What zero waste options are available to us in everyday life - when and where can we avoid waste? One minimalist lifestyle to produce less waste and, as far as possible live plastic free - that's what many of us want. And yet many of us don't really get started because the task seems so big. But it doesn't have to be the big one, where your waste from the whole year fits into a jar. That can make us feel rather powerless. Because we already have failure in mind, we'd rather not do it at all.
No, the path to less waste and plastic in everyday life, towards a resource-saving one, sustainable life consists of many small steps. And they add up to make a big difference.
In this article, I would like to give you a few simple, practical tips that you and your family can use to reduce waste and get you on the right track. Zero Waste are. And if you think that sounds like a big buzzkill, then you should read on. Because you'll see that waste avoidance can even become a social event.
In advance already a short Table of contents for the article:
- Repair instead of buying new
- Host swap parties
- Give things away
- Recycle objects
- Resell unused clothing
- Buy less
- Sustainable shopping
- Buy second hand goods
- Pay attention to sustainable providers
- Use size charts
What options do I have to avoid waste?
Avoiding waste is not rocket science! Especially because waste is generated in almost all areas of everyday life. So the potential is huge. So let's waste no time and get straight into the zero waste possibilities. Let's go!
1. repair instead of buying new
We live in a consumer society and are constantly surrounded by advertising. This awakens desires and is intended to tempt us to keep buying new things. The A moment of happiness through consumption However, it usually only lasts for a short time before our brain suggests that we could also buy that nice bag, the next skirt, another pair of shoes to make us feel really complete... Does that make us satisfied in the long run? It has been my experience that the value of things increases when I take care of them. When I take care of something and fix it when it breaks - instead of buying it new - I really learn to appreciate it.
This works wonderfully with clothing, for example. A beautiful patch or a darned hole makes your garment unique and gives you the lasting good feeling of having done something meaningful and beautiful yourself.
2. organize swap party
Have you ever taken part in a swap party? This great invention combines usefulness with a great fun factor. For example, if you realize that you no longer wear a lot of clothes from the last few years, you can organize a swap party with your friends. Everyone brings "no longer worn" from their own closet and then the big try-on begins.
Whoever likes it best, or whoever fits it best, takes it home and brings the garment back to life. In this way, items of clothing can be enjoyed by several people at once and don't have to end up in the bin.
3. give things away
A few years ago a wonderful institution was established in our house: the Staircase giveaway market. All kinds of discarded household items are given away on a windowsill and on the floor in front of it. From books and clothes to household appliances, everything is there. 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 children.
These are great zero waste options because Items that you would rather classify as "garbage" can still make others smile.
4. recycle
Broken doesn't mean ready for the garbage can! There are now many great examples of recycling or upcycling. With a little creativity, you can turn old things or items of clothing into something completely new - which also have an absolutely unique value. For example, if your beloved woolen sweater has got a few holes in it, you could sew baby trousers out of the good piece. And old T-shirts can be turned into cleaning cloths for the kitchen.
5. resell clothes that are not used
Giving away is all well and good, but would you like a little money for some valuable items? There is a solution for this too: helpful online platforms have been launched in recent years, such as the Kleiderkreisel or Vinted. Here you can post items that you no longer need with a photo, description and desired price. This is how well-preserved items find grateful new owners!
Tip: This is also a good example of the fact that you can save money through sustainability can. In this article, you will learn even more reasons why a resource-friendly lifestyle doesn't have to be expensive.
6. buy less
It can be waste-avoiding and also totally liberating to ask yourself one question before every purchase: do i really need this? This is the Psychology of minimalism. Of course there are things that we don't really need in that sense, but because our heart is set on them, we want to treat ourselves to them. That's absolutely okay. But the extent to which our Disposable society has adopted is anything but okay.
And that's why it helps me to listen to myself before making a purchase and ask myself a question: do I perhaps just want to fill an empty hole inside me with this product? Or am I not living just as well if I don't buy this thing? Because Many things can also be ballast. Or a substitute for a need that wants to be satisfied in a completely different way than through consumption.
Tip: In a separate article I will present you some everyday things that I no longer buy. Feel free to take a look!
7. sustainable shopping
It's best to make sure that the items you buy have been produced in the most environmentally friendly and resource-saving way possible - because even the things you can't see directly are zero waste options.
Some time ago, I read an inspiring interview with journalist Kathrin Hartmann. She pleads for a System in which consumers no longer have to worry about whether something has been produced in a socially just and ecological way when shoppingbecause there is no other choice. I think that's such a great idea. But it could still be a long way until then.
And until then, labels such as organic, Fairtrade, GOTS and IVN Best help us to see at a glance whether something has been produced according to comprehensible, socially and ecologically correct standards. You can find out more about this at sustainable fashion.
8. buy secondhand goods
It feels like you've only just bought that cute romper and your baby has already outgrown it? The little ones are growing up at a tremendous pace - on the one hand super nice, on the other hand constantly new acquisitionsn for the closet and lots of Mountains of unusable clothing an.
Here, second-hand stores and (children's) flea markets offer a Inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative. Not only can you buy clothes and baby and children's products, but of course you can also bring your own discarded items. And a joint stand at the flea market quickly becomes a popular social event with good friends.
9. pay attention to sustainable providers
Not all stores are the same. To reduce waste, it pays to take a closer look at the company you want to buy from. What about environmental awareness and waste avoidance? Is the topic of sustainability just an empty shell and Greenwashing or are there transparent and comprehensible standards and philosophies?
As a company, we are in contact with all our manufacturers and get an idea of the production conditions before we include them in our store. Through Bio certifications we can be sure that the company is regularly independently audited. But as a company, we can do much more and are constantly learning and improving. For example, we only use green electricity, we reuse packaging materials wherever possible and in most cases we do not travel between the warehouse and stores by car but by electric cargo bike. We try to be as open as possible and communicate our efforts to you.
Tip: Be sure to check out the article about Climate protection in the company to promote environmental protection in your company.
10. use size charts
Our last tip is not so much about zero waste, but about environmental awareness in general: it helps enormously if you consult the manufacturers' size charts before buying online. Whether it's socks, hats or other items of clothing, you can use the size charts to find out which size fits you or your child. So you have to Do not send several sizes back and forthbut are satisfied as directly as possible. And save electricity, packaging waste and fuel for returns.
Tip: How else - as an entrepreneur or buyer - you can Avoid online returns you can find out in the detailed article.
Use the opportunities to avoid waste!
If you follow these tips from time to time in your everyday life, the initially unfamiliar behavior will slowly become a habit. I hope that more and more people will adopt a sustainable lifestyle. make a habit and our many small steps make a noticeable, big difference in the end.
Look gladly times in my Lila Lämmchen online store over. In addition to numerous organic items of clothing for babies, children and adults, you will also find many other tips for an environmentally friendly approach to clothing.
Do you have any questions or suggestions about this article on zero waste options? Then please leave me a comment.
Stay sustainable,
PS: Do you already know what Slow Fashion is? In the linked article, you can now find out what is behind the term "slow fashion". You can also find out more at Zero Waste Tips even more inspiration for avoiding waste.
