Are you one of those people who are still new to the concept of zero waste? In recent years, the term zero waste often appears in various media. When viewed from the meaning of the language, zero waste means without waste. So, the main goal of the zero waste concept is to reduce the amount of waste generated every day.

Even though it seems impossible for humans to live without producing waste. However, there are many ways to reduce waste that are very beneficial for the preservation of the planet earth.

It is indeed very challenging, but we can learn to apply the concept of zero waste with a few simple steps. Check out the discussion, come on!

What is the zero waste concept?

Garbage has become a part of everyday life. What's more, household waste or kitchen waste. If we apply the concept of zero waste to the kitchen, it means that we are trying to leave as little food left or food packaging as possible.

In addition, the concept of reducing waste can be extended to include clothing, beauty products, medicines, and much more. What is clear, there are three common zero waste concepts, including:

1. Reduce (reduce)

Using less or no unnecessary ingredients. For example, cooking food in small portions so that there are no excess leftovers.

2. Reuse (reuse)

Consume or reuse rather than throw away. For example, when we have leftover food, we can store it in the refrigerator so it doesn't go to waste.

3. Recycle (recycle)

Kitchen waste or food waste can be recycled as compost or plant fertilizer so that it is not wasted.

How to Apply Zero Waste Concept in Daily Life

However, everyone needs to work together in order to reduce the impact of global warming and prevent the impact of climate change . One of them is by reducing the amount of waste generated every day.

Here are some ways to apply the zero waste concept that can be done:

1. Make your own compost

By far, the most effective and quick way to reduce the amount of waste in the landfill is to make your own compost. There are many guides for making compost that can be obtained from online media, magazines, books, and so on.

The rest of household waste such as spices, fruit peels, food scraps, and so on, can be processed as valuable compost soil to fertilize plants.

2. Collect hard-to-recycle items

If the waste cannot be composted, then recycling can be an option. Examples of items that are difficult to recycle are electronic waste, batteries, toothpaste containers, electric toothbrush heads, polystyrene, and others.

These materials generally can only be recycled in special facilities.

3. Bring a water bottle or a refillable coffee thermos

Sounds very trivial, right? Yes, although considered trivial, the impact is extraordinary. You can reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottle waste by up to 156 bottles per year.

Imagine if everyone did the same thing. Thus, plastic bottle waste can be reduced simply by using a plastic-free refillable bottle or thermos.

4. Bring your own shopping bag

Once again, plastic bags or plastic bags are one of the most common types of garbage found in the oceans. If we can bring our own shopping bags made of cloth, woven, rattan, or environmentally friendly materials, why should we produce plastic waste?

5. Avoid single-use packaging

Single-use packaging such as straws, cutlery, tissue, and plastic bottles, contribute to an increase in the amount of waste that pollutes the environment. That's why, we need to think about the concept of zero waste to reduce single-use packaging waste every time we eat.

You can bring a stainless steel thermos or sports bottle so you can use it repeatedly instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.

6. Buy reasonable portion food

It may be a bit difficult, but try to get used to buying food properly. For example, consider the number of servings and the people who will finish the food.

No exception, when organizing a party. Instead, buy food that can be consumed reasonably. If it doesn't run out, you can give it as a donation or alms so it doesn't go to waste in the trash.

7. Buying used goods

Not all used goods, poor quality. Because, if you are careful you can find hidden "treasures". For example, you can buy clothes at a thrift store so you can reuse existing materials. This is very good compared to having to buy new clothes that require more energy consumption when producing them.

In addition to buying used clothes, you may still be able to recycle or turn clothes into items of economic value so that they don't just turn into trash.

8. Recycle household items

You have many jars of jam glass , plastic bottles, or cardboard piled up in the warehouse? Instead of just being left alone. You can still reuse it to reduce waste.

For example, you can use a jar or bottle as a flower vase, plant pot, or maybe a spice container. Meanwhile, old sheets or clothes can be turned into shopping bags so you don't need to use single-use plastic bags.

9. Buy fresh food

Did you know, processed foods are often packaged in plastic containers that pollute the environment. Therefore, as much as possible choose fresh food to reduce plastic waste.

Fresh fruits and vegetables in the market can be placed in shopping bags made of cloth or woven rattan. If you are shopping for meat, you can bring your own container to avoid plastic bags or paper bags.

10. Use rechargeable batteries

If you use electronic equipment with disposable batteries, try switching to rechargeable batteries. This saves a lot of money while reducing the amount of battery waste that poisons the soil in the landfill.

11. Join a zero-waste community

Around the world, there are many communities that have successfully adapted to a zero waste lifestyle. You can also join local forums or communities to encourage a zero-waste lifestyle .

These communities generally have various programs to help and educate people to apply the zero waste concept.

Thus a review of the concept and how to apply zero waste. Living without trash is a habit that requires a process. However, by taking small steps every day starting with ourselves, we can support a zero - waste program that has a huge impact on our planet. Together we can!