How can we avoid waste in our everyday lives? Why is it important to reduce waste? What steps can I take to minimize the pollution problem? Are you ready to make the sacrifice for Mother Earth? If you are asking yourself these questions because you are concerned about NatureNature, then read on.
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Why Should We Reduce Waste?
Waste is generated no matter what we do. From education to cooking, we end up throwing things we don’t need. But today, pollution is a massive problem faced by the planet. Gigantic landfill mountains are growing bigger and more dangerous, threatening to wipe us all out.
Reducing and managing waste should be our priority, whatever we do. If we continue to fill up landfills, there will no longer be space for us to live freely. The food and water we consume are already contaminated by toxic waste. Our health has been impacted by the pollution. We are getting sicker and sicker by the day.
Environmental pollution is not the only reason we must reduce waste. Avoiding waste is also a step towards preserving our Earth’s resources, conserving energy and promoting a better way of life for us all. As human beings, it is not enough to just eat, sleep and enjoy our lives. We must also live wholesome and meaningful lives that are sacrificed towards the well-being of future generations and Nature.
Human beings can be unconcerned about the environment and continue to mar the planet in which they live. But would they do it if it means they will too will be affected by their actions? The choices we make and how our environment is affected have a direct impact on the quality of our lives. We damage the environment; our climate is thrown out of control. We pollute, and we are poisoning ourselves. We kill Nature; we kill ourselves.
Are you now convinced why it is important to reduce waste? If you are concerned about the environment and avoiding waste in your lives, then read on for some of the steps you can take to reduce waste.
How Can We Avoid Waste? 8 Tips
1. Re-Use everything you can
This is the best way to avoid waste. Utilize things that are reusable and long-lasting, and avoid single-use plastics. Most of the waste generated today comes from the use of single-use products like disposable cups, plates, bags and diapers.
If we really want to make a change, then we should switch to more environmentally-friendly options like cloth diapers and cloth bags and use reusable cups, straws and plates.
Even when you are on the go and have to eat at fast food outlets, reduce single-use plastics as much as possible. Choose outlets that recycle and serve in eco-friendly packages. Take your own water bottle with you wherever you go.
To reuse and recycle is one of the biggest tactics to win the war against waste. Read this amazing article for more information.
2. Reduce Unnecessary Purchases
Most of us tend to buy things we don’t really need or things that will end up in the bin at the end of the day. If we don’t really need that toy, CD or book, then don’t buy it. Look for products that are of good quality and long-lasting so that you will not have to buy new things often. For example, invest in some quality toys for your kids. There are many flimsy options that are likely to break as soon as it reaches the ground. Avoid these cheap plastic toys and products as they are one of the biggest causes of plastic pollution. So purchase responsibly.
3. Make Zero-Waste choices.
Look for zero-waste options in everything you do. There are many trendy zero-waste goods
in the market today that come with little or no packaging. If packaging is a must, then look for packaging that you can reuse or something you can recycle. For instance, switch your regular shampoo and lotion bottle to the zero-waste soap bottle shampoo. Try using toothpaste tablets instead of paste. Take reusable bags to supermarkets, and don’t purchase anything in plastic packaging.
4. Recycle everything
Recycle every waste you generate in your home or office. Have separate bins for different types of waste, and you can submit paper, plastics and glass for recycling whenever they fill up. You can even earn a small amount for the things you give recycling centers if they feel it’s worth it.
5. Buy second-hand clothes and accessories.
There is nothing shameful about shopping at a thrift store. The more clothes your reuse and recycle, the more you are helping the environment. Don’t be afraid to repeat clothes. Invest in some good quality attire so that they will last longer and you will not have to shop too often.
6. Donate to those in need.
Donating is a great way to reduce waste. If you no longer need something, it would be more nature-friendly and ethical to donate it to someone who will. Be it clothes you don’t fit, food or electronics donating will not only help the environment but will also brighten up another person’s life. Never chuck away excess food. Don’t throw away used clothing, stationary or equipment. It may mean everything to another human being.
7. Promote local farmers and local products.
Promoting local farmers and manufacturers will help your country grow. It will conserve energy lost by shipping and reduce the need for excess packaging. It would be more environmentally friendly to buy milk and eggs from your local farmer in your own bucket and bag than go to a supermarket and buy imported products.
8. Compost what you can
If you have excess food or vegetable scraps, you can compost them. You can either make your own compost and save money on fertilizer or give food and organic waste to recycling centers.
How Can We Avoid Waste? Summary
We can avoid waste by making responsible choices in our lives. It is important to reuse and recycle whatever we can. We must avoid unnecessary purchases, choose what we buy wisely and use second-hand products. Donating is also a great way to reduce household waste and give a new life to the things we don’t need.
How we avoid waste depends on the type of lifestyle we lead and the choices we make. If we are really concerned about the environment, then it is important to choose zero-waste products and be environmentally responsible in whatever we do.
Also read: Why is it important to recycle paper?
*All pics are courtesy of Unsplash.com
