First steps to becoming zero waste

Recently, we have been hearing catastrophic news that makes us anxious, and we don't even know how to start taking care of the environment. One of the most problematic issues is waste. According to the BBC, over 2.1 billion tons of waste are produced globally each year, enough to fill more than 800,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.It is urgent that we do something radical and definitive about it. Have you heard about Zero Waste?In the Zero Waste movement, the goal is to minimize the waste and garbage we generate every day. Thus, the purpose of zero waste is not only to reduce environmental impact but also to encourage people to live with fewer material possessions and lead a life richer in moments and experiences that make us feel what truly matters.To start being part of the Zero Waste movement, it is important to keep these points in mind:Reject what we don't need. This involves changing daily habits mechanically. For example, when you go to the supermarket, instead of using plastic bags, bring your reusable bags; choose products that come in glass containers so you can repurpose them; discard items with unnecessary packaging; always prefer glass, cardboard, or paper over plastic. Before consuming something, think twice about whether you really need it and if it is something you will use repeatedly in the long run; if not, do without it. Reduce what we need. There are basic products in the kitchen, bathroom, or personal hygiene that we simply cannot live without; however, we can replace traditional items to avoid waste. Nowadays, there are many zero waste alternatives. For example, you could start by replacing commercial toothpaste with chewable toothpaste tablets, making your own deodorant with baking soda, swapping towels and tampons for a menstrual cup that will last approximately 10 years, using a steel razor with interchangeable blades, and using solid shampoo, conditioner, and even body cream without plastic packaging. Additionally, always carry a thermos for water to avoid buying bottled water, and have a container on hand for street food and a set of cutlery to avoid disposables. You don't need to spend more to have these items; just look for utensils at home that can serve this purpose. Recycle what we cannot reject, reduce, or reuse. Above all, it is about reducing plastic consumption, especially single-use plastic. For example, if you decide to buy a jar of mayonnaise, instead of a plastic bottle that would end up in the trash, you can use the jar to store seeds or bulk foods, or you can make crafts with it. The cardboard that eggs come in can be used as a container to germinate plants or to improve the acoustics of a room; while the cardboard tubes from toilet paper can be used for crafts with your children, and cans from chocolate or powdered milk can also be used for storage. The point is to keep giving things a use and thus avoid creating waste. Compost, decompose. At a more advanced level of Zero Waste, we can create compost to decompose organic waste and biodegradable products to turn them back into raw materials. The Zero Waste movement is a way of living more consciously, simplifying life, practicing detachment from material possessions, living with less, and investing money and time in what truly matters. And most importantly, you are countering the impact of your decisions, creating awareness to help the planet stop environmental damage, and taking concrete actions that contribute positively.