The Zero-Watst principle: the 5 R’s

After we last sustainability blog post Now that we've clarified what the zero-waste lifestyle actually is, I'd like to introduce you to the zero-waste principle and its 5 Rs. These essentially form the basis of the lifestyle and also make it clear that zero-waste can extend to all areas of life. I like to remind myself of the 5 Rs again and again as a guide, but also to see what I can improve.

What exactly is meant by the zero-waste principle? Find out now.

The zero-waste principle: The 5 R's

1. REFUSE

The easiest way to produce less waste is, of course, to not let it into your home in the first place. How do you achieve this?

Gifts and free products

First of all, by using the word "no." This is sometimes not so easy, because you don't want to seem rude. At events, in stores, or on the street, you receive free samples, flyers, and gifts. This is a good setting in which to practice politely declining.

Things get more difficult, of course, when you turn down gifts or offers from friends or acquaintances. In this case, it's best to prevent such a situation from arising in the first place. Talk to the people who are important to you. Explain to them that you're generally happy about it, but would like to avoid waste and plastic.

In my case, for example, I asked those around me to stop bringing me souvenirs from vacation. I explained that receiving a WhatsApp message or looking at photos from the vacation together afterwards would be enough for me... At first, I felt a little awkward because I didn't want to seem ungrateful. But everyone I spoke to understood immediately!

Your own purchasing decisions

Gifts and freebies are forces that come from outside. However, the real force you have to face is yourself. Because it's not always easy to resist. I'm guilty of this every now and then, too, and buy stuff because I think it's pretty or because it's on sale. To rethink and change our purchasing decisions, it's worth asking ourselves these questions (before making a purchase):
1. Do I need this?

2. Will I still need it in a month?
3. Do I already have something similar at home?
4. Can I use it at least three times?

If we regularly ask ourselves these questions, our perception and our focus of attention automatically shift. When we start to really think about why we want to buy or have something, much less stuff accumulates in our homes, and thus less ends up in the trash.

PHOTO BY BIANCA LUCAS ON UNSPLASH

Packaging waste

The majority of what we throw away is packaging waste. Here, too, buying less means less waste. You can also make an effort to avoid plastic, shop at the market, or visit your nearest packaging-free store. Here I have put together some more tips to help you reduce your plastic consumption.

2. REDUCE (reduce)

The second R in the zero-waste principle is reduction. Reducing one's possessions not only benefits the environment, but also our own inner well-being. The more things we have, the easier it is to accumulate more. Clutter literally attracts clutter. When we have less, demand we also less.

I'm still amazed at how quickly I got into this routine. When I started buying less junk, wanted I soon stopped buying any junk at all.

Less stuff means – in addition to less physical clutter – less mental clutter as well. There's less to worry about, less to store, less to clean, etc., etc. When we reduce what we have, we can refocus our attention on the things we truly love and use. And that's what the zero-waste principle is all about: appreciating our belongings more and truly using them.

How do you “reduce”?

The idea, of course, isn't for everything to end up in the trash. You've already made a start by using up your existing supplies before buying new ones. In addition to the classic decluttering, you can also give away or pass on duplicate or unused products. It's also important not to "hoard" things. This means keeping things only because you think you might need them again someday, or because you received them as a gift.

3. REUSE (reuse)

Why throw it away when you can reuse it?

Disposable products are a relatively new invention, and probably indispensable in medical and scientific fields. Nevertheless, there's no reason why they've become so prevalent in our everyday lives. For (almost) all disposable products, there's a reusable alternative: cloth handkerchiefs instead of paper ones, metal or glass bottles instead of plastic ones, bamboo toothbrushes instead of standard ones...

You can often repurpose or upcycle things you already have at home. An old T-shirt can serve as a cleaning rag, or glass yogurt jars can be used as a flower vase or storage container.

The third R also includes the possibility of buying items and clothes secondhand. It's definitely worth browsing eBay classifieds or visiting flea markets from time to time, even for electrical appliances and furniture.

At this point, one could actually add another R: "Repair." There are so many things that could be repaired instead of simply giving up. You can also ask other people for help. Electrical appliances, in particular, are often easy to repair.

PHOTO BY THEPAINTEDHIVE.NET

4. RECYCLE (recycling)

Only items that truly don't fall into one of the first categories should be recycled. Recycling requires a lot of energy and isn't a perfect system.

Glass and aluminum can be recycled over and over again. However, here (and with waste in general), it's important to ensure proper disposal. Waste separation is an important starting point.

The big problem with plastic, of course, is that it's not truly recyclable. All of our plastic waste ultimately ends up in landfills or the ocean for hundreds of years.

Sometimes, the plastic problem simply can't be avoided. But when we buy plastic or plastic packaging, we can at least do so consciously and carefully.

5. RED (rot)

A more appealing term than "rotting" is, in my opinion, "composting." By composting, we return certain resources to the earth. All biological substances can be composted. This includes food waste and leftovers, hair, and natural materials. Cardboard and paper are also compostable.

The "easiest" option here is, of course, our organic waste bin. But compost heaps in the garden or a nearby composting facility are also wonderful solutions. If you live in an apartment, a worm bin can be a solution.

Ultimately, awareness is half the battle. Consume consciously, not thoughtlessly or rashly. Be aware of what you're buying, where it comes from, and where it will eventually end up. And remember: It's not about perfection, it's about making better choices...

If you want to learn more about the zero-waste principle and the topics of sustainability, mindfulness or healthy nutrition, have a look here over.

PHOTO BY MANFRED ANTRANIAS ROOMS ON PIXABAY