Let’s talk trash.
Did you know that we produce and dispose approximately 2.12 billion tons of wastes every year? And at the rate we’re going, it is projected that by 2157, every square inch of this planet will be totally covered in trash. So, if we want to stop that from happening, we need to take some serious actions NOW!
If you deeply care about the environment and you want to do your part in restoring and preserving it, consider adapting a zero-waste lifestyle. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Be a conscious consumer.
Studies have shown that we throw away about 99% of the stuff we buy within six months. So, we are quite literally wasting our money. What you can do about this is to be conscious about everything you buy.
Before you hit the cashier, ask yourself again and again if you really need that particular item. Also, consider the number of times you’ll see yourself using it. If it’s something that you’re only ever going to use once, you might as well borrow.
For the purchases that are imperative, consider taking the alternative route. For example, you can buy pre-loved clothes and secondhand items that are still in pristine condition instead of buying new ones.
2. Practice sustainability over convenience.
Plastic came into existence to provide more convenience to our everyday lives. They are usually cheap and easy to get hold of. But in dire times such as now, we can do without that little bit of convenience plastic brings. Our lives will not drastically decrease in value and quality if we choose sustainability.
However, you have to cut yourself some slack. Completely eliminating the use of plastic in your life doesn’t happen overnight. Just start small. For example, you can start by using a reusable bag when you go grocery shopping.
3. Practice 5R—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot
Firstly, refuse buying or taking items that you don’t really need, as previously mentioned. Next, reduce the quantity of your belongings. It would help a lot if you thoroughly edit your life so you’re only left with things that you absolutely need. Then, always reuse and recycle items that can still be repurposed for something else. Let your creativity flow. Lastly, let your trash (mostly food scraps and organic materials) rot in a compost pit.
According to studies, it takes an average of twenty-one (21) days to develop and form a habit. And to adapt a new, zero-free lifestyle? Well, that will obviously takes much longer. The truth is, it’s always going to be a work in progress. The key is to never get discouraged when things get difficult and to be as innovative as you can be. You’ll be able to get into the new swing of things eventually.