How to Go Zero Waste
We’ve compiled some resources from our site and around the internet to help you get to zero waste. If there is something specific that you need help with fill out the form on the right and we’ll send you an answer as soon as we can!
The Basics
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!
Some Exceptions!
Toilet Paper: If you’re able to install a bidet, awesome! If not, try to buy tp in paper wrapping rather than plastic. Medicine: Continue taking any medication you need to feel your best, and don’t worry about the trash! Gifts: If someone gives you a gift that has wrapping, that’s ok. It wasn’t your purchasing decision. Work associated waste: If you work at a lab for example and need to wear gloves we don’t consider that your responsibility.
OUR FAVORITE RESOURCES
Here are some of the best resources available to help you get started (or continue!) with a zero waste lifestyle. All of them have amazing tips and guides that are super useful. One quick not of caution—many of these sites have books or products for sale. We encourage you to save your purchases of new items only for things that are absolutely necessary (bamboo toothbrush 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).
Check out our blog post on getting started with zero waste and the rest of our articles on specific tips for zero waste. Still have questions? Once you’ve pledged, you can join our Facebook group and post any questions you have there! Our community will help you out and once you’re an experienced zero waster you can become a resource for others.
Zero Waste Home
Bea Johnson is the mother of zero waste. We recommend downloading the online version of her book (it has tops of useful tips) and checking out their bulk store app for finding places to shop nearby that offer zero waste options. And be sure to add your favorite stores to the app so we can grow the zero waste community! (This app only exists as a web version).
Going Zero Waste
Kathryn Kellog has the best zero waste blog we’ve found (if you have blogs you like better, feel free to send them our way). Kathryn writes about every topic imaginable, check out this very helpful step-by-step guide of how to transition to zero waste. Her instagram is really fun too.
Zero Waste Chef
Take a look in your trashcan—most of the waste is probably from food packaging right? Learning to shop and cook is a big part of being successful in zero waste and zero waste chef can help you learn all the essential skills.
Story of Stuff
Story of Stuff has amazing educational materials that can help you understand why you should do zero waste. Binge all of their YouTube videos. You won’t regret it and you’ll learn a ton!
Beyond Plastics
Follow beyond plastics to see how you can get involved with pressuring corporations and governments to decrease their waste. We recommend signing up for their email list.