Easy Zero Waste Swaps

Over the past few years, I’ve tried my best to reduce waste whenever I can and in the past year, I have challenged myself to do more daily changes. We have all heard that every little change helps and if everyone tried eliminating useless waste, it would have a great impact on the environment.

This post is about some of the small changes or swaps that I have done over the past year that has saved me money but most importantly helped the environment. Hopefully, this inspires you to take more small actions to be more environmentally friendly.

ALUMINUM FOIL, PLASTIC WRAP AND PARCHMENT PAPER

This was probably one of the easiest swaps that I had to do. There are so many new products out there that are quite inexpensive that allow you to eliminate those big chunky boxes from your kitchen pantry. Silicone baking mats are such an easy replacement for parchment paper and you’ll never have to pop over to the grocery store every time you run out. Bees Wax Wraps has replaced plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Not only does it eliminate so much waste, but it also keeps your produce lasting longer since the bee’s wax wrap acts as a second skin and prevents it from spoiling as fast.

COMPOSTING

Did you know that organic waste (biodegradable materials) can’t decompose in a landfill because they are not properly aerated? That’s why compositing is so crucial and one of the best things you can do for the environment is to compost your food scraps. Compost bins are pretty accessible to everyone now, whether you live in a house or condo building. Ever since I started composting, I have noticed that I barely even have to take out the garbage anymore. Between that and recycling, that black bin is barely getting used.

BODY WASH

I’ve always been that person that usually buys a new scent of body wash every couple of weeks and never ends up finishing the previous bottle. What a waste. I have recently swapped out bottles of body wash for bars of soap. Most of them now come wrapped in paper or are even package-free. I’ve enjoyed picking up new bars from farmers’ markets or craft markets, all while supporting local at the same time. With the brutally cold winter we have had in Calgary this year, I have noticed that these bars leave my skin way more moisturized than my regular body wash. Most of the bars of soap contain essential oils and butter that give you way more moisture while being paraben-free…so it’s a win/win.

CLEANING PRODUCTS

Just like I mentioned in one of my previous posts, making your own cleaning products and re-using the spray bottles reduce tons of plastic waste. Just think of how many bottles of glass cleaner and bathroom sprays you go through each year? As a bonus, you are also avoiding questionable toxic ingredients.

COFFEE CUPS

500 billion disposable coffee cups are produced each year and unfortunately, most of them can’t even be recycled since they are lined with plastic. If you are meeting a friend for a coffee, why not use a mug to stay? If you are grabbing a coffee to go, bring your own travel mug. All those insulated travel mugs with keeping your coffee warmer longer anyways!

DRYER SHEETS

I always thought that without dryer sheets, my clothes would be wrinkly and full of static. Well, I was wrong and have replaced them with dryer wool balls. Not only does it do the same as a dryer sheet, but it also helps by separating our laundry to get more air in… therefore drying it faster. If you like the fresh scent dryer sheets give your clothes, add a few drops of essential oil to the wool balls and voila. Recently I had been adding some citrus oils for a little Spring freshness and a little lavender when drying bedsheets and eucalyptus for bath towels.

PAPER NAPKINS

Swap these out for cloth napkins. You can get pretty inexpensive cotton ones that will last you a long time and also look way better when setting a table. Some have said that it’s annoying to have extra items to wash, but all I do is throw them in the washer after dinner and will automatically be included in the next load of laundry. Or, you can just wash them when you do a load of towels.

PLASTIC BAGGIES

This is also a super easy swap and there are so many options now from silicone or cloth bags. I especially love the silicone ones since they are super easy to wash and prevent leaks just like the plastic ones. I have been using them for my lunch snacks for the past few months and haven’t used a plastic sandwich bag since. You can find them online in sets so you’ll have a few at home ready to use.

PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES

Carrying a reusable water bottle is another super easy habit to change and I don’t leave home without one. I love the glass ones because they are so easy to clean (dishwasher safe) and be used for hot and cold drinks.

STRAWS

This is was a big swap for me since I used straws pretty much every day when drinking smoothies and juices. Metal straws have been a big game changer and everyone should have these at home. I also opt for paper straw options and keep a little pack of them on my desk at work. You can also skip the straw next time you order and drink straight from the cup…who would have thought?

TEFLON PANS

So many non-stick pans are still coated with Teflon and are not good for the air, the food and your health. This is caused by the fumes being released into the air when it comes in contact with high heat. Skip this all together and go with stainless steel or cast iron. Plus, cast iron will last you forever so it’s worth the splurge.

Hopefully, you see that a little goes a long way and with just a few habit changes, we can also have a big impact on the environment in the long run. In the upcoming months, I’ll post more about some of my favourite waste-free products and let you know where to get them as they are becoming more and more accessible to consumers.

Please let me know if you have any zero waste swaps I need to try and can be added to my list.