Embrace a Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Discover the Reasons and Benefits

1. Small changes in habits can create a positive impact—refuse any type of paper ads, plastic bags, not buying on a whim (before you buy something, ask yourself if you really need it?)

2. Unused or broken items can have a second life and save you money—For example, repurposing old t-shirts for cleaning cloths, saving glass jars that can be reused, repairing broken items instead of throwing them away.

3. Contribute to a green economy by recycling and composting your waste.

4. Refrain from buying products you don’t need, and learn to live a simpler life.

Where can you start?

This guide will help you choose products that are available on the market, and will also give you access to DIY recipes and tips to follow on a daily basis.

These recipes are ecological solutions, using very few ingredients and with a low ecological footprint.

In general, think about the necessity of the products you have and think about sustainability. Remember, we’re borrowing the planet from our children and grandchildren.

As mentioned on the Association Québécoise Zéro Déchets, zero waste is inspired by the 5 “R’s” principle, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot. The guide suggests a sixth principle, which is Repair.

Some tips to follow:

  • Use reusable (cotton) bags for shopping, and keep one in your purse at all times.
  • Use washable handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues.
  • Use stainless-steel or glass water bottles, reusable cups and cutlery (bamboo, stainless-steel)
  • Replace plastic straws with a washable stainless-steel straw (that you can carry in your bag).
  • Choose rechargeable batteries.
  • Opt for fabric gift wrapping (Furoshiki)

In the kitchen:

  • Replace disposable towels with washable cloth towels.
  • Replace paper towels with washable cloths.
  • Use bee-wrap to replace plastic wrap.
  • Replace plastic utensils and containers for wood, stainless steel, glass, etc.
  • Replace your sponges with homemade dishcloths.
  • Use tea steepers for your loose tea, rather than ready-made tea bags—the same goes for coffee, choose machines that use ground or bean coffee instead of disposable cups.
  • Choose to buy food in bulk (bring your own jars).

In the bathroom:

  • Replace plastic cotton buds (which are very polluting for the oceans) with bamboo or stainless-steel.
  • Use a compostable toothbrush.
  • Use a stainless-steel safety razor, instead of disposable razors.
  • Replace sanitary napkins and tampons with healthy solutions such as washable pads and menstrual cups.
  • Use shampoo and conditioner bars, and bar soap.
  • Use solid or homemade toothpaste.
  • Limit the consumption of toilet paper. You can also use a water jet (already used in many countries). Use washable wipes for babies (see also baby hygiene).

You now have a set of tools and tips just waiting to be put into practice. If you don’t know where to start, we suggest that you make the changes step-by-step.

Don’t throw away all your toxic products in the garbage or down the drain. Contact your municipality for toxic product disposal. Replace them gradually with healthy alternatives as you go.

After making changes in one room of your home, it will be easier and more motivating for you to continue with the other spaces in your home.

Zero Waste Canada has excellent zero waste guides with tips and advice to follow on a daily basis for the bathroom, kitchen, and cleaning products.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions. You can also consult our section for a Transition to healthy products.