Americans produce 4.4lbs of trash every day! Multiply that by 365 days, and that’s 1,606 pounds a year! To be honest, when I look at my day, I’m continually using paper, plastic, cardboard and other non-usable items. Don’t forget all the boxes and bubble wrap I get delivered to my door from online shopping!  But, there are simple changes we can make that will not only contribute to saving earth’s resources, but will also help you declutter your home, save your hard earned money, and create space in your home and life!! Start eliminating unnecessary trash and make these 10 Easy Zero Waste Swaps to Declutter Your Life!

Zero Waste Swaps for the Kitchen

The kitchen is a significant source of my daily trash. It starts at the grocery store, where I accumulate plastic from pre-packaged foods, produces bags, and of course the plastic bags to take my groceries home.
Waste follows me when I cook and even when I pick up take out.  Try using these easy zero waste alternatives in your kitchen.

changes in my kitchen

Including these reusable items has completely changed the way my kitchen works. I am no longer in a frenzy when I'm out of paper towels. Instead, I chuck the kitchen towels into a sanitizing wash and dry, and I'm off to the races. Plastic has been reduced by nearly 50% because we use reusable grocery and produce bags, major win! Also, our cabinets look so HGTV with our glass storage containers.

Zero Waste Swaps When You're on the Go

Have you seen video of the turtle who has a straw stuck up his nose! It’s heartbreaking! Here’s a list of on the go items you can replace to be zero waste on the go! It’s heartbreaking! Did you also hear that fish are consuming plastic in the ocean? 

Every day the earth and its beautiful mammals are suffering because of our plastic consumption. Let's help them out when we're having fun with these zero waste items you can use on the go. 

Changes when I'm out and about

Let me start off by saying that my water intake has increased by at least 48 ounces. Having my water bottle with me is a daily reminder to fill that baby up. Plus I am not taking out the recycling out as much because I don't have piles of water bottles hogging up the recycling bin. 
My keep cup combined with my straws have also been vital in my morning routine. While I'm out driving on my morning hike, I can sip my coffee never having to worry about spills or staining my teeth. 
I haven't used my silverware yet, but I do feel less guilty if I eveer need to make a pit stop.

Zero Waste Swaps for Personal Items

Did you know that facial tissues were invented in 1924? Do you know what we used instead of facial tissues? We used handkerchiefs! Reusable items were also standard when dealing with our menstrual cycles. 

I know these may not be for all of us, but hey, give em a go, eh!

Changes with personal care

Menstrual cups have been a game changer. Using disposable tampons and pads made me feel bleh. The urge to take multiple showers a day never left me, not with my Menstrual cup, I feel as fresh as a daisy! (It does take a few cycles to get the hang of it ;))
I've cut out cotton rounds entirely and have opted for spare bath towels; they work just as great! 

I'm still transitioning when it comes to handkerchiefs, but it's nice not having balls of tissues in my pockets! (Yes, I'm a pocket tissue hoarder)

My Zero Waste Products In Real Life

There you have it! My favorite zero waste substitutes to make your home and the earth a better place! 
Incorporating these bad boys into my home has saved me money and have cleared up space in my apartment. But the cherry on top knows I'm doing my part to protect this precious earth of ours. 

What are your favorite zero waste substitutes? Which zero waste alternatives will you use and where?

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