10 Things for a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

1. Reusable Produce Bags

I very rarely ever use those plastic produce bags. What’s the big deal with my lemons rolling around in the cart anyways? However, I know that some people do like to organize and keep their produce tidy, so I would highly recommend produce bags! This would also be a terrific thing to bring to the farmer’s market where nothing is already prepackaged (like berries/spinach containers). 

2. Reusable + Glass Containers

Putting leftovers in glass containers not only helps with reheating them, but has a much longer lifespan than plastic ones! They also don’t get stained over time like the plastic ones do. I’ve included some awesome ones down below, but I also recommend checking out your local HomeGoods for a great deal too! That’s where I got most of mine!

3. Silicone Baking Mat

How often do you use parchment or foil and then just throw away/recycle it right after your done? Using a silicon mat helps make clean up super easy and it’s reusable! I’ve linked to the amazon page where you can chose from a couple different sizes-including toaster oven and a pizza size!

4. Compost Bin

I’m still trying to find a way to compost, however if I had the opportunity to do it, I totally would! I live in an apartment where I’m not able to send off my compost and don’t have any outdoor space to put it. However, I think that composting is such a terrific way to cut down on your waste and not have to throw away food remains. Honestly, if we could compost, I think that we would barely have any trash at all!

5. Mason Jars

We’ve been using mason jars for quite some time now. I recently got a set of 8 oz ones. One of the biggest waste products that we use are pasta/soup jars. I decided that I was going to make my own pasta sauce and OMG it’s amazing! I will make a huge batch and then freeze them in those little jars. That helps me defrost only what I need and I’m not wasting any food/recycling pasta sauce containers. 

6. Wool Dryer Balls

I bought these from Trader Joe’s back in November last year and they are absolutely amazing! They are free from any synthetic and chemical ingredients and will last so much longer than the single use dryer sheets. 

7. French Press

Say goodbye to Keurig pods and coffee filters. The French Press is such a terrific way to make a delicious cup of coffee without having to using any extra materials. You can even compost your coffee grounds when you are done to help cut down your waste even more!

8. Travel Cutlery

Ever go out to eat at a fast food place and have to use the single use plastic cutlery? It’s kind of hard to eat certain things with your hands! I recommend getting a travel set and keeping it in your purse or car. It’s a great way to say no to single use plastic!

9. Make Your Own Bread

I’m still trying to perfect my bread recipe, but making your own bread is so much easier than you may think! It’s free from preservatives and extra added ingredients and cuts down on prepackaged materials by 100%!

10. Reusable Tea Infuser

Instead of buying packaged single use tea bags, get a a reusable tea infuser and loose leaf! This will help cut down your waste a ton if you are an avid tea drinker like I am!