The COVID-19 crisis did not only seriously have life -changing consequences, but it also wreaked havoc on nature because it multiplied the waste that the world produces. Disposable face masks alone amount to 129 billion pieces a month. We need to act now in every little way we can to reduce what we throw away. Read on and you can find 3 tips to create less waste.
3 Brand New Tips for a Less-Waste Lifestyle
The little things we can change in our lifestyle will definitely create a big impact in saving our environment. Here are ways we can make a huge impact by following these tips:
1. Go digital.
For the longest time, we depended on paper for important things we have to keep on file. Start using digital files instead. Scan your important files and keep a digital copy instead to reduce our dependence on paper.. There is cloud storage such as GDrive to keep a digital copy..
Opt for digital billing from your service providers that offer such so that it not only does away with more paper to throw, but you also save trees.
Instead of CDs and DVDs, go for subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify. How often do you really watch or listen to ALL your CDs/DVDs? Think about it.
2. Explore reusable options.
Think of things you do or use every day and see if there are reusable alternatives.
Let’s start with what was mentioned earlier – face masks. By using fabric masks, we greatly reduce the huge amount of disposables ending up in landfills.
Other examples we can do away with are disposable cotton toiletries such make-up pads or even wet wipes. These are single-use materials which are not easily decomposed, not to mention its plastic packaging! We also need to realize that the greatest impact of using single-use cotton products is the amount of pesticides used to grow cotton.
To date, a total of 20 million pounds of wet wipes are thrown every single day and end up in the landfills. How can we eliminate this problem?
The answer is to look for reusable replacements like LastRound reusable face pads. It’s not only a step to creating a less waste lifestyle but it’s also a money-wise move.
For the ladies, consider using menstrual cups instead of sanitary napkins. Napkins take so long to decompose that the first napkin you ever used may still be floating out there in some ocean.
Another source of tons of garbage relates to single-use plastic. Imagine the amount of plastics we only use for a few minutes to eat, carry stuff, and take away? Plastic bags, straws, cups, plastic stirrers, bottles – all single-use then thrown away.
All these add up considerably. Did you know that in 2019, the production of plastics totaled around 368 million metric tons worldwide? That’s A LOT of plastic!
The next time you go shopping, make a conscious effort to not only bring reusable bags, but to also utilize reusable containers for meat and produce. Not only is having reusable containers for meat and produce an environmentally conscious move, but it is also a healthier option.
3. Shop for / prepare food in smaller quantities and store via vacuum sealing
A study showed that about 1.3 billion tons of food go to waste globally every year. Another fact about food is that ⅓ actually goes to waste. How can we do our part in reducing this?
The smart move there to avoid food wastage is to prepare in smaller quantities so that there will be no excesses that will end up in the garbage bin. Also, store your meat, veggies and fruits via vacuum packaging to make them last longer.
It is also ideal to practice the ever-popular reduce, reuse, recycle strategy. It defeats the purpose of doing the above when you don’t do the other. Once you start making one a habit, you will realize you are on your way to adapting these 3 Rs.
Finally, now that you are ready to embrace this less-waste lifestyle, influence the people around you to do the same. By doing so, you are multiplying the positive impact on the environment.
These tips are just the starting steps to begin your road to less waste lifestyle. There are several other ways to care for the environment like reducing our carbon footprint everywhere. We may not be able to do it all at the same time, but being more conscious of our everyday habits can be a good first step.
It is a life-long journey and will require a huge amount of commitment too. But just like any plans and goals in life, it’s not necessary to do it all right the first time.
Small changes in our daily habits will pave the way to great improvements in achieving this goal. And all we can be is an inspiration to others to live a more environmentally conscious life, thinking about what kind of world we will leave behind for the future generation.
