Each year up to 130,000 tonnes of plastic waste will find its way into our waterways. It even ends up in the food chain and back on our plates!
A recent Australian study suggests that people are eating about 2000 tiny pieces of plastic every week. Becoming aware of your consumption habits, and reducing your waste is an important step in addressing this issue.
Whilst the term ‘zero’ in ‘zero waste’ suggests that sending nothing to landfill is the ultimate goal, most people in the zero waste movement acknowledge that generating absolutely no waste is unrealistic, and that a ‘low-waste’ lifestyle is much more achievable.
What are the principles of Zero Waste Living?
On average only 9% of plastic waste is recycled in Australia, so the best way to reduce the amount that ends up in landfill and waterways is to consume less whenever possible. The principles of leading a zero waste lifestyle extend far beyond just plastic though.
In the book Zero Waste Living, author Bea Johnson shares 5 principles for living a zero waste lifestyle:
Refuse what you don’t need
Reduce what you already use & can’t refuse
Reuse and repair
Recycle
Rot (or compost)
Remember: it’s not about being perfect. Everyone’s situation and lifestyle is different, so just do the best that you can with the resources that you have.
Like to learn more?
Try out our free Zero Waste 101 program for a detailed breakdown of these principles,
as well as:
📝 Tips on how to do a waste audit at home 📝
🥤 Practical alternatives to common single use items 🥤
🛒 Going plastic-free, bulk food shopping 🛒
💡 Our recommended online communities for inspiration and ideas 💡
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