Jan 3, 2019

Creating a Zero-Waste Household

by Meagan, Customer Service Mermaid

The amount of garbage the average American throws out is often something that doesn't get much of a second thought. But when we look at the health of the planet, I think most can agree that we need a change. The average American produces 4.3lbs of trash a day - that’s 1600 lbs of waste a year. But it doesn't take much effort to significantly reduce the amount of waste we produce, through the common saying: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Here are some ideas:

• Shop bulk with your own containers, reuse plastic produce bags

• Carry a stainless steel water bottle

• Buy grocery totes and keep them in your car

• Buy the reusable version of items you already use,  like wool dryer balls, menstrual cups, handkerchiefs, mesh coffee filters, tea balls, silicone cupcake cups, beeswax or silicone sandwich bags, etc.

• Reuse things you already have, like plastic takeout containers, ripped clothes.

• Choose paper products made from bamboo or hemp instead of trees (i.e., tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)

• Put a brick in your toilet tank to save water

By making these small changes, we can remove ourselves from the cycle of waste and have a significant environmental impact.