Produce less waste: With the ever-growing world population, it is becoming increasingly important and urgent that every single person consciously lives less wastefully. It is especially important to limit waste production in your own household. In this way, you can ensure that there is less waste and actively help to protect the environment.
Less waste: think first, then buy
Many of our impulse purchases later turn out to be superfluous. We are often persuaded to buy an item by its presentation, even though we don't need it. A little later, it ends up in the rubbish. Therefore, before you buy an item, think about whether you really need it and will use it.
You will undoubtedly find that you can do just as well with fewer items. If you learn to use less, you will also have more space in your home.
Do not waste paper unnecessarily
This is especially true for people who still diligently print out every email, every pdf and every photo. In fact, it is enough to save important files electronically. Very rarely is a paper copy really necessary. In today's society, we take so many photos that it would be madness to print every single one of them. And after all, the electronic file cannot fade with time. Those who are afraid of losing their memories at some point can make electronic backup copies.
Reuse instead of throwing away
The most important point for less waste production is to use plastic or paper more than once. When shopping, we should all be used to bringing our own shopping bag by now. Those who occasionally find themselves without a bag should at least use the bag they bought several times and not dispose of it immediately.
In some shops it is still common practice to put the goods in a bag for the customer. Whenever possible, you should refuse the bag.
If you want to take your lunch with you, you should buy a lunch box and use it every day. Drinks can also be filled in aluminium bottles or thermos containers at home to avoid plastic waste.
Bet on used goods
Go to a flea market from time to time and buy second-hand items there. Often you can buy a used but better quality product for less money than a new 'made in China' one.
If you no longer need items, give them away to others or donate them to charity instead of throwing them in the rubbish.
Bulk packaging instead of individual packaging
When shopping, make sure that you don't buy food that is unnecessarily packaged several times. Longer-lasting products are better bought in bulk packaging that uses less plastic. Also avoid individually wrapped food.
Leave the car
Even though we are constantly pressed for time, many errands can be done comfortably on foot or by bicycle. This has the advantage that it is also healthier and you don't have to look for a parking space. This doesn't cause less waste, but it is still important for the environment.
Recycling and quality
Of course, everything in the household should be properly recycled and put in the right bin by now. But you can also make sure you buy good quality items that will last longer. So much waste is produced unnecessarily because we buy cheap and it breaks down faster.
With items that cost a little more but also last much longer, you also have more motivation to fix them when something goes wrong.
Food waste
Of course, food scraps should always go into the organic waste bin or the compost. But fruit and vegetable leftovers or bread can be fed to pets. Rabbits, guinea pigs or birds are grateful recipients. Of course, make sure that it is waste without added sugar or chemicals and that the respective animals are allowed to eat it.
Never simply drop rubbish
Although it is sometimes annoying when there is no bin in sight, you should never just throw your rubbish on the ground, not even organic waste. Keep your rubbish in your hand or in a bag you have brought with you until you find a disposal bin, even at home if necessary. You may think a candy wrapper makes no difference. Imagine if everyone thought that way, no matter where they were: how much rubbish would there be on the ground wherever you went!
Everything you do counts in the fight against waste and climate change. Every single person should make it their priority to create less waste.
