The world generates more than 380 million tons of plastic waste a year—that’s nearly the weight of the entire human population! Not only does it take hundreds of years for plastic to degrade, but it also has a deadly effect on wildlife. For example, it can affect their reproduction.
Given that, it’s not surprising to know that more and more people are participating in the zero waste movement.
Interested? Want to know how you can help the planet? If so, you’re on the right page. We’ll be sharing some environmentally friendly tips below.
Keep reading to learn more!
1. Store Food In Reusable Containers
Make a habit of using reusable containers. Avoid ziplock bags or single-use plastics. For example, you can store your leftovers in a mason jar or a casserole dish.
If necessary, you can cover the dish with beeswax wrap; it’s much more sustainable than plastic wrap. Simply fold it around the top of the container; it’ll provide a tight seal so that your food will remain fresh. For the best results, warm it with your hands first—that way, you’ll be able to shape the wrap better.
2. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are used to convert sunlight into electricity. A type of renewable energy, it’s constantly replenished so you won’t have to worry about depleting the Earth’s resources. Also, it’ll reduce carbon footprint (it won’t produce any greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide).
The only thing is that the price of solar panels can be costly. On average, you can expect to spend at least $12,000 (after tax incentives) for full installation. The exact amount, however, will depend on various factors, such as the size of your roof and the type of solar panels chosen.
With that said, they’ll likely pay for themselves after three to four years.
3. Get Rid of Paper Towels
13 billion pounds of paper towels are sent to landfills each year. Not only are they produced from trees, which damages the environment, but they also break down and produce methane, a greenhouse gas that’s many times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Given that, it’s best to stop using them altogether. Consider using cellulose dishcloths instead. Made from plant-based fibers, they’re more sustainable and absorbent than paper towels. Other alternatives include microfiber cloths, bamboo paper towels, and cotton towels.
Unpaper towels are another option. Basically, they’re reusable cloth towels that you can use to wipe off counters and clean up spills.
Choosing a Zero Waste Lifestyle
Living a zero-waste lifestyle requires effort; it can take some time to get used to—but it’s definitely worth it to protect the environment, especially if everyone does their part.
Want to read more content like this? If so, be sure to check out some of the other posts in our life section!
