Waste and plastic pollution is a huge pollution is a huge problem for our planet. The total waste from households increased in 2020 to 22.6 million tonnes. This statistic blows my mind as it is so shocking.
There is a waste crisis and damage is happening to our planet every single day. It is our responsibility as individuals to make changes to better the planet. In the last few years I have become really aware of my own carbon footprint and how I can have a positive impact on the planet. I have started to embark on a minimalist life, which for a stationery lover is hard work!
I am making small changes, but it is a learning process and I am not perfect, it is all about trial and error. It can be hard to fight against a system where waste is not deemed to be a priority. I like to think about positive eco-friendly decisions by this analogy. ‘When you talk about going back in time, you wouldn’t do anything differently because you may change where you are today and that is the same for positive changes. Every small way you reduce your waste can have a big impact. Especially if everyone made a few changes we could really make a difference. I have put together a list of 16 simple changes, which you can make to reduce your waste.
Here are 16 ways that you can reduce your waste starting from today:
1. Clear out your email inbox
All emails, including spam, any unread emails or the ones you have simply forgotten to delete are generally stored in the cloud. Cloud storage requires a lot of electricity, which in most parts of the word is still generated by fossil fuels.
So, once a week, as part of a weekly reset or once a month (a far bigger task) as part of a monthly reset, you should set aside some time to delete emails – but, remember to clear your deleted emails too.
2. Switch to online communications and go paperless
There are so many companies who offer paperless communication and billing such as your bank, where you can opt to view your statements online instead.
On the high street, there are many retailers who are now offering the receipt via email instead of a paper-based one. This can be beneficial for you to reduce your paper waste as well as if you need it for your records, for refunds, for budgeting etc.
3. Plan your meals
One simple way to reduce food waste is to plan out your meals. The idea is that you create a menu ahead of time, so you know exactly what you will be eating; therefore, you know exactly which ingredients you need to buy each week. This results in less food waste.
Photo by Mgg Vitchakorn on Unsplash
4. Recycle where you can
Recycling has become one of the easiest practices to start and is now fully integrated into many councils’ waste collection services across the UK. Some brands have even changed their packaging so that it can be recycled, or the packaging may even be made from recycled materials. There are places such as: bottle banks, clothes banks, battery bins and specified areas at the local tip as well as designated recycling bins that allow you very opportunity to reduce your waste.
England’s recycling rate in 2020/2021 reduced by 1.7% which is interesting and could somehow be related to the Coronavirus and the lockdown which we all experienced. Hopefully, these figures will rise again this year.
5. Avoid disposable razors
So much plastic waste can come from disposable razors. Switching to a more sustainable razor will vastly reduce your plastic waste.
I use an Estrid razor which is a steel razor and a subscription service, which you can tailor to your usage! I love it! I even bought one for my little sister and my partner bought one too. I would definitely recommend the Estrid razor.
6. Say no to plastic straws
Restaurants still offer plastic straws in some areas. Where possible, say no to straws! Alternatively, you could invest in an inexpensive metal or bamboo straw. I have a reusable bamboo one from SeaForYourself and I love it!
7. Use up what you already have
Sometimes, this can be difficult with new trends appearing continuously. Just in the planner and stationery community, there are so many new products being released regularly. It can be hard not to have the latest products especially if they are plastered all over social media.
Taking the time to use up all your products is not only better for the environment, but it also helps you to declutter your home or space.
I have been slowly switching to vegan skincare and make up, but I still have a few products to use up first. I am also trying to use up the notebooks and stationery before I purchase anymore – this has been extremely difficult!
8. Use reusable cups and bottles
If you are someone who enjoys their coffee, using a reusable cup is a great way to reduce your waste. In a lot of coffee shops they offer benefits to their customers for using their own cups. There are so many retailers on the high street and online that offer a range of reusable cups.
Purchasing water bottles and cups from cafes is now becoming common practice. Unfortunately, too many bottles still end up in the world’s oceans as many people fail to recycle them properly. A plastic bottle will break down into 10,000 micro plastic pieces over time and this type of pollution is very difficult to clean up.
Investing in a reusable cup or bottle can benefit the planet as well as being cost effective because in many places you can refill your bottle for free.
Photo by Alexandra Tran on Unsplash
9. Take your own bag
Plastic bags take between an estimated 15 – 100 years to decompose depending upon the environment. A landfill environment can allow plastic bags to sit in the ground for decades or centuries with minimal degrading.
Worryingly up to 1 million birds, 100,000 turtles and many other sea creatures die every year from ingesting plastic bags that they confuse with sea life. The plastic bags clog their digestive tract and they starve. They can also become entangled in the them and drown.
Switching to cloth bags is cost effective and they are also easy to get hold of as they are widely sold. They can be washed and reused for years. Similarly, you can always reuse your plastic bags when shopping. Always remember to take your own bags.
10. Donate unwanted items
If you plan a spring clean or to declutter, you may come across items that you no longer want or use. Instead of simply throwing then away, you can donate them to loved ones, a charity shop or even a shelter, allowing your item to have a new lease of life.
11. Buy second hand
Before you purchase a new product search charity shops, Facebook groups and other online sites for what you are looking for. It could save you money and you would be saving the environment. By shopping in local charity shops you can also cut your carbon emissions.
12. Switch to sustainable products
Swapping out your disposable products for more sustainable ones can reduce your waste and your carbon emissions. For example, choosing products and services that use recycled materials or waste as a raw material or resource is pretty simple.
I have made a few sustainable changes including my deodorant. I use WILD and receive my products through a subscription. The little amount of waste it does cause is all recyclable and compostable. There are so many vegan and sustainable products on the market now; it is so much easier to make the swaps.
13. The freezer is your friend
Buying fresh produce is great, but it doesn’t last long, so utilise your freezer. Batch cooking and freezing your food can also help you to reduce waste. Purchasing frozen food can be a great way to reduce your weekly shop as well as giving you less food waste.
14. Repair items before buying new ones
Before you buy anything new to replace that item which has been broken, see if you can repair it instead. Sew up the hole, paint or buy new screws. Do what you can to fix it; try to avoid the ‘throw away’ culture.
15. Pick up after yourself
It is alarming the amount of litter that can get left behind n the beach, in arks or on nature reserves. Ensure that you are careful when in the environment, take your rubbish with you and dispose of it properly. Your rubbish is your responsibility!
16. Avoid single use items or food
Try to avoid purchasing items like salads or sandwiches. Also, try to say no to plastic cutlery, straws and cups.
These are some small changes you can implement to start reducing your waste. However, there are other ways you can reduce your waste and carbon emissions including:
- Buying products in bulk
- Shopping locally
- Compost your food waste
- Reduce the amount of meat you consume
- Grow your own food
- Try reusable or sustainable period products
- Build your on furniture
- Go on a budget
- Purchase reduced products at the supermarket
- Try cloth nappies
- Purchase e-books instead of paper ones
Hopefully, this post has enlightened you into how you can start making changes to reduce the amount of waste you are contributing as well as lowering your carbon footprint.
How do you try to reduce your waste? I’d love to hear in the comments.
Great post with all amazing suggestions! Here in Sweden recycling is huge and it’s great to find many products with revycled plastic and so. Planning meals is also a good way to reduce food waste, all great ideas!
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Such a great post!! I never thought about cleaning out my emails! Such a good point! Thanks so much for sharing!
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I enjoy second hand clothing shops, donating and shopping! Thanks for the other great ideas.
That’s great you have the swaps in place already. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Great tips, I like to do the resuable cups and bottles. It save the environment and also help saves money haha. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Ive been working on decluttering my phone and not using single waste items
That’s great you are already doing things to reduce your waste!
These are all great ideas many of which I already use. I like that my city does not use plastic bags anymore and you have to pay for paper. Almost everyone brings a cloth bag (or several) when shopping now. Thanks for sharing and giving me some new ideas!
What city is that? We have to pay for plastic bags, but I try my best to remember my bags if not I reuse the plastic bags I purchase. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Oh my word! I didn’t realise that emails clogged up in an inbox created so much waste, other than a messy account!
Oh, plastic straws are the devil!
Really fresh outlook and post served up!
Joseph
For the first time since 2008, I live somewhere where I can recycle, which is great. However, I’m now noticing how many things I buy from the supermarket are wrapped in non recyclable plastic. Ideal they’d be wrapped in an alternative to plastic. There are so many options to plastic packaging, yet barely any are used and it’s so frustrating
Yes I find it that too. Where I can I avoid those products however, I know sometimes it is unavoidable. It is great you are able to recycle now. Thank you for reading and commenting.
This is a nice list. I’m a minimalist and I think it keeps your life easy. Except for one. I like paper more than online haha. Everything to do with plastic, bags and boxes is something I get rid of timely. Thanks for this. Hope you enjoy the minimal way. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
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All of this is so important; thank you so much for sharing it and reminding us all that there are things we can do to help out!
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Good read and didn’t realise the importance of email deletion!
Neither did I, until I did some research. Remember to empty your deleted file too!
You’ve shared some really great suggestions here lovely which I’ll for sure be putting to good use. I’m always looking for ways to become more environmentally friendly, it’s such a important subject so posts like this are always appreciated. This will help so many people! Thank you so much for sharing with us Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
I am glad it has been helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting Elle x
These are really great tips! We often don’t realize how wasteful we are. I do a few of these, but I’ll definitely be using more of these ideas. Thanks for the post!
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Great blog post, I’m pretty happy to read this and realise I have done post of them lol thank you for sharing!
That’s great you are doing all of these! Thank you for reading and commenting.
This list is great. I wouldn’t think deleting emails could help the environment, but what a great way to motivate you to do it!
I do most of the ones on the list, but still need to improve on some.
When I did my research and didn’t realise how much of an impact it can have. Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are all such great ideas to reduce waste. I will have to implement some of these ideas into my daily routine. Thanks so much for sharing!
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What a great list!! Thanks for sharing. Personally I too have a problem buying new notebooks and journals when I should use up the ones I have!!
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An amazing list of ideas here, I think we should all try and adopt at least a few of these to help, if we can’t do all of them!
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I love these tips! I never thought about the email thing and the cloud space. Thanks for reminding me!!
I always try to reuse plastic bags and use paper (or tote bags or something) when possible.
Lots of love,
Krissi of the marquise diamond
https://www.themarquisediamond.de/
It is great you are already doing so many things. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Great post! Bookmarked to refer back to when I need a reminder. Thank you for the razor suggestion! Be well. ✌️
That’s awesome. Thank you for reading and commenting.
You know what, you blew my mind about the email thing, I had no clue! I hate seeing notifications of unread emails so I am good at that, but sometimes it does get out of hand for sure! Nice tips here, thank you Lauren for sharing them x
It surprised me when I found out a while ago, but then you think ‘ah that makes sense’. Thank you for reading and commenting. X
Good tips to look after the environment and be sustainable. Recycle old things is the best. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
You know? I never thought about the cloud storage thing. You think you’re being more eco friendly by going paperless, but there are so many other layers that go into it! I’ve always been pretty good at deleting unnecessary emails, but I will make it a point to be even better! Great post xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Always delete all from your deleted folder too! Thank you for reading and commenting.
Lovely tips, Lauren these were very helpful! I have been recycling ever since I was around 10 and I started minimise the things I buy( makeup products, clothing, accessories etc. ) or I try to buy second-hand! Thank you so much for sharing, I enjoyed reading it! x Penny | http://www.whatdidshetype.com
That’s great you have been so aware at a young age about your impact. Thank you for reading and commenting. X
Ah so much great advice here. I practice much of this already. i need to get a reusable cup for the coffee shop, I had one but moved and I don’t know where it is now.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Good luck with finding a new one! I love using mine now. Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are some very pratical tips that everyone can follow to reduce their carbon footprints. I never associted cloud storage with electricity usage. Thanks for sharing this. I am going to start deleting all these unnecessary emails in my folders.
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Great ideas and ways to do better. I’m proud to say I do most from your list but can still do more. Sustainable is a big one for me to focus on. Thanks for sharing,
Excellent tips. I do agree with you about planning meals and finding products that are reusable. I have purchased reusable straws, veggie bags, and baby reusable plates. I’m starting to reduce plastic too whenever it is possible.
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I hope this helps you! Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love all of these ideas Lauren! The freezer really is your best friend, I freeze literally everything aha x
This post is amazing. So many great ideas! I try to reduce my waste a lot, but one thing I want to do more is bring a reusable coffee mug with me. I often end up buying coffee to-go but I’d like to have a mug for this to reduce waste further. 🙂
Julia x
Last Post: The Secret Garden in Paris No One Knows About… 🦚
Also using a reusable coffee mug they usually give you money off. Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are great ideas and it does take effort to improve the environment. When I clean out a yoghurt pot and google whether or not I can recycle it locally, it seems a lot of effort but every action is worthwhile.
It is definitely worth while. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Thank you for sharing! I had no idea that not clearing out your email inbox was so bad for the environment! I’ll definitely make time each week to do this now. I make a conscious effort to carry reusable bags and my reusable water bottle as well as recycling and buying second hand as much as I can. Great tips.
Eve x
That’s great you do a lot already. Always make sure you delete all from your bin folder too! Thank you for reading and commenting.
What an informative post, I will definitely refer back to it for tips now.
Like you, I am trying to make changes every day and I am far from perfect but I believe any change helps, no matter how small. I am also a fan of bamboo straws!
I am glad you found it informative and helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Fab suggestions! I love shopping second hand and I think your point about using what you have up first is so important and often overlooked in the rush of making those swaps. I really want to switch to a more sustainable razor once I use up all my disposable ones! Thank you so much for sharing x
If you are looking for a sustainable one. I cannot recommend Estrid enough. I worked with them, but then brought one for my littlest sister. They are fab! X
I will have to check them out! Thank you so much x
These are fab suggestions to reduce waste and save the planet! I’ve bought a lot of reusable products, especially in the beauty department and every day life x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
That’s great you have a lot of reusable products! Thank you for reading and commenting. X
Yes we need to recycle and reuse more!
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So many great tips here! I try to buy reusable products as much as I can. I had no idea about the emails though, I’ll definitely be setting aside some time regularly to clear out my inbox. Thanks for sharing!
So many great tips n this post! It is shocking how many food item wrappers are not actally recyclable too isn’t it?!
Thanks for sharing, always good to be reminded to reduce your waste!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
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Thanks sharing your list, some of these I’m trying to do, sometimes I’m struggling to do a few like letting go of plastic razors as I had a bad experience with re-useable one, but hopefully I can find one to suit me 🙂
Definitely try Estrid! They are great!
Smart ways give rise to a big result. Thank you 🌍😊
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You are welcome 🌍
I’ve been practicing on reducing my own carboon footprints from my everyday, taking my water bottle everywhere, reusable straws, thrifiting etc…One of the few things I’m learning is to make my own butter. Instead of buying a butter that contain non-recycle materials I simply buy heavy cream milk.
It sounds like you are doing well and doing your part which is awesome! Thank you for reading and commenting.