The Zero-Waste Home: Affordable Strategies for Reducing Your Footprint

Written by Chiara ~ Category: Good Life ~ Read Time: 3 min.

Want to make a difference for the planet and your wallet?

Los Angeles fires, apart from the devastation of lost souls and properties, set the issue of environmental destruction in the affected areas. And it’s true; climate change is real, and we need to be a part of the effort to mitigate the risk of completely destroying what’s left. A zero-waste lifestyle can be the change our planet needs and whereas it might seem intimidating, it doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, reducing waste often saves you money in the long run since it promotes a circular economy where resources are used more efficiently, and waste is minimized. This approach helps protect our planet's resources, reduce pollution, and create a healthier environment for all.

If you want to make a change and don’t know how, here's how to get started with a zero-waste home on a dime:

The power of compost

Composting is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden (or even houseplants!). Don't have a big yard? No problem! Small, odor-free compost bins designed for indoor use are readily available and surprisingly affordable. You can even DIY one with a lidded container and some activated charcoal. Most cities have implemented composting programs, so you can check if your city or neighborhood has an active one. Many communities offer drop-off locations or even curbside pickup for food scraps.

Ditch the disposables

affordable strategies to reduce footprint

Especially plastics. Single-use plastics are a major source of pollution. Making the switch to reusables is an investment that pays off quickly. In action, it’s not as difficult as it seems. A good trick is to keep reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers in your car or bag so you're always prepared. Start with a few key items and gradually add more as needed. Look for durable, affordable options –you don't need fancy brands. Also, many stores now offer refill options for cleaning products, detergents, and even personal care items. Bring your own containers and save money by buying in bulk. Rethink your storage solutions by swapping plastic wrap and disposable baggies for reusable beeswax wraps, silicone lids, or glass containers. Repurpose jars and containers you already have at home.

DIY Cleaning

Commercial cleaning products are often expensive and contain a significant amount of harsh chemicals that harm the environment. Making your own cleaning solutions is surprisingly easy and affordable. For instance, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are highly effective and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions.

Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner, baking soda is a gentle abrasive, and lemon juice adds a fresh scent and disinfecting properties. And all of these ingredients are extremely inexpensive. If you do a quick online research, you can find cleaning recipes for everything: from all-purpose cleaners to laundry detergent, using just a few basic ingredients. You can also repurpose your old spray bottles and use them for your DIY solutions.

Shopping mindfully

affordable strategies to reduce footprint

Conscious shopping habits are an extremely effective way to reduce your footprint and save money as well. The best way to reduce waste is to consume less in the first place. We are not talking about frugality here; we are talking about mindful consumption. That means avoiding food waste, which has a substantial environmental impact, and thinking about meal planning, which can help you avoid buying food that will go to waste. Make a shopping list and stick to it and prep your meals so that you stick to a budget and avoid unnecessary expenses. Buying in bulk can save you money and reduce packaging waste, and local farmers' markets and small businesses often have less packaging and more sustainable practices.

Before buying something new, consider borrowing or renting it instead. Tools and books can often be borrowed from friends and family. Why buy something you will use once instead of keeping the money for a well-deserved trip?

Focus on consistency

Sometimes, the journey towards a more sustainable and affordable lifestyle can be quickly abandoned due to our effort to do everything fast. However, you don’t have to change everything at once. It’s better to pick one or two areas to focus on and gradually incorporate more zero-waste habits into your life. If you don’t have time to meal prep and visit local farmers within the week, focus on just consuming your food and reducing the food you throw away. Reusable coffee cups are pretty much somewhere in everyone’s house—we just neglect using them. Remind yourself whenever you leave the house to take the cup with you. And be optimistic: every small step makes a difference! The journey to a zero-waste home is a marathon, not a sprint, and it takes time to adjust your life and home to those changes. However, doing something nice for the environment is a significant step!

It took 2 coffees to write this article.


About the author

Chiara

Food, drinks and pop art are her gigs. Writing about everything is her job.

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