What Is Zero Waste?

What Does a Zero-Waste Lifestyle Mean?
People living a zero-waste lifestyle strive to use as little single-use plastic as possible, instead opting for sustainable and reusable alternatives. Those who get into the lifestyle work to steadily replace everything from food packaging to hygiene products to clothing with more sustainable, plastic-free alternatives.
What Is the Goal of Zero Waste?
The immediate goal of a zero-waste lifestyle is to send zero trash to landfill. However, because we don’t live in a zero-waste world and so many things are out of our control, most people in the movement acknowledge that sending nothing to landfill is near impossible, so they emphasize just doing as much as you can, and not putting too much emphasis on being perfect.
The ultimate goal of a zero-waste lifestyle is to reduce one’s consumption of single-use plastic and one's personal environmental impact as much as possible, and to inspire others to do the same.
Why Live Zero Waste?
The average American produces about 4.4 pounds of trash a day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That’s 1,606 pounds of trash a year, per person. So by reducing the amount of trash you create, you could literally save thousands of pounds of trash from entering landfills — proving that one person really can make a difference.
Waste in landfills, whether it’s biodegradable, plastic, or anything in between, will emit greenhouse gases, which directly contribute to climate change. The EPA notes that in the U.S., municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills account for about 14 percent of human-caused methane emissions, making landfills the third-biggest source of human-related methane emissions.
Why Isn’t Plastic Zero Waste?
Plastic is a non-renewable resource, made from fossil fuels as part of the oil industry, as explained by the Surfrider Foundation. That means the process of drilling for oil to make plastic is unsustainable. To top it off, only 91 percent of plastic actually gets recycled, plastic releases greenhouse gases once sent to landfills, plastic take hundreds of years to disappear (all plastic ever created is still on Earth today), and plastic often breaks down into microplastics which pollute oceans.
How to Start Living Zero Waste
If you are interested in working your way towards a zero-waste lifestyle, there are so many easy ways to get started. Many zero wasters recommend beginning by looking through your trash and recycling bins to see what you’re throwing out the most.
For example: If your garbage can is filled with food scraps, start composting. If your bin is overflowing with paper products like napkins, paper towels, and tissues, invest in some cloth napkins, cleaning cloths (which you can easily upcycle from old towels), and hankies. And if you notice a lot of food packaging, start shopping in your grocery store’s bulk section, or looking for foods packaged in recyclable packaging.
Zero Waste Products to Get You Started
If you’re anxious to get rid of all your plastic-packaged and single-use products when transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle, remember that it’s more eco-friendly to use them up, and then replace them with eco-friendly alternatives when you need to. Some classic products that may help you reduce your waste (and save money over time) include: a reusable water bottle, reusable grocery bags, reusable bamboo utensils, a reusable stainless steel straw, reusable cloth makeup rounds, a bamboo toothbrush, glass or metal food containers, and beauty, skincare, and hygiene products that are “naked” or packaged in glass.
Can You Really Grocery Shop Zero Waste?
Yes! Green Matters has plenty of tips for going zero-waste grocery shopping. If your store has bulk bins, you can bring in your own jars, containers, or bulk bags, get the tare weight, and fill them up. If not, there are so many other ways to reduce your impact in the grocery store.
Why Is Shopping Secondhand Considered Zero Waste?
Before buying something new, many people who live zero waste will check thrift stores, secondhand clothing apps (like Poshmark and thredUP), and eBay for the item secondhand. Not only will shopping secondhand save you money, but it also takes something out of the waste stream that may have gone to landfill otherwise, and it reduces the demand for new products. Win, win win.
What Zero Waste Blogs Can Help?
Green Matters is filled with tips for reducing your impact and living zero waste, and we’re also fans of a few blogs and YouTube accounts that can help you get started. Check out Going Zero Waste, Shelbizleee, Zero Waste Home, Trash Is for Tossers, Zero Waste Chef, Wasteland Rebel, and Wild Minimalist.
How Is Zero Waste Good for Your Health?
By using less plastic for food storage and packaging, your food and skin will come into less contact with plastic every day. As Because Health explains, that means you’ll be exposed to less BPA, which is a potential carcinogen, and phthalates, which are potential endocrine disruptors.
Additionally, trying to avoid plastic-wrapped meals and snacks may lead you to choosing less-processed foods and eating healthier overall. For example, things like fresh produce, fresh bread, and bulk coffee beans are often easy to get package-free. The same goes for personal hygiene — products that come in plastic-free packaging are often more natural, meaning you may wind up exposing your body to less chemicals.
Latest What Is Zero Waste? News and Updates
Sustainable Sheet Masks: Try These Compostable and Reusable Options
Sheet masks can be super relaxing, moisturizing, and sadly, wasteful. But they don't have to be, thanks to compostable and reusable options.Retold Recycling Is Making Fabric Recycling Convenient — and Spreading the Word on 'Shark Tank' (Exclusive)
Retold Recycling appeared on 'Shark Tank' to seek an investment in the convenient textile recycling company.Yes, Plastic Recycling Is a Bit of a Scam. Here’s Why We Should Still Do It
Yes, the plastic recycling industry is kind of a scam. But still, we should recycle everything that is recyclable.DIY Tips for Making Your Own Composting Toilet
Learning how to build a composting toilet is a great way to start living a zero-waste lifestyle.Eco-Friendly Spray Dish Soaps to Help Wash Your Dishes More Efficiently
There are a number of cruelty-free and eco-friendly spray dish soaps on the market.How to Recycle and Donate Linens: Blankets, Towels, and More
Donating and recycling blankets and other linens is very possible — there are a few companies and organizations that can help.How to Use Soap Nuts to Make Your Laundry Routine Zero-Waste
If you've ever wondered about using soap nuts to make your laundry routine zero-waste, read on.The Best Reusable and Compostable Cotton Swabs
Are there any zero-waste Q-tip alternatives out there that can help us avoid sending plastic cotton swabs to landfills?Zero-Waste Laundry Detergent Sheets for a Sustainable Clothing Wash
These are some of the best laundry detergent sheets.Exploring the Unsung Culinary Uses of Carrot Tops
We often cut the tops off carrots and dispose of them, but did you know that even the leafy parts can be delicious?How to Save Water at Home: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Tips
Save water around the house with these 15 tips.4 of the Best Ugly Produce Companies, Who Are All Helping Avoid Food Waste
Produce that is considered “ugly” often ends up in landfills, but some companies are proving that even the ugliest foods have a place in the kitchen.What to Do With Amazon Boxes — Besides Just Recycling Them
Amazon deliveries are at a historic high, but what are you supposed to do with all those Amazon boxes — besides recycling them, obviously?Recycled Fun: 6 Great Places to Find Used Toys Online
If you’re looking for used toys, these six online shops are a perfect way to breathe new life into old playthings.Easy DIY, Zero-Waste Fabric Refresher Spray Recipes
These DIY fabric refresher recipes will freshen up even your funkiest fabrics.Are Diapers Biodegradable? Here Are the Most Sustainable Diaper Options
Are diapers biodegradable? Here's your guide to keeping diaper time eco-friendly.What to Do With Non-Winning Lottery Tickets, Since They Can't All Be Winners
Very few people win the lottery or win anything at all on scratch-off tickets, but can non-winning tickets be recycled or used for anything else?Do Compostable Diapers Exist? Biodegradable Brands to Look Out For
Is there such a thing as compostable diapers? We've discovered a few brands that are biodegradable — without chemicals that will harm the environment.A Controversial Canadian Politician Is Trying to Overturn a Straw Ban in Her Province
Premier Danielle Smith wants to use the sovereignty act to overrule the single-use plastic ban in Alberta, Canada.England to Announce Ban on Single-Use Plastic Balloon Sticks, Cutlery, and More
A new single-use plastic ban is about to be enacted in England, in an effort to reduce pollution across the U.K.DIY Mosquito Repellent That's Eco-Friendly, Safe, and *Actually* Effective
Learn how you can DIY your way to a mosquito-free summer with this repellent!Our Favorite Zero-Waste, Cruelty-Free Hand Soaps
We’ve rounded up eight companies — plus one DIY option — making low-impact, cruelty-free hand soaps, from hand soap tablets to bar soaps to liquid refills in plastic-free bottles.5 DIY Wreath Ideas That Are Low-Waste and Festive
Buying a brand-new wreath can be expensive and unsustainable, but these DIY wreath ideas are a great alternative.Avoiding Candles? Try These 3 Amazing Simmer Pots for the Holidays
If you’re trying to avoid candles this season, these three simmer pot recipes for the holidays are a great alternative.Making Your Own Lip Scrub Has Never Been So Sweet — Check Out These DIY Recipes
Lip scrubs can be an important part of any skincare routine. Here's how to make your own with some of our favorite recipes.Only 4.7 Percent of Plastic Was Recycled in the U.S. in 2021, Greenpeace Report Finds
Does plastic get recycled? A Greenpeace report found that 2021 recycling rates in the U.S. were abysmal.Compostable Pads, Tampons, and Liners for a Sustainable Period
Are pads biodegradable? And more importantly, can pads or tampons ever be composted?Zero Acre Farms Unveils "Cultured Oil," Claiming That It's the Best Cooking Oil for the Environment
Which is the best cooking oil for the environment? A new product called Cultured Oil from Zero Acre Farms claims to hold the title.Give Your Fur Coat New Life by Donating It to Help Wildlife — Plus Other Ideas
If you want to recycle or donate an old fur coat, there are a number of options!The Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly Drag Makeup, Outfits, Wigs, and More
We have some tips for eco-friendly drag makeup, outfits, wigs and more.International Plastic Bag Free Day Is July 3 — Here Are Our Favorite Reusable Bags
International Plastic Bag Free Day is July 3, so if you aren't already well-equipped, these are our favorite reusable bags.These Sustainable Refill Stores Will Make Going Zero Waste Seem Like a Total Breeze
Sustainable refill stores: here are the best stores offering bulk-buying options for shoppers who care for the environment, quality, and prices.How to Create a Zero-Waste Makeup Routine: Everything You Need to Know
Creating a zero-waste makeup routine is easier than ever, since there are so many plastic-free makeup companies and products out there these days.Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic, From Food Packaging to Makeup
Thanks to engineers and inventors around the world, new innovations that can replace plastic are constantly cropping up.The Best Zero-Waste, Sustainable, and Non-Toxic Dish Soaps for Sensitive Skin
We’ve rounded up a few of the best dish soaps for sensitive skin, including vegan, zero-waste, sustainable, and EWG Verified brands.How to Recycle Light Bulbs of All Kinds, in Light of the Incandescent Ban
Here is a simple guide on how to recycle and safely dispose of light bulbs, including incandescents, halogens, LEDs, fluorescents, and CFLs.Is Plastic Wrap Recyclable? Here's How to Safely Dispose of Pesky Plastic Wrap, Explained
One of the most commonly used plastics is plastic wrap, also known as Saran or cling wrap. Is it recyclable? Here's everything we know.Maison Jar Is Brooklyn’s Newest Zero-Waste, One-Stop Shop (Exclusive)
Maison Jar just opened its doors in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Greenpoint, inviting locals to shop for various package-free essentials, from frozen fruit to shampoo.Toothbrushes Cause More Waste Than You Might Think — Here's How to Recycle Them
Are toothbrushes recycleable? We use them every day, but they also get thrown out a lot. Here are some more eco-friendly options to try.Greywater Systems Reduce Household Water Waste by up to 40 Percent
What is a greywater system? Those who are interested in lowering their impact may be interested in reducing water waste, with this incredible system.These Restaurants and Food Delivery Platforms Offer Reusable Takeout Containers
If more restaurants offered food and drinks in reusable packaging that could be washed, the restaurant industry could reduce waste immensely.Stop Flushing Your Contact Lenses Down the Drain — Recycle Them Instead
Most contact lenses are made with plastic, and while you can't recycle them curbside, here's how you can recycle them.How Food Co-Ops Work to Save You Money, Reduce Waste, and Build Community
Food co-ops are a great place to shop for zero-waste, local, and healthy foods, get involved in your community, and so much more.How to Make a Sustainable Margarita on National Margarita Day
It’s National Margarita Day! If you’re an eco-conscious fan of margs, you’ll be delighted to know that there are so many easy ways to make an eco-friendly margarita.The Ultimate Guide to Recycling Guitar Strings, Woodwind Reeds, and More
Keep reading for our guide on how to recycle guitar strings, orchestral strings, woodwind reeds, and more.Why You Won't See Any Single-Use Plastic in 'Marry Me,' the New J.Lo Movie
The movie 'Marry Me' doesn’t show any single-use plastic on-screen, instead intentionally opting for reusables.5 Designer Toilet Paper Brands That Also Support Safety Around the World
Why should I buy designer toilet paper? Not only is it beautiful and sustainable, but these brands support causes that help people around the world.These Food Storage Tips From TikTok Will Save So Much Food From Going to Waste
If you're looking to save money on groceries and lower your impact, food storage is key — these TikTok hacks will help divert food from being wasted.These Zero-Waste Restaurants Around the World Are the Future of Dining
These zero-waste restaurants are making a number of efforts to reduce both their landfill waste and environmental footprints.Men Care About Sustainable Living, Too — Just Look at These Influencers and Activists
Something that may help the men in your life level up is encouraging them to follow male sustainability influencers.