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20 tips to effortlessly master the art of Zero Waste and save money

You are sure to know somebody, a friend or a colleague, who has launched themselves heart and soul into the Zero Waste project, maybe coming across at times as a bit of a packaging Nazi! This new trend, which is challenging industrial packaging and the marketing industry, aims quite simply to throw nothing away, thus getting rid of the need for bins in the long term. It is a life philosophy that doesn’t get developed overnight, but which is worth looking into, as it can save you time and money, while you do your good deed for the day! Here are a few easy ways to get started, with virtually no effort.

1/ Make your own home-made cosmetics

Toothpaste made from clay, moisturiser made from olive oil, shampoo from bicarbonate of soda… Our daily beauty essentials are very easy to make, inexpensive, and often much more effective than what you find in the supermarket. Find plenty of recipes here.

Screenshot/L’embellie/YouTube

2/ Go to farmers markets rather than the supermarket

Yes, you heard us: Zero Waste means no packaging. Be aware also that 30% of the cost of your fruit and veg goes towards the packaging, which you buy and throw away. And as the packaging is often made of plastic, you are also damaging your health as well as sapping the world’s resources. Try to buy in bulk: it doesn’t mean big changes for your life, it just means going to a farmer’s market instead of going to the supermarket, which will cut back greatly on the amount of packaging you buy. And wouldn’t you prefer to know where your money is going? To a local small farmer, or to an impersonal industrial giant?

Credits: Pixabay

3/ Don’t use the samples they provide in hotel bathrooms

Soap and shampoo samples that they provide in hotel bathrooms are often bottom-of-the-range products, which are aggressive to the skin and hair, and wrapped in toxic plastic. If you don’t use them and simply leave them there untouched, they will be there for the next person. Additionally, it sends the message to the hoteliers that you do not want to use such products. If everyone followed this rule, we could get rid of them for good.

Credits: Flickr

4/ On Sundays, prepare your meals and snacks for the week

There’s nothing easier (or more satisfying) than baking your own cookies and biscuits! If only for the odour, we’d be happy to do it every day! Especially when you know exactly what’s gone into them. And from a financial point of view, you save three times over. On Sundays, cook your meals for the whole week ahead (stews, sauces, bakes, desserts, etc.), which you can freeze if you have made too much. The key phrase in zero waste is “home made”.

Credits: Pexels

5/ Give non-goods presents, or make your own at home

A voucher for a restaurant or for a fun activity -what could be better than a non-goods present? But there are even more creative options available: a star, being awarded the title of a Scottish Lord or Lady, plant a tree, adopt an endangered animal -the choices are endless! You could also get crafty and try something home made: a hamper, cosmetics or fabric crafts -the fact that you took the time and effort to make it for them is worth anything!

Credits: highlandtitles.com

6/ Make your own cleaning products

There is nothing easier than making your own scouring powder, multi-purpose cleaner or washing powder. With just three basic ingredients (bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar and black soap) you can do almost anything! Find plenty of recipes and more here.

Credits: Pixabay

7/ Keep your old tights for making re-usabe sponges.

Do you know about tawashis, sponges that can be made from recycled pieces of material, which you can re-use time after time?