Zero Waste New Years’ Resolution Ideas
LEARN
Put a book about zero waste on your New Years’ reading list, such as:
-The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health by Annie Leonard
-Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth
-The Zero Waste Solution by Paul Connett
-101 Ways to Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg
Explore zero waste academic resources. Some places to start:
-Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA)’s Zero Waste Definition and Zero Waste Hierarchy
-The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)’s Zero Waste Masterplan
-Zero Waste Europe’s report, The State of Zero Waste Municipalities 2020
CONNECT
Join and/or subscribe to local zero waste listservs, groups, and newsletters, including:
-Working Toward Plastic Free In Montana Facebook group
-Missoula Buy Nothing Facebook groups (Heart of Missoula, West Missoula, South Missoula)
-Local nonprofits: Home ReSource, Missoula Urban Demonstration Project (MUD), Soil Cycle
Connect with national and international zero waste groups, such as:
-GAIA
Follow or subscribe to zero waste blogs and YouTube channels. Some suggestions:
Talk with your friends, family members, neighbors, and/or colleagues about waste. Be on the lookout for ways to reduce waste at your workplace, school, favorite events, or other places you frequent.
SWAP
Learn a new zero waste skill, such as:
-Repairing: Head over to fixitclinic.com to check out repair resources or register for an upcoming virtual Fixit Clinic.
-Package-free grocery shopping: Check out this how-to guide to get started.
-Reducing food waste and composting: Local resources, tips, and guides here.
-DIY: Try your hand at homemade products! One of the easiest places to start is all-purpose cleaner – one part white vinegar, one part water mixed together in a spray bottle. Check out the zero waste blogs and YouTube channels linked above for more recipes.
Build a zero waste habit, like:
-Practice saying no to things you don’t need. Ask yourself questions before making purchases, like:
Do I really need it? Can I use something else I already have instead? Can I borrow it instead?
How many times will I use it?
Can I buy it used or refurbished instead of new?
Is it long-lasting? Is it repairable?
How will I dispose of it? Is it reusable, donatable, repurpose-able, recyclable, and/or compostable?-Thrift! (Locally, if possible.) You’d be surprised how many things you can find used, repaired, and refurbished – clothes, shoes, furniture, appliances, kitchen goods, jars and containers, electronics, and so much more!
-Make a conscious effort to remember your reusable bag, water bottle, and cloth napkin or handkerchief when leaving the house. If you have trouble remembering, try keeping spares in your car or by the front door, or setting reminders or alarms on your phone.
-Use washable rags/cloths for cleaning. If you don’t already have cleaning rags, you can make some by cutting up old towels or clothes. Toss them in the washer after use to sanitize.
-Save your old pasta and pickle jars as containers for food and other items.
-Give your dishwasher some love and use reusable dishes instead of paper plates and plastic utensils. (Don’t have a dishwasher? You can find them at local thrift stores like Donation Warehouse or the Habitat for Humanity Restore. Old fashioned hand-washing works too!)
Make a zero waste swap. Some ideas to get started:
-Reusable dryer sheets or dryer balls. You can make your own or purchase them pre-made.
-Handkerchief and/or cloth napkins. Reduce the spread of germs by keeping it off common surfaces and washing or sanitizing hands after use (just like you would with disposable tissues and napkins!)
-Bamboo toothbrushes
-Reusable menstrual products (period underwear, reusable pads, menstrual cup or disc)
-Bar soap, or liquid soap in refillable containers
-Metal safety razor
-Cooking and kitchen swaps: Silicone baking sheet, reusable cupcake liners, cloth food wrap, reusable dish cloths and brushes, etc.