10 Easy ways to reduce waste in the home
Becoming eco-friendly is no longer an option but a necessity. As our landfills continue to fill up with waste at a speed beyond comprehension, there is quite literally no time to waste (see what we did there?). The good news is that there are tons of minor changes you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle that will have a lasting positive effect on the environment.
If you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint and doing your bit to help the environment, we thank and salute you. Below we have highlighted the top 10 ways you can easily reduce waste in your home. Simply implementing a few of these tips will go a long way towards creating a brighter future!
Use reusable bottles for drinking while on the move
There was a big craze when reusable bottles first became a mainstream thing, but sadly many of them ended up gathering dust in a kitchen cupboard. If you have a reusable bottle, make a concentrated effort to use it all the time. Once you get into the hang of it, it will become second nature.
Use reusable grocery bags
Reusable grocery bags are one of those things that you tend to forget about until you’re standing at a till and ready to pay. Start by keeping a few in your car at all times and keep them in front where you won’t miss them.
Buy items in recyclable packaging
Many stores are making an effort to provide more products with recyclable packaging, so keep an eye out for them.
Buy produce at local farmer’s markets
This benefits the farmers, yourself and the environment. Local farmers use less packaging, the produce doesn’t need to be shipped or refrigerated during transit, you get fresher produce, and you’re supporting a local business. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Cut out a paper trail
This includes cancelling any printed magazine or newspaper subscriptions that you can get online and changing your preferred method of billing to electronic statements.
Try a bamboo toothbrush
According to dentists, you should be swapping out your toothbrush every 2-3 months. However, plastic brushes simply add to landfill pollution. A bamboo toothbrush cleans just as well as a traditional plastic brush, and it’s completely recyclable.
Keep reusable utensils with you
A big well done to stores and restaurants no longer serving plastic straws, but you can take it to the next level. By keeping a reusable utensil set in your bag, you can ensure that you’re never caught unprepared when facing an unplanned takeout for lunch.
Ditch kitchen disposables
From paper towels to serviettes, plastic sandwich bags, wax paper and more – the number of disposable items in your kitchen may surprise you. You can reduce your waste by replacing tin foil or wax paper with a reusable silicone baking sheet and swapping out your paper towels for microfibre cloths that can be washed and reused.
Install a low-cost water filter in your home
It is a great way to avoid wasting money on pricey bottled water, and you can save on your plastic usage by refilling your reusable bottles at home. Win-win!
Buy second-hand items
If you’re updating your furniture, consider buying second-hand, and if you’re looking to get rid of items you currently own, post them for sale before simply chucking them.
If you need more room to accommodate your new (to you) items or planning to downsize your lifestyle, consider Louth Self Storage. Our secure and affordable self storage units are ideal for storing your cherished items until you find a new home that isn’t a landfill. If you’d like more information about our excellent household storage solutions, we’d love to show you around our store on Carlton Road at Manby, or you can give us a ring on 01507 327008 to get a quote.
