In today’s world, everything is manufactured to be disposable. But that creates so much waste! Luckily, there are some very simple things that we can do in our lives to help reduce the amount of waste that we produce. And this also helps us to save money as well as the environment. If you are interested in some hygiene-specific ways to reduce waste, check out my post on that here.
These ideas are geared towards the house waste. As with all things, there is a time and a place for a disposable option, but in general, the convenience of the disposable is not necessary.
Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags are a fantastic way to help reduce the amount of plastic you are consuming. Not only are they more sustainable, but they are also stronger, so that your plastic bag does not rip, dropping food all over the floor. We’ve all been there.
You can save even more money by getting reusable bags from the thrift store. They almost always have a large selection to choose from for very little money.
When you do have plastic grocery bags, you can reuse them. They make fantastic trash can liners, wet bags, covers for sourdough during the fridge rise, and so much more.
Plastic Bags
Resealable plastic bags are very convenient and sometimes necessary, but often a food storage container will do the trick.
When a plastic bag is used, it can often be washed and reused. Especially the bag I use for bread storage, I will wash and reuse it many times. Having a good place to dry the bag is key. I will prop gallon-sized bags over the sink faucet and smaller bags on the soap dispenser.
Laundry Detergent
It surprises me that people still purchase big jugs of liquid detergent and pods. Putting aside the fact that they are incredibly wasteful, something like a laundry detergent sheet is so much easier and takes up significantly less space.
If you are concerned about cleaning power, I use them for my baby’s cloth diapers, and they come out residue-free and smelling fresh. (Some stains only the sun can get out.)
Dryer sheets are another item you can stop using to save you some money and trash. Wool dryer balls can be used for years and years to soften clothes. They are also great at keeping bulkier items from getting all bunched up, where they stay wet.
Dishes
Growing up, we used so many paper plates. It is crazy to think about now. Using real plates might take a little extra effort to clean, but it will save you money in the long run.
While a paper plate will decompose relatively quickly, plastic utensils do not. They can be easily rewashed and put in a lunch box as a backup for when you forget to grab silverware in the morning.
Tissues
I have recently made a life-changing discovery. Flannel squares make far superior tissues than the traditional option from a box. We got what are marketed as reusable wipes for our baby, and one day I used one, and it was wonderful. I was recently sick, and they were nice and soft on my runny nose. I didn’t get any of the normal dry nose. 10/10 would recommend.
Paper Towels/Sponges
Paper towels are great for cleaning up oily messes, but not necessary for everyday spills or cleaning. A rag can be used again and again to clean up messes. Most likely, you don’t even need to buy any! Cutting up an old shirt or towel does the trick.
Similarly, a dishrag can be used for years and can be easily cleaned in the laundry. They don’t collect bacteria like a sponge and fill up a landfill. Not to mention the money saved on not having to constantly replace sponges.
I hope this post was helpful and gave you some ideas on how to reduce the amount of waste that you are producing and help you save some money while you are at it! If you have additional ideas on how you reduce waste, I would love to hear them in a comment below!
Did you know I sell soap?
Check out my homemade tallow soap on Etsy!