Low Waste Habits

Wildflowers Photo by Dulcey Lima from Unsplash

It is hard to have a zero waste lifestyle, but that does not mean you can’t have a low waste one! Being conscious of packaging is an impactful way to reduce waste, and another way is to prioritize reusable items over single-use ones. Investing in reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and containers can significantly cut down on the amount of disposable products used. Additionally, considering second-hand or thrifted items when making purchases contributes to the sustainability effort by extending the lifecycle of products. Composting organic waste is another eco-friendly practice that helps divert material from landfills. Making small, consistent changes in daily habits collectively contributes to a more sustainable and low-waste lifestyle.

Repair vs Replace

Repairing instead of replacing is a great mindset for reducing waste. Repairing items not only saves money but also helps in minimizing the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of new goods. Learning basic repair skills or seeking help from local repair services can extend the life of various items, from clothing to electronics. In doing so, we not only contribute to waste reduction but also promote a more sustainable and resource-conscious approach to consumption. Choosing longevity over disposability is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment.

Food Waste and Composting

When reducing food waste it is easy to just think of composting; however, lowering food waste can start in the grocery store. Buying only what you need is very important when purchasing perishable items. When in the kitchen make sure to save leftovers or freeze food for later use. Starting a compost bin can significantly reduce the amount of food waste in your home. It helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses created when the food waste goes into the landfill. Knoxville has different locations where you can drop off your compost. More information can be found here.

Recycling Recap

Brushing up on local recycling knowledge can help keep items out of the landfill. Seeing what is available around you that accepts specific items for recycling can be surprising! There can also be new programs that you had no idea about! Checking up on what is available around you to be recycled is a great way of getting rid of items by giving them a new life cycle. Keep Knoxville Beautiful has a recycling guide here.

Forest. Photo by Dan Stark from Unsplash

Taking Inventory

Spring cleaning is always a great way to kick off the new year. During spring cleaning you can be surprised with how much stuff you have. Donating or recycling the extra items is a great way to get rid of the extra things in your house. While spring cleaning you can also take inventory of what is in your house. Being mindful of what you already have can be a great way to avoid buying more than what you need. This can be on a smaller level too. Making a shopping list or a mental inventory can help prevent food waste. By knowing what you have, you can make sure you don’t get double of what you need!

Saving More Water

Saving water helps the planet and can lower your bills. Taking shorter showers is always a great way to save water. Noticing when you have water running is a great way to think about what ways you are using the most water. Fixing leaks promptly is another effective way to prevent unnecessary water wastage. Additionally, collecting rainwater for activities like watering plants is a sustainable practice that can further contribute to water conservation. Outdoor water use, such as watering the garden, should be done during cooler parts of the day to minimize evaporation. Using a dishwasher if available saves more water than hand washing dishes. More tips can be found here.

Using Less Plastic

The theme for Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs Plastics.” This does not have to wait until April. There are so many things that can be done to reduce plastic waste. Swap out reusable items and avoid single use plastic. Some examples are swapping out plastic sandwich bags for tupperware, using reusable bags and water bottles, buying products with eco-friendly packaging, and much more. More information can be found on the Earth Day website.

Reducing Energy Consumption

At the beginning of the year we are stuck with cold winter weather and like to have our heat on in the house. Bundling up and using blankets can be a way to help the electricity bill go down and help save energy. Using the sunlight as natural heating can be great in the colder months too. As the months go on it will become warmer. Opening the windows and turning the air conditioner off is a way to get fresh air and avoid using energy. Little things can be done to save energy like air drying clothes, turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when they are not being used. There are lots of ways to save energy which not only benefits the planet but is also cost efficient.

Eat Less Meat

Climate Posters Photo by
Li-An Lim from Unsplash

Meat production is resource-intensive, and reducing meat consumption can lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water usage. Eating less meat is one of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprint. If this sounds challenging, start with something like incorporating meatless Mondays into the week! Starting with one day out of the week can help make the process easier to start with. Discovering new plant-based recipes is a way to experiment in the kitchen and try new delicious food! Making substitutions for a meat dish is also a great way to still have the dishes you enjoy, while making it plant-based.

Traveling Sustainably

Reconsidering transportation habits is a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of daily activities. Opting for alternative modes of transportation, such as walking or biking, not only benefits the environment but also promotes personal health and well-being. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Carpooling is another great way to have less cars on the road. Additionally, public transportation, where available, is a more sustainable choice than individual car travel. It maximizes efficiency by transporting multiple passengers in a single vehicle, contributing to reduced air pollution and energy consumption.

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