Starting in her own home, author A Zero Waste Life: In Thirty Days AnitaVandyke cut out all waste from her life — From reusable everything to shopping second hand, these are Vandyke’s tips for starting a zero waste life.
1. Replace your disposables with reusables
“Items such as paper napkins, plastic grocery bags, disposable coffee cups can be replaced with cloth napkins, reusable cloth grocery bags and Keep Cups (reusable coffee cups),” she says.
2. Make secondhand your first choice
“Whenever you need to buy something, try to see if you can buy it secondhand first. Look at designer consignment stores, try eBay, get a tailor to alter your clothes – make a good effort to try to buy secondhand before buying new,” she suggests.
3. Head outside!
“Head outdoors and enjoy doing activities such as hiking, swimming or simply just sitting still and being with nature. By enjoying the outdoors and seeing how amazing Mother Nature is, I have come to appreciate that every step (no matter how small) is important in helping our planet.”
4. Start making your own beauty products
“It’s simple, cost effective and fun. My favourite hack is to upcycle jars to make your own beauty products,” she says, recommending a recipe of brown sugar, melted coconut oil, essential oil and olive oil as a homemade exfoliant.
For those who just can’t give up their shopping habit, Vandyke has some advice: just give up the habit part. “Put yourself on a spending ban, see if you can go one week or one month without buying any clothing, beauty items or accessories. Realising that I had enough and not craving more has been the biggest lesson I’ve learnt in my minimalist life,” she says. “Your clothing and beauty choices should not cost the earth – both literally and metaphorically.”
“Buy less but buy better – when you need to actually buy something (need not want) buy the best quality you can afford. Support secondhand retailers, support brands that are ethical, support local artisans. I am so proud of how far the fashion industry has come. I love labels such as KitX and also Stella McCartney who are doing amazing work with recycled textile and even recycled plastic!”
