Zero Waste Lifestyle 2020

Living more sustainably is fun!

What is zero waste?

The idea of Zero waste is to preserve all resources. That doesn't just mean zero waste and less waste. Recycling, reuse and conversion of production and distribution systems are also part of this. To do so, we have to live more sustainably. Of course it is not easy to change all common habits to live 100% zero waste. It is a process. But when millions of people contribute, we can achieve an incredible amount together. In this blog post you will find ideas and tips on how you can integrate this lifestyle into your everyday routine.

Whether in everyday life or in your free time: there is a lot you can do about living more sustainably. They are often simple things you can implement without any significant effort.

How 50 g become to 1.82 billion kg?

The waste we produce grows every year. In Switzerland it is 100 kg more per person compared to the numbers from 20 years ago. In Germany, the amount of waste increased by 44 % between 1994 and 2017 (source GVM / Nabu).
It should be clear that this cannot continue.

What you can do?

I am always for small steps, because they are easier to implement in everyday life. So how about 50 g less waste per day? What happens if everyone in these three countries cuts their garbage by 50 grams a day? Then 50 grams per day become a gigantic 1 820 000 000 kg in one year! Now try to imagine how big this 1.82 billion kilogram waste mountain is!

How much is 50 grams?

A PET bottle of Cola (1.5 liter) weighs 43 g, a disposable paper cup approx. 8 g. You can see that 50 g a day is not a lot and relatively easy to reduce. It is a beginning that you can expand more and more over time.

Zero waste tips: conserve resources and sustainable consumption

1. Zero waste begins long before your trash can
Always ask yourself whether the product you want to buy was produced sustainably. Good producers make sure to produce top quality with fewer resources.

2. Buy local products
Is the factory in your country or even in one of your neighboring countries? If you are living in Europe like us: Goods from China or the USA have come a long way until they arrive. If it comes to Europe by sea, it has to be specially packed. This packaging ends up partly at the wholesaler, at the retailer and partly in your waste. Container ships burn heavy oil. This further worsens your ecological footprint.

Admittedly, buying only local or European products doesn't always work. It will be difficult with smartphones, for example, since all the big brands produce in Asia. Nevertheless, it is worth considering before the next purchase and checking whether a European product fits.

3. A large part of household waste is generated through everyday products

You can avoid a lot of things that pollute the environment. Avoid drinks in PET bottles or plastic bags whenever possible when buying vegetables and fruits.
Reusable solutions are better:

• Have and use your own beverage bottle
• Use cotton mesh bags and fabric bags for fruit and vegetable purchases
• Pack sandwiches in beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap
• Use lunch boxes for take-away
• Use your own cutlery instead of disposables
• Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins
• Use a bamboo tooth brush instead a plastic made one

Info graphic by EZ living INTERIORS