Proper handling of household garbage is a small but quite significant step toward sustainability and eco-friendliness. The disastrous state of waste management provides a very disturbing picture of our environment. It is also very concerning that landfills receive garbage at a pace of millions of tons every year, and almost 75% don’t get any treatment at all. If we ignore these environmental issues, we will cause even greater problems and more severe future calamities. It all starts with our homes, so here is a useful guide on how to handle your household garbage more effectively.
Go paperless
Many trees are cut down every year to produce paper. Of course, we need it for many things, but we cannot ignore the unsettling reality behind it for too long. Reducing paper use is crucial if we want to lessen waste. Digital techniques and tools make it easy to write receipts, send invoices, and do many other things you would otherwise have to complete on a piece of paper. So, the best way to reduce its consumption and its impact on household garbage is to eliminate it almost completely. Also, you can bring your old newspapers and notebooks to recycling centers.
Separating degradable and non-degradable waste
Proper disposal of home garbage needs careful separation into two categories: degradable and non-degradable. For example, you can use separate trash cans for these two types. You can use degradable materials to prepare organic manure, while you can sort non-degradable into recyclables and non-recyclables. You can check out DIY garbage can hauling solutions when looking for the perfect cans for your household garbage, as these are great choices that are specially designed to secure the handle in position while you transport the trash can. This helps you take your trash cans to the end of the driveway much easier.
Donate
If you have too many clothes that you don’t wear anymore, probably the first thing that comes to your mind is to throw them in the garbage. However, you have the option to donate your belongings, especially if you have much more than you wear and need. Donate your old clothes to a local charity shop or an orphanage, and someone will surely be really happy and grateful. Just make sure that the clothes are in good condition and clean.
Composting
Don’t throw away edible leftovers and grass clippings. Instead, you can compost them to make nutrient-rich soil that you can use to feed your garden. Different composting methods need different ingredients. For example, some need a blend of meat and dairy, while others will do best with vegetable and fruit garbage. Collect the following items to make a simple compost pile:
- Green and biodegradable items, like vegetable scraps, used coffee or tea bags, grass clippings and leaves
- Stumps and branches, paper, eggshells, sawdust
Avoid bottled water
Avoid using bottled water unless you cannot use tap water for drinking. Many cities have a huge problem with the amount of plastic waste, and water bottles are among the main pollutants. You can always try to filter the tap water as it is cheaper for you and more eco-friendly. If you really have to use these bottles, go for big ones. Get a 5-gallon instead of the 18-pack, as this will result in less plastic waste.
Use cloth bags
You can drastically cut down your household garbage if you choose cloth bags instead of plastic ones. Buy a bunch of reusable bags and put them somewhere convenient, like your kitchen or your car’s trunk. Also, you can use them for more than just grocery shopping. Pack one with you the next time you go shopping for clothing, tools, or anything else you need.
Plan your meals
Because many people don’t prepare their food on time, a lot of it ends up in waste as they often prepare too much. So, it is best to plan ahead. With this preparation, you won’t make much more food than you and your family really need. Also, doing this can help you develop some healthy food shopping habits, which will also save you money and time. Also, make sure to store your food the right way, as this will help you extend its shelf life, meaning you won’t have to buy it too often.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
This strategy can help you effectively manage your garbage. First of all, you should reduce packaging waste if you purchase in bulk. Also, you can switch to electronic billing, subscriptions, and receipts to cut down on your paper use.
Reuse old things in creative ways. For example, you can make cleaning rags out of old clothing or store some groceries in glass jars. Also, do your best to buy long-lasting reusable items rather than buying one product many times a month and creating more waste.
When it comes to recycling, you should sort and clean your recyclables properly, and be aware of any changes to local recycling programs or procedures.
Minimal purchasing habits
Buying fewer items is a simple but very effective and powerful way to cut down on household garbage. If you buy too many products or too often, then you boost trash production. Also, be considerate about your spending, as you don’t want to buy unnecessary items. Rather, make good use of what you have at home.
Make soaps and detergents at home
You won’t find any biodegradable detergent or cleaning product in the market nowadays. So, if you are thinking about making homemade soaps, detergents, and bathroom cleaners, you can find many useful online resources to help you do this. Also, you’ll cut your plastic waste this way, and make chemical-free detergents and cleaning products that will also be healthier for everyone in your household.
Reducing your household garbage, using segregation, donating, composting, and buying rationally can do wonders for making your home more eco-friendly. Everything we have mentioned is a necessary component of effective waste management, and every one of us needs to implement these measures if we want to have a cleaner and more sustainable future.
