▲Most times a straw is completely unnecessary, but if you can't give it up, invest in one that is stainless steel or bamboo.

▲And if you want to go even more green, make your own toothpaste using coconut oil, baking soda, and mint extract. You won't go back!

▲Say no to free (and usually cheap quality) promotional items, free gifts with purchase that you don’t actually want, and those plastic-wrapped goodies at work.

▲Don't leave your house without it filled up, and you'll save on plastic and money, while also remembering to stay hydrated.

▲When you need to purchase something, opt for second-hand stores, as they're cheaper, there’s cool vintage finds, and you won't be participating in the wasteful fast-fashion industry.

▲Whatever things you don't need that are still in good condition can live another, more useful life at a second-hand store.

▲Bar soap tends to come with less packaging, plus there are usually less chemicals and you can often buy them from local soap makers at community markets.

▲For a DIY face mask that will tone and moisturize your skin, mix honey, aloe vera, cucumber, and rose water together, and let the facial mask act for about 20 minutes. Then try making your own deodorant!

▲From clothing to appliances and furniture, if it's broke, fix it!

▲Bulk stores are a great way to avoid extra waste. Come with containers or cloth bags to avoid using plastic.

▲Instead of eating out every day (and spending too much money), invest in some cool stainless steel containers and we promise you won't feel like a schoolkid.

▲No more retail therapy! Instead of buying something when you're having a bad day, do something else that makes you happy like doing some outdoor activity or meeting up with a friend.

▲And learn to let your fridge go empty so that you're avoiding food waste, and so that you don't lose track of produce until the rotten smell finds you.

▲You'll have the benefit of sitting down and enjoying your slow, guilt-free coffee. If you're on the go, bring your own thermos and ask them to fill it up.

▲If you're getting takeout, or if you know you won't be able to finish a meal at a restaurant, bring your own container instead of falling prey to single-use Styrofoam and plastic.

▲Make your kitchen greener by simply using tea towels and rags instead.

▲Put a sign or sticker on your mail box to avoid the unnecessary flyers and promotions.

▲If you're not ready to go vegetarian, try doing Meatless Monday, or only eating meat on the weekends, or even mixing in some vegan recipes throughout the week.

▲Or not at all! There are tons of way to make gifts eco-friendly.

▲If it's a 30-minute or less walk, challenge yourself to go outside instead of driving.

▲They give an elevated air to your dinner table, plus you'll reduce your waste output by a lot.

▲Learn where to properly dispose of items like old cell phones, batteries, and unusable cords. Many tech stores offer disposal services!

▲Ditch the disposable cups and treat yourself to a french press or pour over (with a reusable filter) in the mornings.

▲For those special gift-giving days, specifically request either zero-waste items or fun non-material experiences like concert tickets, gift certificates, art classes, etc.

▲It's a simple switch that is easier now than ever.

▲When you see an item you want, step away from it and wait at least a week (preferably a month) to see if you really need it. In the meantime, see if you can borrow it from someone else.

▲Billions of pounds of waste produced each year is comprised of clothing, so take care to go through your wardrobe, donate or sell items you don’t wear or need anymore (Marie Kondo style), and play with new outfit combinations with what you already have.

▲Non-recyclable razors are also a huge problem in landfills, but an easy solution to this is switching to an all-metal safety razor with recyclable blades. You'll still get a clean shave, and you'll save a lot of money.

▲There are so many uses and kinds, and upcycled mason jars are great for storing dry bulk foods, homemade goodies, leftovers, lunches, or composting on the go.

▲Try watching a documentary together, like 'The True Cost' or 'The Clean Bin Project,' to get the conversation started. You can all go on outings to the farmer's market, and the joint effort will make zero-waste feel much more attainable.

▲Put reusable bags by the door, in your car, in your work bag, and anywhere else that will make it impossible for you to forget when you go to the store.

▲If you can't donate old clothing, cut and sew them into a bag for produce, or make them into cleaning rags.

▲Sure, it’s easy to press a few buttons and have a ready-made meal appear at your door, but most takeout comes with plastic containers and cutlery, unnecessary single-use napkins, little packets of sauce, and more. Stock your pantry with backup ingredients so you’re ready for a busy night.

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By moving money away from wasteful products and towards sustainable industries, you're voting for a healthier future.

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Going zero-waste can seem intimidating and time-consuming, but there are so many ways to begin a greener lifestyle, and any bit helps. After all, if entire cities are going zero-waste, you can too.

As billions of tons of waste are produced every year, it's time for us to be conscious consumers and reduce our footprint as much as possible. Click through to see some easy, simple ways you can start going zero-waste.

▲The cheapest homemade cleaning solution is also the most environmentally friendly. With baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water you have yourself a green cleaner for any type of surface. Essential oils or fruit peels add extra fragrance.

Simple tips and tricks to going zero-waste

It's not as hard as you think

04/06/19 por StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Zero waste

Going zero-waste can seem intimidating and time-consuming, but there are so many ways to begin a greener lifestyle, and any bit helps. After all, if entire cities are going zero-waste, you can too.