In 2021, just 5 to 6% of US plastic waste was recycled. 10% was incinerated and the rest went to landfills. Yet over the last 42 years, Americans’ consumption of plastic has increased by 263%.
It’s clear that something’s got to change. The good news is you can do things at home not only to reduce the amount of trash you generate but also to reduce energy waste.
Let’s look at how to reduce waste at home in three easy steps.
Step 1 – Reduce Plastic Waste
To live eco-friendly, you need to reduce your dependence on single-use plastics. This will automatically reduce the amount of waste you generate.
Do you currently use plastic straws? Make the switch to metal straws. They come with a handy brush, are easy to keep clean, and work better than plastic ones.
When you go shopping, take cloth bags with you. You can use them again and again – just throw them in the laundry from time to time. No need to use single-use plastic bags anymore.
Buying food in bulk means less plastic packaging. Try to pick up produce that is not already bagged. Rather than using plastic containers, switch to glass or metal, which is more sustainable.
Step 2 – Reduce Energy Waste
Did you know that when fossil fuels are converted into electricity, two-thirds of the energy is wasted?
Make the switch to solar and you immediately reduce energy waste. Of course, it takes energy to make the panels in the first place. But when you consider that they last for 25 or more years, you will waste less energy than continuing to depend on fossil fuels.
The solar panel price may be less than you think. There are federal and state incentive programs to sweeten the deal.
Another easy way to reduce energy waste is to reduce your energy usage. Turn off appliances that you’re not currently using. This includes:
- TVs
- Printers
- Computers
- Game consoles
Ever left your laptop on charge way longer than needed? That’s wasting energy and is an easy fix.
Step 3 – Find New Homes for Unwanted Items
Most of us have items and clothing in our homes that we know we’ll never use again. But don’t just throw them in the garbage.
Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And when you sell or donate your unwanted items, you save energy and resources.
Spend a little time decluttering your home and then make some decisions. If your stuff is in good condition, a local charity may be very happy to take it off your hands. Some will even collect bulky items.
If you’re feeling a little entrepreneurial, why not hold a garage sale? They’re a great way to give your old stuff a new, meaningful life in someone else’s home. Plus, you can earn yourself a few bucks in the process.
The Bottom Line: How to Reduce Waste at Home
This guide on how to reduce waste at home has shown that it’s not as difficult as it seems.
Take a few practical steps to reduce plastic waste by eliminating your use of single-use plastics. Investigate going solar and reduce your energy usage in the process. Finally, sell or donate old items rather than send them to landfills.
For more handy hints and tips, check out our Hacks section today!
