ZERO WASTE OPTIONS – 10 TIPS TO SPECIFICALLY AVOID WASTE

Zero Waste Options – 10 Tips to Specifically Avoid Waste

What zero waste options are available to us in everyday life, and where can we avoid waste? Many of us want to lead a minimalist lifestyle, produce less waste, and live as plastic-free as possible. And yet, many do not even start well because the task seems so great. It doesn’t have to be a big hit if your trash fits in a glass jar year-round. That can make us pass out. Since we already have failure in mind, we prefer to leave it alone.

No, the path to less waste and less plastic in everyday life towards a sustainable and resource-saving life consists of many small steps. And that makes the difference.

This article will share some simple, practical tips to help you and your family reduce waste and be on the right path to zero waste. And if you think that sounds like a drag on fun, then you should keep reading because you will see that avoiding waste can even become a social event.

First, a short table of contents for the article:

• Repair instead of buying new
• Organizing swap parties
• Give things away
• Recycling items
• Resell unused clothes
• Buying less
• Shop sustainably
• Buy second-hand goods
• Pay attention to sustainable provider
• Use size charts

WHAT POSSIBILITIES DO I HAVE TO RUBBISH?

Avoiding waste is not rocket science! Mainly because there is garbage in almost every area of ​​daily life. So the potential is huge. So let’s not waste time and jump straight to zero waste options. Here we go!

• REPAIR INSTEAD OF BUYING NEW:

We live in a consumer society, and we are constantly surrounded by advertising. This stirs desires and should tempt us to keep buying new things. However, the moment of happiness through consumption usually lasts a short time before our brain suggests that we could also buy this beautiful bag, the next skirt, another pair of shoes to feel complete … Does that make us happy in the long term? In my experience, things gain in value when I take care of them. When I take care of something and fix it when it breaks instead of buying it new, I learn to appreciate it. This works wonderfully with clothing, for example. A nice patch or a filled hole makes your garment unique and gives you the permanent feeling of having created something sensibly beautiful yourself.

• HAVE AN EXCHANGE PARTY:

Have you ever attended an exchange party? This great invention combines usefulness with a great fun factor. For example, if you find that you haven’t worn a lot of clothes for the past few years, you can have a swap party with your friends. Everyone brings something “no longer used” from their wardrobe, and then the big test begins. Whoever likes it or fits it better takes it home and brings the garment to life. The garments will delight several people at the same time and do not have to end up in the trash for a long time.

• FORGIVING THINGS:

A few years ago, a wonderful facility was established in our home: the staircase gift market. All kinds of discarded household items are given away on a window sill and the floor in front of it. From books to clothing to appliances, everything is included. My children and I have already found real treasures here! Not just clothes, but also a floor lamp, great picture frames, and board games for the kids. These are great no-waste opportunities because the items you’d rather put in the trash category can still make others smile.

• RECYCLE:

Broken means not ready for trash! Now there are many good examples of recycling or recycling. With a little creativity, you can conjure up completely new things from old things or clothing items, which then also have a unique value. For example, if your beloved wool sweater has some holes, you can sew baby pants with a good piece. And cleaning rags for the kitchen can be conjured up from old t-shirts.

• DOES NOT SELL USED CLOTHING: 

Giving away is great, but would you like some money for valuable items? There is also a solution for this: in recent years, use online platforms have been launched, such as Kleiderkreisel or Vinted. Here you can configure the parts that are no longer needed with a photo, description, and desired price.

• BUY LESS

You can avoid the litter, and by the way, it’s completely liberating to ask yourself the one question before every purchase: Do I need this? That is the psychology of minimalism. Of course, there are things that we don’t need in this regard, but because our hearts are attached to them, we want to indulge ourselves. That is fine. But the reach of our throwaway society is far from acceptable. And that’s why it helps me to listen to myself before buying and ask myself a question: Maybe I just want to cover an empty hole with this product? Or am I not living as well if I don’t buy that too? Because many things can also be ballast. Or a substitute for a need that wants to be satisfied in a completely different way than.

• SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING:

When shopping, it’s best to make sure items are made in a way that is as environmentally and resource-friendly as possible because even the things you can’t see directly are among the options zero waste.

Some time ago, I read a very inspiring interview with journalist Kathrin Hartmann. She advocates a system in which consumers no longer have to worry about whether something has been produced socially, just and ecologically when buying because there is no other option. I think that’s cool. But there may still be a long way to go before then.

And until then, labels like Biodegradable, Fairtrade, GOTS, and IVN Best will help us see at a glance if something has been produced according to understandable, socially, and ecologically correct standards. Here you can find more long-term information.

• BUY SECOND-HAND ITEMS:

Does the cute romper feel like you just bought it, and your baby has grown up again? The little ones move enormously fast as they grow; on the one hand, it is super cute; on the other hand, there are constantly new acquisitions for the wardrobe and a lot of useless clothes.

Thrift stores and (children’s) markets offer an economical and environmentally friendly alternative. Not only can you buy clothes and items for babies and children, but of course, you can also bring your discarded items. And a joint stall at the flea market quickly becomes a popular social event with good friends.

• PAY ATTENTION TO SUSTAINABLE PROVIDERS:

A store is not just a store. To reduce waste, it pays to take a closer look at a company you want to buy from. What about environmental awareness and waste prevention? Is the issue of sustainability just an empty shell and a greenwash, or are there transparent and understandable standards and philosophies? As a company, we are in contact with all our manufacturers, and we get an idea of ​​the production conditions before adding them to our store. With organic certifications, we can be sure that the company is regularly and independently audited. But as a company, we can do much more, and we are constantly learning and improving. We only use green electricity, we use packaging material several times if possible, and in most cases, we do not cover the distances between the warehouse and the shops by car, but with the e-cargo bike. And here, we try to be as open as possible and communicate our efforts to you.

• USE SIZE TABLES:

SIZE CHART Our last tip is less about zero waste and more about overall environmental awareness – it helps a lot if you check the manufacturer’s size charts before buying online. Whether it’s stockings, hats, or other clothing, you can use the size charts to find out what size fits you or your child. So you don’t have to send multiple sizes back and forth but are as directly satisfied as possible. And it saves electricity, packaging waste, and fuel for the return.