Redesigning our lives to eliminate waste and create circular systems
Understanding the scale of the problem
Tons of waste generated globally each year
Global recycling rate (only!)
Value of plastic packaging wasted annually
Tons of CO₂ from waste management annually
Sources for: "Global waste statistics and environmental impact"
The most impactful step: say no to what you don't need. Prevention is better than recycling.
Minimize consumption and choose quality over quantity. Americans throw away 82 lbs of textiles per person annually.
Choose reusables over disposables. 1 reusable water bottle replaces 167 plastic bottles/year.
Last resort after refuse, reduce, and reuse. Proper recycling saves 95% energy vs. virgin aluminum production.
Return organics to the earth. Composting reduces methane emissions by 50% vs. landfills.
Sources for: "Zero waste practices and waste reduction statistics"
Buy in bulk with reusable containers
Reduces packaging waste by 90%
Beeswax wraps replace plastic wrap
Last 1+ year, fully compostable
Silicone storage bags vs. Ziploc
Reusable 3,000+ times
Compost bin for food scraps
Diverts 200+ lbs/year from landfill
Shampoo & soap bars
Eliminates 552M plastic bottles/year
Bamboo toothbrush
1 billion plastic toothbrushes discarded yearly in US
Safety razor vs. disposables
Saves $200/year, lasts lifetime
Reusable cotton rounds
Replaces 365 disposables/person/year
Reusable produce bags
Americans use 100B plastic bags/year
Shop farmers markets
Less packaging, supports local economy
Choose glass/metal over plastic
Infinitely recyclable materials
BYOC (Bring Your Own Container)
Many stores fill your containers
Digital subscriptions vs. magazines
Saves 55 lbs paper/year
Library instead of buying books
1 library book = 6.6 purchased books saved
Repair instead of replace
Extends product life 5-10x
Experience gifts vs. physical items
Zero waste, maximum memories
Sources for: "Zero waste household strategies and impact"