Becoming (kind of) Waste Free: My Goals

I've heard of no waste and the no waste community for quite a while now. I've watched videos of people who collect all their trash in a single mason jar for years on end and thought "that seems impossible".

Now, I try to do my part in my current life to reduce my carbon footprint. I have a pack of reusable straws that I use and I use exclusively cruelty-free products. Recently, however, I've become more aware of the amount of waste I am producing. I have an insane amount of clothes that I never wear and nearly every single one of my toiletries is wrapped in plastic. I've decided that I need to do better.

I do not think it is possible for me to become 100% waste free at this given time, but here are my goals that I strive to reach for.

1. Bring my own cup with me

By bringing my own cup with me to coffee shops or to the cafeteria, I'll be able to reduce the amount of single use plastics I am using. I have a 16 oz reusable coffee mug that I almost never use, I think it is about time I keep it on me at all times to reduce my waste.

2. Stop buying new clothes

As mentioned earlier, I have a lot of clothes that I just don't wear. It is about time I stop buying fast fashion and appreciate the clothes I already own. Down the line, I'd like to reduce what I have to create a capsule wardrobe too.

3. Utilize reusable food storage

As a college student, I get take out a lot. One way I can reduce my waste is by bringing my own tupperware containers to take out spots and asking them to put my food in them. Sure, it may be a bit awkward and I may look a little dumb, but over time I think this will really make a difference.

4. Buy from the bulk bins

In the grocery store, everything comes prepackaged it seems. If I am able to put food in my own containers at the grocery, it will cut down on the amount of plastic I am wasting and the amount of food I am wasting. I can put as much as I want into my jar!

5. Becoming more aware

Being aware of how much plastic I am using has been a rude awakening. If I want to keep making changes in my life to cut down on waste, then I need to hold myself accountable for my actions. Sure taking a single use straw is my convenient than cleaning my reusable ones, but it is worth it to know that I won't be contributing to the increasing amount of waste that is polluting our earth.

I encourage everyone to help the environment however they can. You do not need to get as extreme as me about reducing waste, but making a conscious effort can go a long way.

Thanks for reading.