A few weeks ago, I was visiting my great aunt, and she was talking to me about growing up and reusing everything- cloth napkins, wash rags, milk bottles, etc. As she talked, I realized how much I waste and started thinking about ways that I could reduce waste throughout the home.
Also, if you haven’t seen it already, check out the river of trash in Lebanon. This was Beirut after one week of no trash service. Imagine what any major city would like without trash service for a week. Even if they had garbage service, this is what went into a landfill. We can all help lessen our carbon footprint.
I’m not planning on going zero waste-just yet anyway. (I feel like this can be a slippery slope, and I’ll be in a frenzy over any trash.) However, I did start to think about ways that I could reduce waste in my everyday life. As I did, I realized that not only was less going into landfills, but I was also saving money! Win for the environment and a win for me!
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Reduce Waste in the Home
Cloth Napkins over Paper Napkins
After my conversation with my aunt, I decided to ditch the paper napkins and start using cloth napkins. My mom had given me a set a few years ago that were sitting in a cabinet and were only pulled out for holidays. Now, I use them all the time and throw them in the wash as needed. If you have multiple people in your family with similar napkins, use different napkin holders to distinguish between napkins. (My mom has collected napkin rings for years, so this isn’t a problem in her house. They’re another great souvenir that doesn’t collect dust.) Etsy also has many cute options.
Tea Towels over Paper Towels
Next, I stopped using paper towels. I removed the roll from the dispenser, so I wouldn’t be tempted. Anytime, I need to clean up a mess. I use a tea towel with some vinegar. Clean it and throw it in the wash. Super simple! (Check out my lazy girl cleaning hacks post for more tips on easy ways to keep a house clean.)
Get Rid of Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap is difficult to shape and only a one use item. Switch to Bee’s Wrap
Plastic Bags for Silicone Bags
Plastic sandwich bags are another one use item. You can now buy reusable silicone food storage preservation bags
A Handkerchief instead of tissues
While you may want to use tissues during flu season, a handkerchief is fine for most sniffles. You buy a couple, and you won’t have to buy as many tissue boxes. Again, Etsy has some adorable designs.
Reusable Bags over plastic bags
This tip won’t save you money (unless you’re in a state the charges for bag), but it keeps bag out of landfills. Walmart and Sam’s Club have started programs where you can scan as you shop, so it makes more sense to bring your own bags than bagging up after you’ve scanned and paid. These reusable grocery bag fit the cart, so you have no wasted space, and they’re thermal insulated.
Wool Balls over Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are another one-use item that ends up in the trash after you’ve folded a load. Try using wool dryer balls
Stop buying K-cups
K-cups are terrible for the environment, and they’re expensive. I switched from using a Keurig years ago when ours stopped working, because I didn’t like buying k-cups all the time. However, if you’re still using a Keurig at home (or at work!), you can buy a reusable K-Cup
Buy a Steam tray
A few years ago, microwave steamed vegetables invaded the freezer section. Frozen steamer bags can usually be more expensive than buying fresh vegetables or buying a large bulk bag of frozen vegetables. If you buy a bamboo steamer
Do you have any other ideas on ways to reduce waste and save money? Share them in the comments and don’t forget to pin!
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