Reducing household waste is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and making small changes in our daily lives can go a long way in helping the planet. Here are some tips and ideas on how to reduce household waste.
Composting: an Easy Way to Reduce Household Waste
Composting is collecting organic materials for disposal in a compost heap or bin. Compostable materials include vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, and other biodegradable materials that microbes and organisms can break down into nutrient-rich soil. Composting reduces household waste considerably because it turns food scraps into usable nutrients rather than throwing them away and adding them to landfills. As a benefit, you can use compost in your garden and houseplants.
Repair, Don’t Replace to Reduce Household Waste
If your appliances or furniture are starting to show signs of age, consider whether they can be repaired before you throw them away. Many times, fixing an item is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than purchasing a new one. When you do need to buy a new product for your home, shop for items that are durable and made sustainably, like with recycled or upcycled materials.
Reduce Single-Use Plastic Consumption
Single-use plastics are one of the leading contributors to plastic pollution in the oceans and landfills. Carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup with you when you’re out. You won’t have to rely on disposable cups or bottles every time you purchase water or coffee. Purchase reusable items made from sustainable materials, like bamboo utensils and fabric shopping bags.
Shop Second-Hand to Reduce Household Waste
Shopping second-hand is a great way to reduce waste and save money at the same time. You can find almost anything your family needs second-hand, from furniture to clothes, toys, and books. Buying used items keeps things out of landfills and extends the lifespan of products that would otherwise be thrown away.
Bring Your Own Reusable Bags When Shopping
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of plastic bags that pile up in our homes after a trip to the grocery store. Plastic bags often end up in landfills or in the oceans. To avoid this, bring your own reusable bags whenever you shop. This action reduces plastic waste and saves you money, as more and more stores now charge for single-use plastic bags.
Recycle Electronics Carefully
Electronics like TVs, computers, and cell phones are also huge contributors to environmental pollution when they’re thrown away. Instead of discarding them, look for e-waste recycling centers in your area that accept electronics and properly dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner.
Reducing household waste doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Making small changes like composting, repairing items instead of replacing them, and recycling electronics can go a long way in helping the environment.
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