Tips and tricks to reduce waste

Waste refers to any substance or object that the owner discards or intends or is required to discard. In other words, everything we use eventually turns into waste, so every time we consume something, we generate waste. This is one of the reasons why global waste production is steadily increasing as consumption continues to rise across nations. But what can we do to reduce the amount of waste we produce in our daily lives?

Avoid single-use products

Reducing waste at the source means cutting back on consumption and, therefore, on the amount of waste produced. Why? Because everything we consume eventually turns into waste. The key to reducing waste at the source is to avoid buying disposable or single-use products. For example, when shopping, prioritize durable items that can be reused multiple times. Try to avoid disposable utensils, dishes, or straws. When you're out, consider bringing your own reusable container for your coffee or a refillable water bottle instead of buying plastic ones. In short, adopting these habits not only helps the planet but also saves you money.

Opt for products without packaging

When shopping, try to prioritize products with little to no packaging. Think of bulk products, for example, where items are sold without packaging, allowing you to choose your own quantity and store them in reusable containers. There are also options with reduced packaging, like hand soaps wrapped in just a strip of kraft paper. For products that can’t be purchased without packaging, opt for those in cardboard, compostable, or recyclable materials. Finally, it's always handy to carry cloth bags when doing your shopping to avoid using plastic or paper bags.

Choose rechargeable options

Refillable product options are a great way to make more responsible choices without sacrificing the product inside the package. These eco-friendlier options are mainly found in cosmetics and household products. For instance, many Familiprix stores offer refillable options for hand soap, personal care items like deodorants, and essential household cleaning products. Another benefit of refills is that they’re often more affordable, providing great value for money. In addition to being cost-effective and eco-friendly, they are also convenient. For most refillable products, you simply insert the refill into the original, more durable container.

Limit additional packaging

Packaging often serves essential functions, such as protecting and preserving the product, as well as minimizing waste. However, many products are overpackaged, meaning they are wrapped beyond what is necessary for protection or purely for aesthetic reasons. Think, for example, of boxes containing jars of creams or lip balms. You can choose products that avoid secondary packaging (a box in addition to the product container). In the food industry, you can also avoid buying individually portioned items like juice boxes or single-serve yogurts. Finally, when shopping online, try to combine your purchases and have everything shipped in one package!

Give a second life to product packaging

Reuse and recycling are two important actions in the life cycle of objects, and it’s just as important to apply these principles to product packaging. There are many ways you can give your packaging a second life: use it to ship your own parcels, turn it into an organizational accessory, use it for packing during a move, or repurpose it for gift wrapping. Essentially, let your creativity guide you to find new uses for it in your daily life. However, if you can’t find a practical or useful alternative, make sure to recycle packaging properly.

By putting these tips into practice to reduce your waste production, you'll become more mindful of your daily actions. It's the small changes that can make a big difference, so start incorporating them into your routine to lessen your impact on the planet, one piece of waste at a time!