How to Go Zero Waste

Live Zero Waste exists to support you in your journey to get to zero waste.  Below you’ll find the “rules” and then all of our how-to posts, please read, comment, share, and request topics for us to write about!

Don’t Make Waste

This one is pretty simple, waste is actually a shorthand for the whole production process. Each new item we buy has all kinds of extraction, transportation, and manufacturing in its past, this is unfortunately still true for recycling.  You’ll be surprised at how differently you see the world tomorrow after trying not to make trash.

Keep Your Accidents

If you do make trash, don’t sweat it!  The point is not to steep in guilt for a day, it’s to build your awareness and give you the psychological tools you need to overcome the wasteful habits engrained in all of us. So collect whatever trash you make on your day and do a quick reflection at night, also send us a picture of it!

What Counts?

Anything new, so don’t go buying a brand new compost bin to start off you zero waste lifestyle.  Like we said in the first rule zero waste is not really about trash, it’s about resources.  Check out the tips below to find out some common friction points and get a little better understanding of what it means to be zero waste!

INTRO

Here are some of the best resources available to help you get started (or continue!) with a zero waste lifestyle. Many of these sites have books or products for sale. Ask yourself if you really need those to succeed on your zero waste journey. Many of the same information is available on their blogs, or you could get a e-book version. We encourage you to save your purchases of new items only for things that are absolutely necessary (menstrual cups for example). You actually don’t need any new equipment or special utensils, straws, mason jars etc. to go zero waste, and you likely already have everything you need. And if not you can find it at a thrift shop, craigslist of Facebook Marketplace. The challenge is not only to produce less waste, but to purchase fewer new items (see our production cycle graphic for more on this).