Living according to Zero Waste means striving to generate as little waste as possible by following the 5 R's:
Can we live completely waste-free? Maybe not, but improve; that is possible!
Remember that changing your habits is a process, and it's okay that it takes time. Setting interim goals and focusing on changing what you think can be permanent in your everyday life can be good. A tip is to start where it feels most accessible and motivating; then, there is a greater chance that you will stick with it. Any change you make in the right direction is good!
Refuse
The first R is the one that will influence the remaining four R's the most. Here it is important to dare to stand your ground and refrain from buying things that are not necessary and learn to refuse items that you do not need. Here are some examples of things you can say no to:
Flyers and business cards. Instead, it is OK to take a picture with the mobile phone of the information.
Advertising in the mailbox.
Take away mugs. Get a reusable cup that you can ask for the coffee in. You can buy a reusable cup locally at The Keep Refillery in Kingston.
Use reusable straws instead of single-use straws. You can buy stainless steel straws from example, Walmart.
Use your own stainless steel water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles. You can, for instance, buy a water bottle from S'well, which keeps your cold water cold and hot water warm.
Plastic bags from shops. Bring your bag or use a bag or backpack. You can buy a grocery shopping bag from Net Zero Co.
You can make a single order from Net Zero Co. here to reduce emissions from online transportation.
Reduce
Sell or donate items you have no use for but are still in good condition. It can be anything from clothes and interior design to books and electronics. Today, there are several different services where you, as a private person, can quickly sell, donate or exchange things with others. If you have a car or like to take the bus around in Kingston, you can, for instance, donate your old items to Value Village, or if you prefer a store within walking distance, then YGK Thrift is an excellent choice to buy some vintage clothes.
What you cannot sell or donate, you must make sure to return for recycling. When you go shopping - shop smart and think through the purpose of your purchases!
Reuse
Skip disposable products and instead choose products made from durable materials that you can reuse and use for years. Think quality before the lowest possible price when you buy new, and then take care of what you believe will last much longer. Buying environmentally friendly products of good quality is very likely that you have also saved money in the end.
Recycle
It is at this point that you will notice how good you were at the above issues. Consider it a joint responsibility to reduce the climate impact of your consumption by recycling old gadgets and empty packaging. When you start to source sort, you will also learn new things about your consumption and open your eyes to where you should change. Here you can find information about what waste goes where in Kingston.
Rot
Last but not least - compost your food waste. Let your food waste become new and nutritious soil for your flowers or crops. If you don't have that option, use a compostable bag and leave your food waste in the green bin if you live in Kingston. The waste is then used to produce biogas and biofertilizer!
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