I do not claim to be living a low waste life, but I am trying to move that way. Here are ten things I have been doing for a long time or have just recently started.
1. Buy Used Clothing
I have "graduated" from just thinking of Goodwill when shopping used. I have been using Thred Up for clothing purchases. I have also moved from buying any new clothing to choosing used. I even bought my Wedding Gown from Brides For a Cause (google them they are amazing!)
2. Have an "extra" water Pitcher
I have placed a pitcher on the counter and that is where the water goes when we don't want it anymore but don't want to waste it. I use that water for watering the house plants and carpet messes.
3. Bring empty Milk Cartons (full of water) to the Dog Park
This is a fun way to recycle your empty milk cartons. Most dog parks are dependant on people bringing water so the doggies can drink.
4. Fold and reuse Tissue Paper
I think it is crazy that more people don't do this. Every holiday I do this and my family has given me grief in the past about it but are used to it now. I don't have to buy it.
5. Buy Recyclable Wrapping Paper
Of course, first, use up what non-recyclable wrapping paper you have, but when replacing, look for recyclable!
6. Have a Plastic Bag Bin next to your garbage & recycling.
I don't just use this for plastic bags as I don't use them often. It is also for packaging and other thin plastic that can be taken into the grocery store to be recycled.
7. Join a Buy Nothing Facebook Group
I have been apart of my group for a while now and I love it! Buy Nothing is a project to help the community. You post things that you have and have no need for and people in the community that have a need for that item comment they are interested and then someone is picked. I love this WAY more than donating to the local thrift store as I know that it will be used. Check out https://buynothingproject.org/ to learn more.
8. Reload used Giftcards
It really kills me throwing away used up gift cards. Just think of all the Starbucks giftcards that get thrown away in a day. They can be reloaded!
9. Wash your washing poofs/loofas
First of all, I do not suggest buying plastic body scrubbies, but I have them. And I have had them for a long long time. Sound gross? It is not because I wash them in my towel load. I plan on doing this until they "die". Once they do I will not purchase them anyone and use cloth wash clothes.
10. Buy Eco-Friendly K-Cups
The Keurig craze has caused A LOT of plastic waste. So if you have a Keurig know you can buy compostable k-cups. They also have useable cups and I do plan to purchase one of those in the future, I just haven't yet.
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