Five simple ways to go zero waste

In her new book, Claire Hémery Poirier gave us her advice on how to gradually move towards a zero waste lifestyle. To achieve this, you have to follow a method that respects the 5 ‘Rs’ rule: Reject, Reduce, Reuse, Return to nature, and Recycle. Allow us to explain.

1. Reject the unnecessary

Reject anything you don't need! The author reminds us: ‘The best waste is that which is not produced.’ Simple!

So start by rejecting all small items, such as cosmetics or food, and especially anything made of plastic. Most of these things are single-use, right? By accepting them, we encourage the manufacture of new products, thus the production of waste, etc.

2. Reduce the quantity of products

Reduce your purchases by simplifying your lifestyle. Think about your real needs, which will make your daily life easier by not having to deal with bulky objects and/or those that are only used once a year. Think about renting, lending to your neighbours…

3. Reuse

Reuse as much as possible, i.e., gradually eliminate disposable objects. The author reminds us that:

Reusing allows us to avoid unnecessary consumption, it also means diverting objects that we already have from their original function in order to avoid buying new things.

4. Return to nature

Think compost! Bio-waste represents a third of what’s in our rubbish bins, whereas it is quite easy to compost in your garden, on your balcony, and even indoors. You will be surprised at the reduction in your waste and you will be able to ‘return’ this vegetable waste to nature.

5. Recycle

There are inevitably things that must be thrown away. Be careful, says the author:

Zero waste is not 100% recycling, quite the opposite: this process consumes energy and generates greenhouse gases (transport, processing). If you have no choice, choose glass, paper, cardboard, and metal packaging, as they can be recycled several times, unlike plastic.

Watch out video above to find out how to be zero waste in your kitchen!