Our planet is dying, and the root cause is a human-generated waste. For decades, it has been detrimental to the environment, and if it keeps piling up, we will all live in a landfill. Yes, humans are generating more waste than they can deal with, which is the harsh reality of our present life on earth.
But the question is, will we have a healthy future if we continue with our current practices? Will our coming generations be able to breathe fresh air? Will they have clean towns and cities to live in? Will they have stable weather conditions?
The answer is No! Not if we continue generating more waste as the year's pass. So, what should you be doing? RECYCLE, REUSE & REDUCE!
The biggest question is how we can reduce this waste that is deteriorating our environment. We've written this blog post to address this query. At the end of this helpful guide, you'll be able to know how we can tackle this issue. But first, let's dive into further details.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With Zero Waste Products
There might be several ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint. But the best and the most effective out of all is, investing in zero-waste products. Many of you might get mixed zero-waste and recycling, but they are very different.
So, what is zero waste? Well, the idea behind the philosophy is to eliminate ALL waste. This would mean throwing nothing in the trash. But we all know the world isn't that perfect. Therefore, we opt for the second-best option to eliminate as much waste as possible.
This is where ZERO WASTE PRODUCTS come in handy. Not only do they help the environment, but they also help you save a ton of money. So why buy something when you already have it at home?
Confused?
Don't worry. We got you covered. Have a look at the list of best zero-waste products that are right under your roof.
Best Zero Waste Kitchen Products
The quickest way to start your zero-waste journey is to step foot in your kitchen with a fresh pair of eyes. Numerous products can replace your single-use products. For instance;
Storage Containers
You don't need plastic containers that go bad within months. Instead, replace them with glass bottles, jars, bowls, and tin containers for storing food.
They may cost a bit more up-front, but it'll be better in the long run both for your wallet and the planet.
Composters
These are not for collecting your compost waste. If you have a garden at home, you can use these instead of investing in chemical-filled fertilizers.
Tote Bags
They are trendy, they are sustainable, and they are made using recycled fabric. So not only do they help you reduce plastic waste, but they also help you reuse fabric. We even carry a line of tote bags made from 100% recycled leather here on Upcycle Outpost! If you're more the DIY type, you can make your own at home using a t-shirt or any loose fabric you have.
Wax Wraps
You no longer need tin foil. Do you know they are impossible to decompose? It might seem like disposing of paper, but instead, you are lining the ground with aluminum.
Replace them with wax wraps made using biodegradable ingredients that easily decompose.
If you look around, you will find endless products in your kitchen which can be reused to reduce waste. But, remember, you have to look, and the ideas will pop right up. We promise!
Best Zero Waste Bathroom Products
The next step is moving to your bathroom. Remember, the places that need the most cleaning create the most waste. So, how can you make your bathroom a zero-waste area in your home? Here are a few ways;
Refillable Products
You don't need to purchase plastic shampoo bottles and other body care products every month. Instead, get refillable products. One bottle, which can be refilled unlimited times. Refill pouches use much less material than a whole new bottle each time!
Plastic-Free Razors
The number of razors that men and women consume daily is unbelievable. Just look at your home; how much do you consume per month? Yeah. So why not get disposable blade razors which can last you for years?
Period Products
For centuries, women have been trying out various period products to cope with 'that time of the month .' Of course, we all have our ways, but we can agree that pads and tampons are the most uncomfortable. So why not replace them with period cups? Reusable pads and period panties are also becoming a more common, eco-friendly alternative.
Best Zero Waste Cleaning Products
Your cleaning products are no saints. If you look at the ingredients, you will notice that they come with a ton of toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and your health. So let us dump them and opt for zero-waste products like those mentioned below.
Dishwashing Liquids
No one is asking you to pile up your dishes. Instead, we are asking you to get dishwashing liquid which is zero-waste. Many businesses offer such products which are made using 100% natural ingredients.
Laundry Detergent
With every round of laundry, you are letting out toxins into the environment. Although your clothes might be clean, your grounds certainly are not. So, opt for eco-friendly laundry detergents. An especially carbon-heavy aspect of laundry is the transport of big, heavy bottles of detergent. Opt for small, lightweight laundry sheets instead!
Cleaning Accessories
Wipes, rags, brushes, spray bottles, scrubs, and more, are all products you throw in the bin daily. But is it a healthy practice, no! So, replace them with reusable products for a change.
Other Best Zero Waste Products
We can keep going on because there are endless products that can help you make a difference. Your day-to-day products have a huge impact on the environment. So, let us change our daily habits by opting for the following;
Steel Bottles
Stop buying plastic water bottles. They are bad for your health and the health of the environment. Instead, go for stainless steel bottles. They will last you for years, we promise.
Thrifted Clothes
There is no shame in buying thrifted clothes. Not only do you save the environment, but you also save a ton of money that you would be spending otherwise on brand-new clothes.
Accessories
Yes, there are brands out there that make accessories using reusable materials. Purchase from those instead of the ones which keep endangering your environment! Upcycle Outpost carries a wide selection of jewelry and other accessories that are made from recycled materials! Feel great and look even better!
Furniture & Décor
Reuse your furniture. Sunday market and local furniture stores have used items you can DIY to make your own. So, why not start a fun project instead of buying something new? Save the trees and your wallet. Upcycle Outpost also carries some great furniture made from 100% upcycled and recycled wood!
Characteristics of Zero Waste Products
The term "zero waste" might seem intimidating as it is vague. So let us make it clear to you. Any product that covers the 5 R's: recycle, reuse, reduce, refuse, and rot is considered a zero-waste product.
So, before you make a purchase, make sure to consider whether the product fits the criteria of the 5 Rs and the following characteristics:
Reusable
It is considered a zero-waste product when something is returnable, reusable, refillable, or compostable. This means saying NO to plastic. For containers, stick with glass, tin, or cardboard. In the case of fabrics, organic cotton is the best option. Avoid anything that comes with chemicals and toxins.
Infinite Life
Anything that goes in your bin, which is not compostable, goes straight to the landfills. Our goal is to avoid that from happening. So, when making a purchase, stick with products that can be used for years.
For instance, fabric bags are a great alternative to plastic bags. Refillable shampoos and other beauty products are better than one-time plastic containers. Wooden and metal utensils are far superior to paper and plastic.
Sustainable
Is the product sustainable? How do you decide that? It is simple. Is it made using a biodegradable material? If yes, then you have your answer. Stick with thrift stores. We for sure don't need new wardrobes every season.
Other than that, opt for businesses such as Upcycle Outpost that use recycled products to create new products. Whether it be clothing, accessories, home goods, food, or holiday gifts, they have got you covered.
Ethical
Not only do you have to focus on the product itself, but you also need to consider the manufacturer's business practices. For example, are they following carbon-neutral practices? What is the carbon footprint of the business?
Once you have the answer to these questions, you will know whether the business is ethical and environment-friendly or not.
Takeaways
The thought of eliminating all your waste can be intimidating. But at the same time, it can also be fun and exciting. Imagine converting products that you thought were waste into something useful. Sounds cool, right?
We are not asking you to stop throwing out waste. Instead, we request that you reuse and recycle products and invest in such products to pave a healthy and bright future for the coming generations.
One might not make a difference, but we can make a huge difference. A difference that will impact our children. A difference that will force waste-generating industries to rethink their practices. A difference that will be worth all our efforts!