How to Live a Zero Waste Lifestyle? A Complete Guide

Our homes reflect who we are. We are deeply attached to our homes and how we arrange them. See, we felt good every time we cleaned our house and slept better after spring cleaning our bedroom. 

We are more likely to remember where we shop and our grocery bags when we have a designated spot for them in front of our house every time we go shopping. However, if our houses are already overflowing with items, all our efforts will likely be in vain.  

One of the most resonating questions is still "How to live a zero-waste life" in this age of hustle and bustle. People genuinely want to know how they can get rid of extra things from their lives and have things of their own choice around them. 

This being said, it's time for action!

Guide to Live a Zero-waste Lifestyle

Now that you’re here, let’s find a step-by-step way to live a zero-waste lifestyle. 

Disclaimer: It might get overwhelming at some points. 

1. Look at what you have and what you want your life to be like

Look around before you start using your excellent new natural DIY cleaning products. 

Do you think your home is overly cluttered?  What is cluttering your home? 

Mark it down and ask yourself whether it reflects who you're inside. 

Having more storage containers will not help you to declutter your house, so don't bother to get them. 

Remember that decluttering aims to have more space, not to create orderly clutter. 

2. Go Category by Category

Marie Kondo, an expert on tidying up, says it is best to start tidying up category by category, such as Books, Clothes, Office stuff, papers, kitchen stuff, etc. The room-by-room method is very time-consuming, so using the categorical method is best. It is the best way to ensure you don't miss anything. Arrange everything in the middle of your room and choose what you want to keep. 

Our pals at Home DIY wrote an interesting article on this topic and published a checklist to help you. 

3. Keep What Sparkles Joy

You want to make your house feel happy, safe, and content in its unique space. To do this, only opt for the things that are useful for you and that spark joy within you. 

To manage the procedure, create three piles: "Keep," "On Hold," and "Discard." Take each item of your house and think about which pile they belong to. Throw them away instantly if you haven't used them for at least a year or it doesn't spark joy in you while you hold them. The same goes for duplicates. Their place is also in the Discard pile. 

4. Have respect for what you're getting rid of

The kitchen appliances, extra dishes, dusty books, clothes you haven't worn since high school, makeup that vanished from the back of your cupboard, and all the craft supplies you held onto because "one day, who knows" are all items you are parting with. 

Instead of throwing them away, thank them for being there for you. Recognize that you are saving them from the trash by giving them a new home with someone who could need your belongings instead of throwing them in. Letting go is much easier when one is grateful!

5. When it Gets Hard

Everyone experiences it. It's more difficult to let go of some things than others. Ask yourself the reasons behind your problems with that particular item. If it stems from previous relationships, consider why it matters to you now and whether it still should. 

• Do you think we should keep this for yourself or the other person? 

• Do you hold onto items based solely on how they portray you? 

• Do you require that outside approval? 

If something is expensive, ask yourself whether it has added value and happiness to your house. If it isn't, donate or sell it. 

6. Make It Shine

Remember all of the fantastic cleaners you learned how to create here? Now that everything you own is in the center of the space take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to use it. Make sure to tidy your cupboards, drawers, and other storage areas!

7. Organize

At the end of our quest to know how to live a zero-waste lifestyle, one important skill is to organize things. 

Now, as you're discarding, focus on what you want and how you want to have them. For instance, if you, like me, frequently forget your grocery bags, move them to the front door of your house or into your car to help you remember them later. Arrange things to make it simple to access the items and pursuits you choose to concentrate on. 

Start with some classic reads. Zero-Waste Home by Bea Johnson and The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo are excellent resources.

Wrap Up

So here is all to know: how to live a zero-waste lifestyle. 

If you're curious to know if our advice is helpful, leave a picture in the comment section below or on a greener life community here!

FAQs 

Q1: What is a zero-waste lifestyle? 

A zero-waste lifestyle is a concept of living with less. You truly live by the "less is more" mantra. This lifestyle makes you minimalist and removes excessive stuff from your life. Simply put, this lifestyle minimizes waste from your home to landfills. The struggle is continuous but worth it in the end.

Q2: Can we achieve a zero-waste lifestyle? 

Although it seems unachievable practically, a zero-waste lifestyle can be achieved by following the tips mentioned above. By starting small, we can overcome the situation of abundant waste in landfills. Start small and start today because every bit counts. 

Q3: What is the best way to declutter my house? 

The best way to declutter your house is to arrange everything and dispose of extra or useless items. This process is very long and rigorous. However, using the category method can save you time and effort.