Our various activities at home contribute to the generation of different types of waste, some of which include liquid waste (wash water, dirty water, organic liquids, waste detergents, etc.), solid waste (bottles, jars, containers, bags, etc.), organic waste, recyclable rubbish, and hazardous waste. If not properly disposed of, waste can cause unfavourable health conditions; this is not to mention the impact of wastes on the planet.
While generating waste is inevitable, we can always devise means to reduce the number of wastes we generate in the home daily. The reason is that even disposed waste has some consequences. For instance, if waste is not properly disposed of, it could contaminate the environment and lead to the outbreak of disease. It is always better to reduce waste in the home rather than seeking different disposal methods.
That being said, here are 5 different ways of reducing waste in the home:
1. Know and practice the 5 Rs of waste management
To reduce waste in the home, you need to understand and practice the 5 Rs of waste management. The 5 Rs are refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. First, you have to refuse taking anything that will constitute waste, especially single-use items. Think before accepting any clutter into your home. Turn down flyers, party favours and any other junk that is likely going to be thrown into the trash can.
2. Refuse to accept plastic grocery bags
Instead of accepting plastic bags and creating more demand for them, use reusable tote bags when possible. It is not mandatory to use plastic bags for your fruits or veggies; you can use cloth bags for them.
You can also take your own jars to grocery stores – this will help you to avoid bringing home any unnecessary plastic containers.
3. Use sustainable and reusable food wrap
Instead of using plastic cling wrap in your kitchen to preserve your food and leftovers, switch to using the more durable and reusable food wraps, which are usually made of organic and compostable materials.
4. Replace disposable water bottles with reusable ones
Instead of buying disposable plastic water bottles and filling your home with waste, opt for a reusable water bottle that you can fill up again and again.
5. Avoid the use of hazardous and commercial household cleaners
These commercial household cleaners generate a lot of chemical wastes that are both harmful to our health and the environment. Instead of using common commercial household cleaners, use household ingredients like borax, corn starch, lemon juice, pure soap, vinegar for your effective home cleaning needs. These natural ingredients can also be used to do laundry, clean dishes, as well as clean the bathroom.
Reducing waste in the home is doable; as we stated earlier, you just need to follow the 5 Rs of waste management, which are refuse, reuse, reduce, recycle, and rot.
