Simple Steps to Kickstart Your Zero Waste Journey

There are so many things to consider before shifting to such a lifestyle that it often feels overwhelming to take on board.

Personally, I felt this way for years before I mustered the strength to come up with a plan to combat my wasteful ways. I discovered that looking for ways to be less wasteful with what I had around me was the key that started me on this journey. I stopped comparing myself to people who managed to put their waste into a small jar because I knew I wouldn’t be able to do it myself. So I began my quest from where I was.

The list below depicts the steps I’ve been taking to kickstart my adventure without becoming too overwhelmed, which allowed me to embrace my new lifestyle choices slowly:

1. Take it slowly; don’t overwhelm your system with too many rapid changes and too much information at once.
2. Don’t compare your lifestyle choices with those of people who might have been on the zero-waste path for much longer, or whose budgets allow for more rapid change.
3. I kicked off my journey by researching sustainability, which led me to the Zero Waste movement. I doubt I can go fully zero-waste, but I plan to reduce non-recyclable waste as much as possible.
4. I made a list of everyday products I wanted to swap for sustainable options. Since I knew it would be expensive, I began comparing prices. I feel it’s essential to discuss the price tag of sustainable, zero-waste swaps, because those choices will likely require an upfront investment. People who struggle financially don’t have the means to do so. Hence, I feel strongly that the zero-waste/sustainable movement needs to become much more economically inclusive.
5. I decided to swap one personal item a month so I’d know my budget wouldn’t blow up all of a sudden.
6. Since the beginning of May, I’ve been replacing one unsustainable or wasteful item a week. I figured that if I buy those items every week, I’ll still be able to afford the swaps. I simply don’t spend money on anything that isn’t essential; I invest in sustainable items instead.
7. Before I started replacing my daily goods, I used up everything I had in the house (body lotion, toner, laundry detergent, laundry liquid, etc.). Nothing goes to waste, whether it is in a plastic container or not.
8. I’ve been keeping a budget, so I know exactly what I spend and how much things cost. Budgeting helps me make purchasing decisions. Besides, my goal is to invest long-term, so whatever I’m buying now, I plan to keep it for years.
9. Since it’s hard to shop for clothes right now, I asked my sister if she had any jeans she didn’t wear that I could have. Then ones I had ripped at the same time and in the same place (I’m not impressed, AllSaints, shame on you), I paid £100 for two pairs on sale, and I’m never doing that again.
10. In May, I replaced:

• Washing up sponges. I’m experimenting to see which ones I like the most. So far, I’m quite delighted with the ones I got.
• Cotton buds in paper packaging, which I love, but I’m not going to stop there. I do want to try the reusable cotton buds.
• I bought compostable sponge cloths to use instead of kitchen towels (I was spending so much money each month on them that this investment will pay off soon). So far, I love the clothes, and the best part is that I can toss them in the washing machine or dishwasher and have them come out clean.
• Body lotion. It was on the pricy side, but I’m going to use it for myself and Baby M., and of course, I didn’t purchase a single used plastic bottle.
• Laundry detergent – I bought a new one from Earth Breeze. The price was the same as buying a single, full-priced detergent at the supermarket. So far, I’m pleased with that swap.
• I refilled my fabric conditioner in my local zero-waste shop.
• I bought a dissolvable cleaning sachet instead of a new plastic-bottle product. It only costs £1.25, works beautifully, smells lovely, and doesn’t make my hands itch. Of course, I’ll reuse the products I already have, but I know I’m not planning on buying cleaning products in separate plastic containers.
• I got the cover-lids to cover leftover food instead of using aluminium foil. I haven’t used the foil since getting the lids.

I’m on my zero-waste journey not only because it helps me focus on something else besides the pandemic: my physical and mental health. I’m on the zero-waste journey for my kids.

I have a very vivid imagination and an incredibly anxious mind and soul. So whatever horrible things are happening in the world related to the environment right now, my mind twists them into the worst-case scenarios. If I can do my bit to make sure my kids and theirs can still enjoy Earth, I’m going to stick to my plan. I don’t want Mad Max to become a reality.

If we all don’t start pulling our weight together, this is where selfishness and obsession with profit (How much do you need before it is enough?) are going to lead us all into a very bleak future (Mad Max HELLO!?!?!).

It’s time to say NO to all those corporations that take our finite resources for granted and are hard at work lobbying to pass laws that will keep the money and profits in the hands of the very few, who shouldn’t be entrusted with anything, while the rest of the population suffers from the consequences of short-sighted, enriching policies pioneered by the corporate world.

Make your waste-reduction plan (it doesn’t have to be zero-waste immediately; start small before you expand) and stick to it. The changes we make now and the actions we take or don’t will impact everyone who comes after us.