An important part of protecting the environment is to work to reduce waste. Ideally, we should produce no waste at all, but this is a long way off. But every little step counts. So it's worth taking the first few!
The scale of consumer society we have today has taken many years of work. We still remember the days - not so long ago, in fact - when households recycled the can of sour cream. They were perfect for growing seedlings. Composting was an everyday activity - not a gentleman's fad - and we ate home-made pasta, pastries, bread, jams and preserves, not the packaged shop-bought stuff. We grew what we needed and stored it for the winter. Then we traded it between neighbours.
What happened in the meantime? We started to strive for simpler, more convenient, more time-saving. Because we sat down in offices, in bureaus, behind desks for 10-12 hours. To make a living. And nice things.
But now our consumption has reached such proportions, the damage caused by the growth in production, the increase in purchases, the never-ending flow of waste, that it is no longer sustainable. It has to change. On an individual level too.
Of course, this does not happen overnight. It's about changing habits that have made our lives more comfortable. Every change requires extra energy, extra strain. But if you've reached the point where you're ready to start living an eco-conscious or even waste-free lifestyle, it's worth taking it step by step! Trying to change everything at once will only lead to frustration.
We've got you covered on the Circularity blog on how to start developing new habits:
1. Find a reason for yourself!
Maybe you're doing it because you care about the planet, your health and the environment. Maybe it's because you want to save money. Or maybe you want to immerse yourself in an active community. Whatever your reasons for reducing waste, be clear about why you're doing it.
2. Be motivated!
Once you have formulated your reason, it is easier to find the motivation to make the necessary changes in your life. They will also give you a grip in case your enthusiasm wanes.
3. Raise awareness of your household waste production!
To start reducing household waste, you need to know exactly what goes in your bin. Keep track of what you throw out and why for a few days. And of course, start collecting your rubbish separately. Often, items that could have been put in the recycling bins end up in the municipal waste bin. The aim is, of course, to reduce the content of the latter.
4. Treat waste properly!
The fact is that it is very difficult to avoid waste in your household, no matter how hard you try. However, managing the waste you generate is crucial: learn to separate and compost!
There are products whose packaging can be reused and recycled, such as CYCLE spray cleaner bottles. You can buy small packs of refillable concentrate for these, so you can reduce your plastic waste!
5. Reduce your consumption!
One of the basic tenets of sustainability is to reduce purchases and consumption. When you think about it, you quickly realise that you don't need as much, and when you really become fully aware of it, you can start to think twice about what you spend your money on.
6. Find partners!
It's always easier if you can connect with others in an activity, because you can think together and share your experiences. Find friends, acquaintances, family members with whom you can start a more environmentally conscious life together!
