Household Waste: What Steps Can You Take To Reduce It?

We constantly generate waste. As a matter of fact, as of 2018, the average US citizen produces around 4.9 pounds of trash daily. Intentionally or not, some of this trash is recyclable, while some are not. The ones that are not recyclable end up in landfills, which puts the Earth at risk.

Knowing these things happen in the outside world is one thing. However, it’s another when you have first-hand experience of its adverse effects. This leaves many wondering: what can they do to reduce household waste and help the environment?

If you want to take it into your own hands and help the environment, this article will provide some practical steps to reduce household waste and how you can practice a sustainable lifestyle.

4 Ways People Can Reduce Their Household Waste

composting to reduce household waste — Photo from Pexels

1. Practice Composting

Composting is one of the best ways to reduce household waste, as it allows you to turn organic materials and food scraps into fertilizer for your garden or yard. Composting bins are easy to use and can be placed anywhere in the home or yard where there is space.

They come in various sizes and styles, so finding one that fits your needs shouldn’t be difficult. It’s also worth remembering the following things when you’re composting a household.

Place food scraps in the bin immediately after eating, don’t wait until later in the day or week.
Keep it moist but not wet, preventing odors from developing inside the container.
Composting takes a lot of work, but it’s an effective way to reduce household waste.

2. Use reusable bags

Choose reusable bags over plastic bags when shopping for groceries and other items. It not only helps reduce household waste but also reduces plastic bags going into landfills. In addition, they also help keep your groceries fresher since they reduce heat and light exposure like paper or plastic bags.

Plastic waste dumped into landfills heavily contributes to environmental pollution because the material takes hundreds of years to decompose.

3. Avoid single-use containers and utensils

avoid single-use containers to reduce household waste — Photo by Brian Yurasits from Unsplash

Another effective way to reduce household waste is by avoiding single-use plastics like containers and utensils. One way of doing this is by investing in reusable mugs, bottles, and cutlery.

Reusable mugs help you avoid buying disposable cups from coffee shops daily, which can quickly add up over time. Reusable bottles are also good because they allow you to avoid using plastic water bottles, which are difficult to decompose.

As for avoiding single-use plates and bowls when eating, you can try using reusable options such as bamboo or glass.

4. Buy in bulk

buy in bulk to reduce household waste — Photo by v2osk on Unsplash

Buying in bulk reduces household waste by eliminating the need for packaging. When you buy in bulk, you are less likely to throw away excess packaging and more likely to reuse it. The sentiment is particularly true when you purchase items like nuts, seeds, and grains in bulk bins at health food or grocery stores.

Many stores sell their products in glass jars, which you can use for storing other food items. If you do not have room for glass jars in your kitchen cabinets, consider using them as decorative containers on a shelf or table instead of throwing them away after use.

Additionally, even if you buy your produce wrapped in plastic bags, you can reuse them as trash or grocery bags until they wear out.

Reduce, Reuse, and Restore The Earth

Reducing household waste can be a struggle for some, especially if you don’t know where to start. Fortunately, the tips discussed above can help everybody begin making an effort and living sustainably. So, make recycling a habit, reduce common household waste, and help save the Earth.