Over the last five years or so I have really made an effort to make my home less wasteful. I no longer purchase plastic water bottles, we use reusable grocery bags, and I make it a point to only clean my home with all-natural products. But all of these changes left me wondering: “how could I waste even less at home?” Here are a few of my tips and tricks to waste less.
Recycle Everything You Can
You’d be surprised at how much is actually recyclable. Join free cycle to swap and recycle things with people in your area.
Donate Extra Lumber
Just finished a DIY project? What on earth are you going to do with all of that extra wood? Instead of hanging onto it, donate your extra wood scraps to the Boy Scouts. They always need them for a derby or two!
Waste Less Detergent
Laundry detergent is expensive, and hard on the Earth. If at all possible use a homemade laundry detergent like this one. If store bought is used, make an effort to use half of the recommended amount. Your clothes REALLY aren’t that dirty, and they really just want you to buy more detergents!
Borrow More
I know, I know, DVDs aren’t really a thing anymore. But instead of purchasing the latest DVD (with all of that annoying plastic packaging) rent or stream it instead! Your home will stay less cluttered, and you can sleep easily knowing that your carbon footprint was lessened.
Use Recyclable Food Storage Containers
Use heavy duty glass and plastic food storage containers. This set may last a few years, and you’ll lessen the amount of food space in your home.
Purchase the Right Produce
Instead of buying produce from a grocery store, purchase it locally from farms and coops. Local veggies don’t have to be transported to their sale destination, and they aren’t full of as many preservatives.
Eat Beans Instead
The carbon footprint of raising and slautering a herd of cattle puts is ridiculous. Instead of contributing, make an effort to only eat beans and lean meats.
Homemade Mulch
Instead of spending tons of money at a nursery on mulch for your plants, use grass clippings and leaves instead. It works the same as mulch, but will save you a ton of money!
Compost!
Don’t throw away all of your leftover fruit and vegetable scraps! Instead, create a compost pile that works as GREAT garden food. You can purchase a tiny countertop compost bin from Target, or you can learn to make one for yourself outdoors at Bees and Roses.
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