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Low-Waste Lifestyle Tips

5 Sustainable Habits to Start Today

Source: Zero Waste Store - newsletter

  1. Get Outside

    Be with nature any way you can. Try gardening or a neighborhood trash pick up.

  2. Start Composting

    Inside or outside, however you can.

  3. Swap Products By Room

    Start small and focus on one room at a time.

  4. BYO

    Always carry and use your reusable water bottle and bags.

  5. Shop Local

    Support local businesses and shop your local farmers market.

Greenwashing

Source: Ethos

Greenwashing: products/services that fall into the deep cavern between labeling something as “good for the environment” and it actually being good for the environment.

Tips for Consumers:

  1. Do the Research

    Ask questions. Any claims made without information to back it up is a red flag.

  2. Watch the Language

    If they make "sustainable" products, what makes them sustainable? Look for proof to back up claims.

  3. Choose Brands That Walk the Walk

    What are their internal practices like? Do they give back? Do they educate their customers? Investigate their website.

  4. Consider the Full Life Cycle of Products

    Think circular and always consider the entire trip the product will take in its lifetime.

  5. Check for Third-Party Certifications

    Look for dependable certifications like 1% for the Planet, GOTS, B Corp, Fair Trade, or Cruelty-Free.

A Summer of Sustainable Swaps

Source: Scoop Marketplace

  1. Create a summer sustainability kit - and bring it everywhere!
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Reusable cutlery
    • Reusable straw
    • Pocket size reusable bag
    • Small container to pack up leftovers from restaurants
  2. Stay protected from the sun

    Be mindful when choosing a sunscreen and avoid the main harmful chemicals such as: oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene.

  3. Say no to disposables

    Be mindful while traveling and consider the lifespan of "free" handouts.

  4. Thrift Shop

    Check out your local thrift stores. Also, many companies now have second-hand online websites (REI and Patagonia).

Plastic Free July - Take the Challenge

Source: Plastic Free July

Want some tips to find out how you can reduce plastic waste? The good news is, anyone can get involved. You can start out small, or really challenge yourself!

Get inspired from topics provided by Plastic Free July.

Composting at Home

Source: EPA

Video Source: YouTube & BHG

Make Vegetable Stock From Kitchen Scraps

Source: All Recipes & Bad Manners

  1. Save Vegetable Scraps for Stock

    Keep a gallon bag in your freezer and throw in scraps (ends of onions, carrot peels, celery, garlic, etc.)

  2. Basic Formula:

    2 cups vegetable scraps to make 1 quart of stock

  3. Get Cooking!
    • Add approx. 5 cups of scraps to a large pot with 9 cups of water. Simmer over medium heat.
    • Add salt and pepper as desired. Add 2 bay leaves. Simmer uncovered for around 1 hour.
    • Turn off the heat and let the pot cool.
    • Strain out all the vegetable scraps using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
      Note: The strained vegetable scraps can be added to your compost.
    • You can freeze the broth for later, or store it in the fridge for up to a week.
  4. Save Your Freezer Bag for Future Use

Video Source: YouTube & All Recipes