99 Ideas to Reduce Waste

We love what Kathryn is doing at Going Zero Waste. Here are some simple ideas from her about how to reduce waste, every day. What can you do today?

1. Ask for no straw in your drink order

2. Don't leave your house without a full reusable water bottle

3. Ditch tissues for handkerchiefs – you get used to it ;)

4. Pick up a lonely banana

5. Always say no thanks to free promotional items. They tend to be cheap and break easily

6. Get a library card to support your local sharing economy

7. Donate unused items in good condition to support the second-hand market

8. Think second-hand first when purchasing something

9. Try elderberry syrup if you feel a cold coming on instead of immediately reaching for a plastic pill bottle

10. Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush

11. Turn old sheets and towels into handkerchiefs, rags, napkins, and cloth produce bags

12. Build a zero waste kit and put in the trunk of your car or carry it with you when you'll be out so you'll always be prepared. It doesn't have to be large just a few items.

13. Wash clothes when they are actually dirty, instead of after only one wear

14. Open a window to cool down your home or air it out

15. Try to avoid palm oil

16. Buy food without packaging or minimal packaging

17. Instead of buying something when you're having a bad day, do something, i.e. go on a walk, take a yoga class, meet up with a friend

18. Repurpose stale bread

19. Make dry shampoo to stretch between washes

20. Surround yourself with items that serve multiple purposes to streamline and cut excess junk

21. Commit to bringing your reusable bags to the store

22. Try canning to preserve food

23. Use bar soap instead of liquid soap, it tends to come with less packaging.

24. Swap disposable pads and tampons for cloth pads or a menstrual cup

25. Change light bulbs to LEDs

26. Be mindful when using technology

27. Bring reusable produce bags for fruits and veggies.

28. Put on a sweater and socks before turning up the heat

29. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth

30. Don't buy anything impulsively

31. Try making your own lotion

32. Check out your farmers market

33. Make your own face mask from stuff in your pantry

34. Try cloth diapering

35. Get some houseplants at a local nursery to purify your air, don't forget to return the little plastic pots!

36. Get rid of pests naturally

37. Meal plan to avoid food waste

38. Unplug electronics when not in use.

39. Try making tooth powder to avoid unrecyclable toothpaste tubes

40. Buy more locally made goods

41. Repair something when it breaks

42. If you're looking for a specialty item, like camping gear or an extra table for a party, ask a friend if you can borrow one before making a purchase.

43. Plant a small garden

44. Learn how to freeze your food without plastic so it doesn't go to waste

45. Make your own febreze spray to freshen your room for pennies!

46. Start a backyard compost

47. Swap little plastic chapstick tubes for eco ones

48. Surround yourself with tools and items that are meant to last a lifetime. Try to only buy objects once.

49. Try your hand at home-made household cleaners

50. Look into collecting rainwater or a greywater system

51. Store your food properly to make it last longer

52. Find your local cobbler to repair tired shoes

53. Know where everything you buy comes from whether it be food, clothing, or other household goods

54. Ask for no plastic and reused packaging materials for online orders

55. Pack your lunch instead of eating out every day

56. Reduce your meat consumption. If you're not ready to go vegetarian start small: try Meatless Monday, weekday vegetarian, or even weekday vegan

57. Learn to regrow kitchen scraps

58. Line dry a load instead of using the dryer

59. Try homemade mouthwash

60. Ditch plastic shower loofahs for a biodegradable luffa sponge

61. Ask for a real mug at the coffee shop when staying in

62. Always run a full dishwasher or load of clothes

63. Most sunscreen causes coral bleaching, go coral friendly!

64. Bring your own container for to-go food and leftovers

65. Ditch paper towels and use tea towels and rags

66. Beware of greenwashing, always do your research

67. Buy recyclable deodorant

68. If it's a 30-minute or less walk, get outside instead of driving

69. Vote with your dollars for a sustainable future

70. Bring your own keep cup when getting coffee on the run

71. Look into tree-free TP

72. Learn how to repair a button or hem to extend the life of your clothing

73. Look into rechargeable batteries instead of disposables

74. Serve dinner with cloth napkins

75. Eat more vegetables and legumes

76. Keep a bucket in the shower to water plants or flush the toilet

77. Wrap presents in newsprint or not at all!

78. Swap cotton buds for eco ones

79. Focus on experiences rather than things

80. Switch from a plastic disposable razor to a metal safety razor

81. Wash your clothes in cold water when you can

82. Make homemade gifts to give to friends and family

83. Try Wheatless Wednesdays to cut back on intensive grain farming

84. Avoid junk mail by placing a sticker on your letterbox

85. Keep a stocked pantry to avoid getting takeout on busy nights

86. Learn where to properly dispose of items like gift cards, old cell phones, batteries and unusable cords, etc

87. Find your local tailor to help with clothing repairs

88. Ask yourself if you truly need it before making any purchases

89. Go paperless for all your bills!

90. Swap don't shop! Host a clothing swap with friends.

91. Pick up litter when you're out and dispose of it properly

92. Make your morning cup of coffee with a french press or pour over with a reusable filter to avoid extra waste

93. Try to shrink the amount you recycle. Zero waste is about recycling less not more.

94. Use both sides of the paper!

95. Avoid receipts when out; ask if one has to be printed. Sometimes they do, but not always!

96. Take public transit if available or carpool

97. Join a community garden

98. Swap tea bags for loose leaf tea in a reusable strainer

99. Kathryn's favourite zero waste switch: look at installing a bidet attachment

Any other ideas? Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you. 

[c/o Going Zero Waste]