Bea Johnson is a French national currently living in California. In 2008 she adopted a Zero Waste lifestyle and has since gone on to become a successful blogger and writer. Her book, Zero Waste Home, has inspired millions of people around the world to live simply and combat needless waste. Bea believes that reducing the level of waste we produce not only benefits the environment around us, but also improves our health, and saves both time and money. Her waste free lifestyle is built around some simple guidelines:
- Refuse what you do not need
- Reduce what you do need (and cannot refuse)
- Reuse what you consume (and cannot refuse or reduce)
- Recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce or reuse
- Rot (compost) the rest
Here are 10 tips from her book to help you meet those aims:
1. Stop Receiving Junk Mail
No one likes receiving endless amounts of junk mail. Rather than just throwing them straight in the bin, visit mpsonline.org.uk and sign up to receive less.
2. Decline Freebies
Accepting freebies from trade exhibitions, conferences and parties creates demand. Ask yourself if you really need another free pen or folder.
3. De-clutter
If your house is full of unwanted toys, clothes and trinkets, consider donating them to your local charity shop. Doing so not only helps to reduce the amount of unneeded waste in your home, but makes them available to others looking to buy secondhand.
4. Write a Shopping List
Supermarkets love it when we make an impulse buy and more often than not, we don’t actually consume what we have brought. To avoid unnecessary food waste, take a shopping list of what you actually need and make sure you stick to it!
5. Swap Disposables For Reusables
Our throwaway lifestyle has significantly contributed to the amount of waste we produce each year. To overcome this, consider replacing disposable items, such as batteries, for reusable alternatives.
6. Reduce Grocery Shopping Waste
The 5p plastic bag tax has already helped to reduce the number of plastic bags used in England by 80%. Next time you are at the supermarket consider taking a cloth bag or Bag for Life.
7. Ensure Recycling Is a last Resort
Make yourself aware of the recycling policies in your local area and when recycling, consider whether you could have refused, reduced or reused the item you have thrown away.
8. Consider Buying In Bulk
Consider buying in bulk. Doing so reduces the amount of glass, metal, cardboard and plastic packaging you throw away – waste which will potentially end up in landfill.
9. Find a Composting System
Plan a composting system which works for your home and make sure everyone in the home knows what it will digest.
10. Create A Compost Receptacle
Use your kitchen rubbish bin as a large compost receptacle. The bigger it is, the more chance there is that people will actually use it.