpack, or even a sturdy plastic bag.
Next, put your most used/needed reusable items in the bag. This can include a cup, reusable container, jar, or another container with a secure lid, cloth napkin, and silverware.
Keep the bag by the door or in your car so it’s available when you need it. Admittedly, it’s a little strange to pull out containers at a restaurant or refuse a bag to put an item in your backpack, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.
Additional Zero Waste Resources
Being Black and Zero Waste-Ish (video)
Eco-Cycle: Building Zero Waste Communities
How Communities Have Defined Zero Waste
Zero Waste Gainesville – A City of Gainesville Initiative
Related books and DVDs:
Throwaway Nation: The Ugly Truth about American Garbage by Jeff Dondero
The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings... by Cait Flanders
Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide… Bea Johnson
Simple Acts to Save Our Planet: 500+ Ways to Make a Difference by Michelle Neff
An (Almost) Zero-Waste Life: Learning How to Embrace Less to Live More by Megean Weldon
Garbage Warrior
Human Footprint
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power
Wasted! The Story of Food Waste
YERT: Your Environmental Road Trip