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Have you been inspired by the Zero Waste movement but feel as if it’s just a bit too out of your reach?
Welcome to the low-waste movement! A wonderful addition to the sustainable community that takes “perfection” off the table and puts more emphasis on a simple step-by-step journey. One slow and mindful step at a time. Simply reduce your waste little by little and join the movement!
What is the low-waste movement?
The low-waste movement is like the zero-waste movement. Minimizing your waste is the main idea. But with a low-waste community, it is laxer and more focused on the little wins instead of being a perfect environmentalist. If the pressure has been getting to you, don’t fear, we got you! Don’t let your insecurities stop you from saving our planet. Being in a low-waste community, people don’t judge you because you are imperfect, instead, they inspire you to do just a little bit more.
Doing little things like shopping in a second-hand store, eating plant-based food, and using public transportation are the little wins we do every day. You might think that these things don’t count, but it does. And you’re making a difference.
How to start a low-waste lifestyle
Set your inspiration
Write down why you decided to go low-waste. Maybe you want to save the Earth, want to save money, or just to avoid plastics. Whatever it is, make a list, and every time you feel that you are not doing it right, read it again. This will be your inspiration on why you are doing this.
Notice the plastic
Start by trying your best to eliminate the single-use plastic you use every day. Look at your trash; do you see plastic utensils, straws, plastic bottles, and plastic bags? Try your best to eliminate these plastics in your everyday life – maybe with just one item a week. Find swaps like bamboo straws, bamboo cutlery, reusable tumblers, and reusable bags.
Use what you already have
Prioritize the things that you already have at home. You don’t have to buy swaps right away. Use what you already have is another significant thing to remember when having a low-waste lifestyle. If you can’t avoid buying, choose second-hand items to avoid well-working things ending in the landfills. You can also check our list of Zero-Waste Favourites.
Avoid impulse buying. If you want something, think about it long and hard before buying it. Do you absolutely need it? In this way, you will avoid overconsumption. You can always ask a friend or a family if they have a spare what you need.
Zero-waste/ Low-Waste Alternatives
Here are some lists of alternatives that you can use instead of single-use/plastic items.
| Single-use / Plastic items | Alternatives |
| Paper Towels ➡ | Organic Unpaper Towels |
| Ziplocks ➡ | Vegan Reusable Food Wraps |
| Plastic Straws ➡ | Stainless Steel Straw / Clear Glass Straw |
| Water Bottles ➡ | Reusable Water Tumbler |
| Plastic Body Scrub ➡ | Loofah Scrubber |
| Disposable Napkins/Tampons ➡ | Period Panties / Cloth Napkin |
| Plastic Storage Container ➡ | Stainless Steel Container |
| Plastic Utensils ➡ | Bamboo Utensil Set |
| Plastic Dish Scrub ➡ | Walnut Scrubber Sponge |
| Shampoo in Plastic Bottles ➡ | Zero-Waste Shampoo and Conditioners |
| Plastic Bags ➡ | Reusable Bag |
Wishing you all the best on your new low-waste journey and I do hope you will take time to read some of our other helpful articles on sustainable living. Welcome to the community!
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