It may seem like an impossible task to go ‘zero waste’, but if you take it one step at a time then it's not difficult at all.
Try transforming one room at a time into a ‘zero waste’ room. Like my dad always says, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!”. So here are some tips to take it one bite at a time.
Let’s start with the bathroom:
Toilet Paper:
Buy in bulk, and buy toilet paper with paper wrapping as opposed to plastic wrapping. It’s not exactly zero waste but it is recyclable.
There are plenty of DIY things you can reuse toilet rolls for:
-You can use them as seedling pots for your plants.
-Use them as pens and stationary holders.
-Use them to hold your cords together.
-Get creative, make something new out of them
Disposables:
-Trade disposable razors for long lasting razors, closer shave and less waste!
-Cotton balls and cotton pads are unnecessary, use washable cloths made out of old clothes instead.
-Instead of buying makeup removers, use a washcloth to remove makeup, a trick that actually works, as icky as it may seem, is your own saliva!
Body care products:
-Make them yourself! There are many home remedy alternatives for facial scrubs. Try any of these, oatmeal, honey, almond meal, yogurt, black pepper, and avocados.
-Use Baking soda instead of buying deodorant! Just apply the baking soda with a power puff and you’re ready for the day.
-Use bar soap instead of body wash, try buying soap with no packaging, from organic shops for example.
DIY foundation, eye make up and lip balm…naturally.
Make your own Shampoo, Conditioner and Toner
Water:
-Flush less and only when necessary.
-Use bath and shower water to water the plants!
Try these out, once you have achieved a no waste bathroom, move on to other rooms! Before you know it you’ll be living a no waste life!