Smart Ways To Reduce And Reuse At Home

If you know anything about sustainability, you probably understand the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. There’s usually an emphasis on recycling — but what about the first two? These efforts tend to be more impactful, so you should learn how to take action. 

Here are 10 ways to reduce and reuse at home.

1. Switch to Cloth Bags 

Don’t use any plastic bags. These items contribute significantly to ocean pollution, which kills various marine species every year. It’s key to do your part. If you bring cloth bags to the grocery store, you can cut back on plastic bag waste. Keep several in your car for easy access.

2. Opt for Minimal Packaging 

There’s also a problem regarding excess packaging. If you buy things like prepared salads that come in plastic containers with plastic utensils and packaged dressing, you’ve created significant waste. This issue happens with electronics, makeup and other items. 

Limit how often you buy packaged products. It’s easier said than done, but you can reduce how much waste you generate as a result. Instead, you should look for objects with recycled packaging.

3. Build a Compost Pile 

Do you have a compost bin? If not, you’re missing a chance to repurpose your food scraps. This trick uses old fruits, vegetables and other materials to create nutrients you can use in your garden. It’s a simple technique that helps reduce food waste at home.

4. Learn to Repurpose Products 

It might surprise you to see what you can make with old products. From bottles to cans and everything in between, you find new purposes. If you had leftover mason jars, you could turn them into drinking glasses. There are even ways to create art pieces using junk objects.

5. Use Less Paper 

How much paper does your household use? If you think about things like junk mail, note pads and school assignments, you can see how quickly paper piles up. It’s unnecessary waste that harms trees and the environment. 

Eliminate your paper use as much as possible. Try to switch to digital documents. It’s also smart to make an official request to stop getting junk mail. If you receive paper bills, you should go online to change your settings.

6. Buy Reusable Containers 

Everyone should store leftovers. If you don’t have containers, you have to throw away perfectly good food. Plus, you won’t be able to take food you made to work. These containers will encourage you to reduce food waste and not eat takeout.

Find a sturdy and reliable set of reusable containers you can use for years.

7. Use Mugs and Bottles 

There’s no need to use single-use coffee cups or water bottles, either. Instead, you should opt for reusable versions. This way, you’ll decrease how much waste you produce. If you prefer taking drinks to-go, you should buy a specific container to bring with you.

8. Try Washable Table Napkins 

People don’t need to plan fancy events to use cloth napkins. These alternatives to paper napkins should be on everyone’s table every day. They’re reusable, so you’ll never have to toss them in the trash ever again. Instead, you can simply throw your cloth napkins in the washing machine when you need to clean them. 

There are various cloth napkin options available to consider. It might not seem like a big decision, but you should choose a durable option so that you can use your cloth napkins for a long time. Those who don’t care about appearances could make reusable napkins using clothing scraps, as well.

9. Start a Backyard Garden 

If you really want to reduce and reuse more often, you should start a garden. There won’t be a need to buy certain produce at the supermarket — and as a result, your actions are more eco-friendly. Remember that reducing helps the environment more than anything else. 

This garden doesn’t have to be massive. If you live in an apartment, you can try a small herb garden. If you have a big backyard, you can plant various produce. It’s all about your situation. Everything makes a difference.

10. Make DIY House Cleaners 

Take a look at your cleaning supply cabinet. If you grabbed a spray bottle to look at the ingredients, you’d see harmful chemicals and toxins that lead to poor air quality. It’s essential to cut back on using such products to maintain a healthy indoor environment. 

There are many ways to make household cleaning products. This way, you can add natural elements that won’t release dangerous airborne elements. Plus, you should be able to save money and reduce waste. It’s a win-win for you and the planet.

Consider These Tricks to Be More Eco-Friendly 

If you do anything to support the environment, you should learn how to be less wasteful. It’s still helpful to recycle materials — but when you don’t buy items in the first place, you don’t have anything to trash. This effort will improve the world.