Apartment living often comes with some square footage constraints, but it doesn’t have to mean you can’t live a zero-waste lifestyle. In many ways though, apartment dwelling can be more conducive to monitoring your usage, practicing mindfulness and keeping on top of things. The zero-waste lifestyle is not about achieving perfection; nobody can be perfect (does the definition even exist?) Instead, it is about purposefully minimizing the amount of trash we send to the landfill and making more sustainable choices every day. (Claudia Totir via Getty Images) Small changes in light of your apartment can add up to make a big, positive difference for the environment. Below, we discover some of the most simple and easy zero waste habits for small apartment living.
Go Reusables (Even in Tiny Kitchens)
Apartment kitchens may be small, but they are the perfect breeding grounds for minimizing single-use items. Get a few reusable shopping bags that roll up small. Replace plastic food storage bags with reusable silicone bags or nesting glass containers. Forgo paper towels in favor of reusable cloths that can be washed and reused. Keep a refillable water bottle and reusable coffee cup handy so you never have to use disposables while you’re on-the-run. Even small swaps — like using reusable cutlery in place of plastic takeout utensils — add up.
Rethink How Much You Use
Living in a smaller space will force you to be more deliberate about what you bring into your home. Ask yourself, before you buy: Do you really need this? Does it add value to your life? Choose experiences over things when you can. Frequent your local libraries, finding what you would like to read or watch, instead of purchasing items brand new. Borrow items you’ll use only once in a while from friends or neighbors. When you do need to purchase something, prioritize quality over quantity, and select items that are built to last.
Ace Waste Separation and Composting (Apartment-Friendly!)
Recycling relies on correct waste separation. Make sure you have the right containers to separate your various recyclables according to your municipality’s guidelines. If you live in an apartment, you can still compost! Think about a small compost bin for food scraps on the counter. With proper filters and maintenance, these can even be odor-free. You can always then move the compost to a larger community garden, if there is one in your area, or some cities have compost drop-off programs. Or check out vermicomposting (worm composting), which is perfect if you’re living in an apartment. Other forms of entertainment and recreation are also possible online, such as one NBA online betting site but this is not helpful as far as decreasing home waste.
DIY and Refills are Your Besties
You can easily get rid of lots of packaging waste by making your own household and personal care products. Basic recipes for cleaners, laundry soap, and even personal care products are all over the internet. Seek out local shops with bulk refill options for soap, shampoo or cleaning supplies. Bring your jugs to be refilled and obvious the need for new plastic bottles.
Declutter often and Donate responsibility
Keeping your apartment decluttered encourages your fight against waste, because your things are less likely to go to the dump. Donations Give away clothing and household items or electronics to local charities or thrift shops. Ponder selling things online or doing a swap with neighbors. This type of responsible disposal ensures that things that can be reused get reused, rather than going to waste.
Wrapping Up
Living a zero-waste lifestyle in an apartment is totally doable and just requires a certain level of awareness and a few easy habit changes. Apartment dwellers can make a difference, one tiny space at a time, by reusing, mindfully consuming, separating waste, DIY and responsible decluttering. It’s all about finding what works for your lifestyle and making daily, sustainable choices that add up to a healthier planet.