To start with zero waste

 1. Try to minimize the things you bring into your home.

If fewer things enter your house, it's easier to manage your home. This applies to everything we buy, such as food, clothes, toys, and accessories.

As we mentioned last week, Bea Johnson, in her book, talks about how when they decided to move, they put 80% of their belongings in storage and didn't miss them after a while.

Sometimes, once items enter our homes, they can create a lifestyle. The question we need to ask ourselves is whether we really need these items and what they bring with them.

2. Try to shop using reusable bags and containers.

It's usually possible to find these at markets. When buying products like legumes or pickles in bulk, you can give your own jar or container.

It's also easier to find toothpaste and cosmetics in recyclable packaging. However, it might be a little more difficult to do this for products like meat and cheese. Still, don't hesitate to offer.

Another suggestion is to write the empty weight, or tare weight, of the containers you use on them. Shopping is much faster this way.

3. Say no to unnecessary promotional items.

This is no longer just true for cheap plastic products, but even for tote bags.

Taking promotional items offered at supermarkets or events and bringing them home can create unnecessary clutter.

However, you can politely explain why you're not taking the item, or if you're really stuck, give it to a friend who truly needs it.

4. Keep a lunchbox at home

Sometimes, an eco-friendly lifestyle means bringing back old traditions. If you have more food than you expected after cooking a nice meal at home, you can put it in your lunchbox instead of eating out.

There's no rule that lunchboxes have to stay in their old style. Modernly designed lunchboxes, or even a large, sturdy container or a jar, can be part of the "lunchbox" culture.

5. It's time to say goodbye to some of your favorite products

If there are alternatives to the products you constantly buy that are suitable for a zero-waste lifestyle, it's time to switch to them.

For me, this change was especially about switching from a perfume I loved and used for a long time to a refillable cologne bottle from another brand I like.

Now I bring this product, which is already in a recyclable glass container, to the store with peace of mind and refill my cologne.

6. Use what you have

Perhaps the most important advice. When transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle, getting rid of everything you have at home all at once is not suitable for this lifestyle.

Products you've bought previously have already used a resource. It's your responsibility as an environmentally conscious consumer to use this product until it's finished and, if possible, recycle it.

Making changes at the most convenient time for you will also be the foundation for a more solid transition.