If every household went zero-waste or, at the very least, managed their waste better, we’d all be in a better place. Yes, domestic waste management is far from the only step we need to cut back on issues like the plastic pandemic, but it is a great start. The best part about going waste-free at home is that it can help you live better and often for less. For the eco-conscious, going waste-free or zero-waste at home is a no-brainer, but getting to that point can feel tricky. That’s why you should kickstart your efforts with these top tips:
How to Get Rid of Food Waste
Food waste can clog up your bin bags, and when you trash your food with the rest, it can result in greenhouse gas build-up in landfills. Rerouting this waste in one way or another is a simple yet effective way to help the environment and your home.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can minimize and repurpose your food waste:
· Garbage Disposal Sink
If you want an easy, no-fuss way to deal with your food scraps, add a garbage disposal unit to your kitchen sink. These disposal units chew up the food until it essentially becomes a liquid and is then sent on. If your area collaborates with waste management services to send waste liquid to a biofuel or water processing plant, then you’re well-equipped for environmental sustainability. If you’re off-grid, don’t worry. You can still do this. You can install a special garbage disposal for septic system and not need to pump your septic system more than usual since food scraps are between 75% and 90% water. When your tank is emptied, the waste is sent to a treatment plant, and the cleaned water is returned to the system.
· Composting
Composting allows you to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. You can set up a compost bin in your backyard or even opt for indoor composting systems if you have limited space. By composting, you not only reduce your waste but also create a valuable resource for your plants.
· Meal Planning
Another approach to dealing with food waste is meal planning. By planning your meals in advance and only buying what you need, you can minimize the amount of food that goes to waste.
Additionally, you can get creative with leftovers and repurpose them into new meals or snacks. For example, vegetable scraps can be used to make homemade vegetable broth, while overripe fruits can be turned into smoothies or used in baking.
How to Cut Back on Plastic Waste
Plastic waste is a pressing environmental issue, but there are numerous ways to reduce your reliance on single-use plastics at home. Start by switching to reusable alternatives. You don’t need to invest in anything special unless you want to. A budget-friendly alternative to buying special metal or glass containers is to reuse jars and the plastic containers you already have.
Another way to cut back on plastic waste is to avoid buying plastic-encased food and drink. Zero-waste stores are cropping up everywhere, and going to them to fill up on many essentials is a great way to save and avoid plastic altogether.
What to Do with Your E-Waste
Electronic waste, or e-waste, poses a unique challenge when it comes to waste management. The simple answer is you need to keep your old, unwanted electronics and find a local recycling center unless those devices are still in good working condition. If they are, reset them and either donate or sell them.