As we go about our everyday lives, we can sometimes forget that almost everything we do has an impact on the environment. While trying to adopt a waste-free lifestyle may seem overwhelming, and sometimes taxing, the truth is that it’s never been easier!
We’ll show you 5 ways that you can reduce your waste footprint and make a positive impact on our planet.
Recycle
While there are a number of different ways to go green and help save the environment, one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your waste footprint is to recycle.
The good news is that the majority of the waste we produce can be recycled – this includes some plastics, aluminium, paper, steel, and more! According to WHO, recycling one aluminium item saves 90% of the energy needed to produce a new one.
By committing to earth-friendly practices, like recycling, you’re not only helping to conserve raw resources and energy, you’re also preventing harmful plastics and other materials from entering our waterways and contaminating the ocean.
Avoid single-use plastic
How many of us are guilty of purchasing a single-use plastic water bottle while filling up the car, or running between errands? It may seem like a convenient option at the time, but these single-use bottles – even though you may hardly remember using them – can have a negative impact on the environment and your body!
According to National Geographic, approximately 18 billion pounds of plastic waste finds its way into the ocean each year from coastal areas around the world. This mass pollution of single-use plastics has led to scientists identifying over 200 marine areas as unsustainable environments for organisms to grow – known as ‘dead zones’. These areas, which were previously teeming with life, have been left scourged by plastic pollution – resulting in what can only be described as ‘biological deserts’ throughout our oceans.
Fortunately, there are a number of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic water bottles.
If you need to hydrate on the go, consider a Blue Spring Water aluminium water bottle! Our aluminium bottles are 100% recyclable and can be back on the shelf in as little as 60 days!
Take reusable bags shopping
One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste footprint is to use reusable bags while shopping. Instead of purchasing a new bag every time you shop and adding to that pile of unwanted plastic bags at home, try keeping a few canvas bags in the back of your car. That way, you won’t forget them when you head in to do your grocery shopping.
You’ll save money in the long run and at the same time reduce the amount of non-renewable resources needed to produce new plastic bags.
Buy in bulk
You’re probably already aware of how buying in bulk can save you money, but did you know that it’s also an effective way to reduce your waste footprint?
Individual products sold in your local supermarket are almost always packaged in plastic. Not only is much of the plastic packaging used for individual products unnecessary, but it increases the price that you spend on each product.
By buying in bulk, you eliminate the need for fancy packaging and single-use plastic, which helps to save on resources and saves you money at the same time!
Seek out package-free or eco-friendly options
As we’ve just mentioned, individual products housed in tiny, plastic packages result in higher costs and more landfill.
If you’re not in the position to bulk-buy, look for package-free or eco-friendly packaging options! Fortunately, many conscientious supermarkets and companies have committed to providing waste-free and eco-friendly packaging for all kinds of non-perishable food items.
If you’re looking to scrap your single-use plastic habit completely, look no further than ‘refill shops’ that are emerging across the country. While they may be difficult to find in certain areas, ‘refill shops’ allow consumers to shop smart and reduce their waste production.
