Low waste living is one of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment. From reducing carbon emissions to preventing plastic pollution in the environment, lowering your waste (and consuming things you actually need) has never been more important. Once you start thinking more consciously about your lifestyle habits, it becomes easier to appreciate what you own. Here are 6 ways you can transition to a zero or low waste lifestyle:

1.      Get reusable water bottles, utensils, and bags – a lot of plastic waste gets created on the go when we’re looking for a quick drink or bite. Keeping reusable options on hand and actually using them can go a long way in preventing single use plastic waste. Keep a fork and a water bottle in a reusable bag by the door and get in the habit of bringing it out with you wherever you go.

2.      Shop and sell second hand – every day people are throwing out working electronics, furniture, clothes, and other household goods that are still in good condition. Whenever you’re looking to make a new purchase, check for a substitute on craigslist, eBay, facebook marketplace, or other second hand marketplaces. Secondhand shopping is generally much cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and nothing beats the rush of finding a good deal on some vintage wares.

3.      Know your trash – look in your trash/recycling bin every so often and see what’s in there that you could replace with something sustainable. You can reduce your waste by shopping in bulk, or finding more sustainable versions of products you’re already consuming (like toothbrushes, shampoo, coffee). You can even get a scale and keep track of how much you’re wasting each month, or better yet use one of our sustainability trackers.

4.      Recycle properly -= bad recycling can actually harm the recycling stream. Learn a little more about what can and can’t be recycled in your curbside program. If you’re not sure, it’s better to landfill something than to recycle it (plastics that don’t get recycled often end up in the ocean). Most curbside programs accept plastic bottles and jugs, clean paper, aluminum cans, and glass bottles. If you’re looking to recycle plastic bags, clothes, or other household items you can see if Terracycle will accept them.

5.      Be an eco-conscious consumer – It’s up to all of us to make a difference. One person in Los Angeles was able to get UberEats to stop delivering orders with plastic utensils unless they were explicitly asked for. If you see some way the people or businesses you interact with can change their ways try to engage them in a conversation.

6. Set up a composting bin - according to EPA estimates about 30% of your waste is organic, much of which can be composted. Set up a small counter top composting bin and you’ll see how much less you’re wasting!

Have your own thoughts on how to live zero waste, waste free, or low waste lifestyles? Share them in the comments below!