Where to start – the first 3 steps to reducing your waste
By Lottie Dalziel
Starting out on your less-waste life is exciting but it can be overwhelming, to say the least. As much as we'd all love to go stone cold on plastic right now realistically it will take a couple of months for you to find your groove. Don't sweat the small stuff, here are our top three tips for beginners.
1\ Be prepared.
It's all about being organised and prepared for all of the plastic that life throws at us. Never leave the house without your single-use swaps: a tote bag, water bottle, reusable coffee cup, bamboo or stainless steel straw and produce bags. This fail-proof plan will help you reduce your waste and refuse refuse!
2\ Shop smarter.
Aim to shop only the perimeter of the supermarket. Not only will this help your waistline but also it is where the least amount of packaging is! BYO containers and produce bags so you don’t get caught out at the deli and when buying small loose items like beans and brussel sprouts. When you are choosing products compare the price and the packaging options. For example, buying pasta in boxes or tomato paste in jars rather than plastic.
3\ Composting.
Organically active material (i.e foods scraps in your regular bin) contribute to a whopping 3% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions – that's more than Australians generate from flying every year! Composting at home is relatively easy, the government subsidises compost bins (yep they pay for up to 60% of your bin) and it will also help your garden look amazing! If you live in an apartment or townhouse your composting dreams aren't over, think about getting a Bokashi bin which is small enough to fit in the kitchen or laundry.
Do you have any extra tips on how to reduce waste? We'd love to hear from you send us an email info@banish.com.au.
About the author
Lottie Dalziel is the founder and editor in chief of Banish. She has a passion for the environment and wants to help educate and inspire individuals to make small changes towards a more sustainable future. Stay up to date with her latest challenges on Instagram @banish.au.