The Zero Waste Home.

The Zero Waste Bathroom

When it comes to your bathroom, there’s an abundance of scented products wrapped in plastic that aren’t easily recycled. Add to this, disposable items such as toilet paper, cotton swabs, and other single-use items, and the smallest room in your house becomes the biggest waste generator.

Data taken from Zero Waste Week shows that in 2018 alone more than 120 billion units of cosmetics packaging were produced globally. In fact, Netherlands-based group LCA Centre found that if refillable containers were used for cosmetics, as much as 70% of carbon emissions associated with the beauty industry could be eliminated.

As consumers, we have the power to steer cosmetic companies to implement more sustainable practices and move towards sustainable and refillable packaging, and there are plenty of ways to vote with your dollar and increase pressure on the industry.

For example, swapping shampoo and conditioner bottles for bars will not only reduce plastic waste but take up less space too (both in your bathroom and along shipping routes from the factory to your home). There are also alternatives for face scrubs, cleansers, and moisturizers, and the option to turn your kitchen into a lab and make your own cosmetics.

Other Zero Waste Ideas for Your Bathroom

1. Plastic-free razors

Two billion plastic razors a year end up in landfill. Switching to reusable razors or plastic free options is highly encouraged.

2. Refillable makeup

Switch to makeup that is packaged in reusable containers or uses post-consumer recycled material. Additionally, recycle your used mascara wands through Wands for Wildlife.

3. Refillable deodorant

Spray deodorants not only create plenty of packaging waste, but also use hydrocarbons and/or compressed gases notorious for their contribution to global warming. Use refillable or zero waste alternatives instead.

4. Reusable makeup removers

Cotton production takes an incredible amount of water and other resources, and many cotton-based products in the bathroom are single-use. Try reusable cotton rounds instead of single-use makeup removers or reusable ear swabs.

5. DIY toothpaste

Traditional toothpaste is packaged in plastic tubes and often uses questionable ingredients. Why not create your own toothpaste when you likely have all the essentials in your home? A win for the environment and your smile.

The Zero Waste Wardrobe

The fashion industry is considered the second most polluting on the planet, and the rise of fast fashion over the past two decades is compounding the problem on a shocking scale. Not only does the manufacturing of garments create huge amounts of waste, but the garments themselves are very often damaging to the environment.

Did you know that polyester, and other synthetic materials, are made up of tiny fibers that are making their way from your washing machine into our water supplies? These tiny threads shed from the fabric have been found on shorelines and in fish on both the macro and the micro level.

A study funded by Patagonia found that on average synthetic fleece jackets release 1.7 grams of microfibers during each wash, with older jackets shedding almost twice as many when compared to new jackets. These fibers travel from your washing machine to your local wastewater treatment plan, with around 40% of them entering rivers, lakes, and oceans.

The best way to avoid these microfibers is to purchase clothes that are made of natural fibers. Of course, as consumers we can only purchase what is sold by companies and in the market, however, purchasing new “eco” clothing when we still have plenty of serviceable garments in our wardrobes is not always the answer. Using what we have to the end of its useful life and then mending wherever possible is an option. Alternatively, simply washing those clothes less often is also becoming more popular and helping to extend the life of wardrobes.

Other Zero Waste Ideas for Your Wardrobe

1. Buy recycled materials

Many brands are now turning to waste as raw materials within their products, recycling everything from ocean plastic through fishing nets to old tires.

2. Swap or sell

For clothes that are gathering dust in your wardrobe or no longer fit, swapping, selling, or donating helps minimize waste and conserve resources.

3. Microplastic bags

To help minimize microplastics entering the water, bags that can be used to wash potentially harmful garments are now available.

4. Repurpose and upcycle

Old clothing, particularly cotton, can be used as rags, filters, or filling for cushions. Additionally, with a few craft skills you can upcycle clothing into other items.

The Zero Waste Kitchen

Everyone needs to eat, and it’s next to impossible to keep your kitchen free of waste when the options at your nearest supermarket are double- or even triple-wrapped in plastic. Current estimates suggest that around 30% of garbage in the United States is from containers and packaging, and most plastic films and bags cannot be put in your regular recycling bin.

An easy way to avoid excess packaging in your kitchen is to purchase items in bulk. In many large cities there are stores that strive for zero waste, however, if you don’t have a packaging-free store near you, wholesale stores make it easy to shop in bulk, helping you reduce your impact on the environment and, in most cases, save money. By purchasing your pantry staples in the largest manageable size, the amount of packaging is reduced as well as the number of trips to the grocery store—saving CO2 emissions on frequent transport trips.

When it comes to plastic bags, recycling is essentially impossible, as they gum up the machines within recycling facilities and cause multiple issues. Some grocery stores have collection bins for plastic bags and films, but as always, it’s best to swap and switch to multi-use bags that can be reused instead of relying on single use.

Reusable food wrap, such as Bees Wrap and other brands have been created to eliminate additional plastic waste and provide a natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. Silicone oven paper is another good option to replace single-use items like parchment paper and aluminum foil. In many cases, these products can be reused within your kitchen to store food or cook with.

Minimizing food waste is another avenue to explore—with organics forming the largest single component of MSW in the US—and organizing your pantry to cut out waste is the first place to start. This should be an ongoing project, and planning meals around what needs to be eaten, rather than what you want to eat, will help you avoid waste by ensuring food never goes bad.

Other Zero Waste Ideas for Your Kitchen

1. Bokashi and composting

Composting food waste is not only reserved for those with a garden. Bokashi techniques alongside vermicomposting can be practiced in a home or apartment.

2. Using all of the product

Although having fallen out of favor, many “waste” food items can be eaten. For example, carrot tops can be used for pesto, broccoli leaves for salad, and potato skins for homemade chips.

3. Homemade cleaning products

Making your own cleaning products minimizes single-use packaging. It has also been shown to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals in your home.

4. Make milk alternatives

For things like oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk, you can simply soak dried products in water to create your own milk alternatives and completely cut out packaging waste.