A few days ago I posted in Instagram about my upcycling project. It actually got me thinking about my attempts on having a zero waste lifestyle.
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See my Upcycling Project 1! |
Here's a list of what I actually do
1. Buy big bottles of liquid products
This applies to shampoos (yes, I still buy for my kid. She's not yet used to shampoo bars. We tried but we're not there yet); cooking oils, liquid detergent, dishwashing liquid.
In the Philippines, it's very common to buy in sachets because they're cheaper and more convenient when travelling. Other people can also skimp a 10 ml shampoo for 10 days use. However, if you do the math, the price is almost the same if you buy a 100 ml vs 10 sachets of 10 ml of liquid products. It will also last you longer (in the case of shampoos) and you don't have to go out so much and buy frequently.
2. Use soap bars instead of liquid soap or body wash
Many like to use body wash or liquid soap. I like them, too. They're very soapy, creamy, bubbly, and smells so good! I discovered, however, you can get the same consistency when you use a good foaming net, or body sponge. Soap bars are straightforward products. When you're done, they're done. They can just melt away. They can also last long, given that you put them in a cool, dry area of your bathroom and on a well-draining dish. It's just that not-so-good when you share one soap bar in the family but I think it's still more economical than big bottles of liquid soaps.
3. Separate the plastics and other recyclables in the trash as much as possible
I really try to do this but you can't really impose when you live with your parents or with someone who does not get it. Well, many cities in the Philippines implement waste segregation but they still end up in one trash collection. Absurd, right? I've noticed though that some garbage collectors actively separate the recyclables and sell them. So that's what I do, I separate recyclables such as plastic bottles of anything, hazardous plastics like bottles of bleach and cleaning agents. I make sure to empty them first. Other collectors flatten PET bottles, while others don't. I just make sure if I have PET bottles, they're empty. I also flatten cardboards or any paper recyclables.
4. Buy from refilleries
If you live close to refilleries or if you buy from stores that offer refills, take advantage of them. We have one in my area that refill dishwashing liquids, so that is a very big plus. I know some Human Heart Nature branches in Metro Manila offer refills and take in empty bottles, too!
5. Don't buy when you don't need it
This applies to everything, literally! When the pandemic started, my online shopping exponentially grew. I'd just buy anything that I think is what I need but I don't really. Sometimes, I end up buying low to no-quality products, which is actually a big waste of money.
I definitely restrain myself, checkout reviews of the products first, list out the pros and cons of it in my life, and learn how to take care of it.
It doesn't mean if it's on sale, you need it! XD
6. Don't buy a lot of clothes and makeup
I think this can be a relative of #5. Sales are the root of all evils. Before, when there's clothing or makeup sales in the malls, I really can't help it but to check and, sadly, eventually buy what I don't need. Some end up being unused or being kept in the closet. Some end up expired.
So right now, I'm in a no-buy-makeup time. It's been months since I bought a lip color. And it was also months before a bought that lip color. I hope I can endure. I told myself that once I finish ALL the lip products I have, I can buy myself a high end brand. Maybe a Mac? XD But can't help not to buy eyebrow products. It's much more controlled because I can definitely finish them compared to lip products that really rob me. XD
As for clothes, as much as possible I don't buy now. I realized I still have a lot when I reorganized my closet. Though sadly, some can't be presentable anymore. So what I do about this is to buy good quality clothes. If it's from a good brand and quite expensive, wait a bit of a sale and avail. I also just look out on clothes that I can use across any style and for everything like as a work outfit, lounge, or to the beach. I also don't mind looking into thrifted clothing. I already do this for coming up outfits for parties lol.
I like pieces of clothing that are timeless and especially if I can use them for a really long time until they got holes and tears and garters bacon.
7. Reuse until they wear out
This is actually delaying the item to be trashed right? But actually, if a product has very good quality you dont have to buy again especially if it lasts a long time. Compared to when you buy some thing cheap but it only last for a month, it's a complete waste of resource and money.
I think those are just what I do. I'm way too far to call my self on the zero waste. I try a lot and I'm hoping I can do better.
How about you? Are living the zero waste lifestyle? Please share! m(___)m
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