Living a more zero-waste life may sound challenging, but small, consistent changes can make a meaningful impact, while making you think more mindfully about the impact you have on your environment.  

 

Here’s our top 10 ways on how to begin your zero waste journey:

1. Embrace the 5 R’s: Start with Refuse what you don’t need, Reduce what you consume, Reuse whatever you can, Recycle only what’s unavoidable, and Rot (compost) the rest
    

2. Bring your own kit: Assemble a zero-waste survival kit for daily outings, think reusable mug, water bottle, shopping tote bag.
    

3. Shop in bulk: Use refillable containers or jars to avoid packaging, and only buy what you’ll use.
    

4. Ditch single-use plastics: Refuse plastic cutlery, straws, bags, and switch to reusable alternatives like stainless steel bottles and using a tote bag.
    

5. Compost at home: Even in small spaces, composting food scraps through worm bins or bokashi systems redirects waste from landfill. You can order a reduced price compost bin from Wirral council for your garden.
    

6. Choose second-hand & repair: Go to the charity shop, use apps like Vinted and Ebay, swap, or mend clothes instead of buying new. Think about fashion trends in the longer term, with choice pieces, rather than fast fashion that ends up in landfill. Learn how to repair clothes so you can make do and mend!
    

7. Switch to bar soaps: Use a bar of soap and switch to bars of shampoo to reduce the plastic waste in your bathroom.
    

8. Support local, seasonal produce: Shop at farmers’ markets, or choose British grown products in the supermarket by looking at the country of origin.
    

9. Borrow instead of buying: For tools, books, or equipment you don’t use often, check out local libraries of things, sharing groups on Facebook, or ask friends and family. This reduces waste, saves money, and builds stronger community connections.
    

10. Track and reflect what you put in your bin: Conduct a mini rubbish audit to spot waste patterns, see if there are things you could stop purchasing, or could purchase in a zero waste way.

Zero-waste isn't about perfection, it’s a journey. Every step you take, no matter how small, counts. Root these changes in connection to your home, your community, and the natural world around you, and inspire others to do the same.