8 Ways to Reduce Waste at Home to Save Money & the Planet

Simple, actionable ways to reduce waste at home and on-the-go that help the planet by lowering the amount of garbage sent to landfills, and save you money at the same time. 

Benefits of Reducing Waste

FACT: The average American produces 4.4 pounds of trash per day.  That’s over 1500 pounds per year – a crazy amount!

So you can imagine how the environmental benefits of creating less waste are huge. When you create less waste you are lowering the amount of stuff sent to landfills or the incinerator, which in turn reduces greenhouse gasses and creates less pollution.

FACT: 9 million tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean every year. And 40% of that plastic is single-use. What a waste!

Read up on a few more statistics on the plastic waste crisis and you’ll want to reduce your plastic use immediately. The less plastic you buy, the less will end up in our oceans, waterways and in landfills.

FACT: For every one garbage can of waste you put out on the curb, 70 garbage cans of waste were made upstream in factories to create the stuff in that garbage you put out on the curb. (Source: Story of Stuff)

The amount of energy and materials required to create the products we use is something we don’t often think about. Using fewer products and less packaging can lead to lower pollution around the world.

FACT: Making a conscious effort to reduce waste can save you money.

For starters, buying from the bulk bins is usually cheaper than buying packaged products because you aren’t paying for the packaging and brand marketing. And when you buy only what you need – whether it’s food, clothing or other household goods, you aren’t wasting money on things that aren’t bringing value to your life.

One additional thought – depending on where you live, you might be able to switch to a smaller garbage can or even go down to one garbage pickup a month, which can lower your utility bill. Another win for a low waste lifestyle!

Is Zero Waste the Goal?

Zero waste is a popular term these days. You’ll find it splashed all over internet and popping up in books like Zero Waste Home or Zero Waste Kitchen. I even have some blog posts on the topic: Zero Waste Alternatives to Plastic Wrap and Zero Waste Swaps in the Bathroom. 

Aiming for zero waste is a great aspirational goal but almost all of us (especially those of us with kids), will still have some garbage going out. Personally, I view zero waste as more of a guiding philosophy but not the specific end goal.

Zero waste is a shift in mindset to being a more eco-conscious consumer. This mindset helps us evaluate what we buy and bring into our homes in terms of its effect on the planet.

The real goal is to reduce the waste you kick to the curb each week and know that everything you do makes a difference!

1.  Buy Reusable, Not Disposable

Invest in durable, reusable products instead of wasteful disposables.

• Microfiber cloths or cotton cloths instead of paper towels and disposable wipes. (Here are some of my favorite reusable kitchen products and alternatives to plastic wrap.)
• A glass straw or stainless steel straw instead of single-use plastic straw.
• Reusable lunch containers and snack bags instead of plastic baggies.
• Rechargeable batteries instead of traditional.
• Reusable tableware and utensils instead of the throw-away type.
• Choose biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic. (Find lots more zero waste bathroom essentials here!)

2.  Buy Products with Less Packaging

Reduce the amount of packaging waste you throw out by simply not bringing it home in the first place.

• Avoid food sold in big plastic clam-shells. There is usually an alternative way to buy the same product with less packaging.
• Look for concentrated versions of cleaning products that come in smaller bottles that can be refilled.
• Forget all those mini packages of snacks you see at the store. Buy a big box or bag and send it to school in reusable snack bags.
• Make DIY cleaning products and homemade beauty products instead of buying new.
• Purchase meat wrapped in butcher paper instead of packed on non-recyclable styrofoam trays.
• Buy package free soap

RELATED: Tons of Easy Ways to Reduce Plastic Use in Home & Life

4.  Repurpose

Use something you already have instead of buying something new for the job.

• Old t-shirts and towels become absorbent rags.
• Plastic yogurt tubs are great for holding crayons, paintbrushes, nails etc…
• Keep shoe boxes for storing old papers or favorite mementos.
• Egg cartons are perfect for separating craft supplies.
• Buy gently used clothing from thrift stores or consignment shops.
• Shop your basement or storage locker before buying something new

5.  Be Selective

Don’t take it if you don’t need it!

• Think twice before you buy (Here’s a whole post about How to Buy Less because that’s a whole different subject!)
• Take a pass on freebies that you really won’t use.
• Don’t buy it just because it’s cheap!

6.  Compost Food Waste

Turn food scraps into valuable dirt for your garden!

• Start small with a kitchen compost bucket.
• Find an outdoor space for a compost bin or tumbler.
• Let worms do the work if are up for trying vermiculture.

8.  Be Prepared

Keep reusable items in strategic places to keep you from wasting even more.

• Take a glass straw with you everywhere you go!
• Carry a compact shopping bag in your purse or briefcase.
• Keep reusable grocery bags in your car (no excuse for forgetting them at home!)
• Store reusable utensils and a cloth napkin at your desk or in your car.
• Keep empty food storage containers with you for when the take-out bug strikes.

What have you done to reduce waste at home? I’d love to hear your wins in the comments!