Zero Waste Living- small steps for a big impact

Written By Orla Rose

Introduction


The idea of going “Zero Waste” can feel overwhelming. Do you have to fit all your yearly rubbish into a single jar? Not at all. At its heart, Zero Waste living is about progress, not perfection. Every small swap — from refilling bottles to reusing jars — makes a real difference.

At The Reset Edit™, we believe sustainable living should be modern, stylish, and practical. Here’s how you can start your Zero Waste journey with simple, achievable changes that make both your home and the planet feel better.

 

1. Refill, Don’t Replace

Single-use bottles and endless packaging create mountains of unnecessary waste. By switching to refillable cleaning, beauty, and pantry essentials, you reduce plastic and simplify your home.

Try this: Keep glass or aluminium bottles in your kitchen and bathroom. Refill them with eco-friendly cleaning solutions, shampoo, or hand soap. Bonus: it looks chic on your shelves.

 

 

2. Choose Reusables Over Disposables

Everyday items like cling film, paper towels, and cotton pads quietly add up. The reusable versions are not only planet-friendly but often save you money in the long run.

Try this:

  • Beeswax wraps or silicone lids instead of cling film

  • Washable makeup remover pads instead of single-use cotton pads

  • Bamboo cloths or microfibre cloths instead of paper towels

 

3. Shop With Conscious Packaging in Mind

Zero Waste isn’t about buying more — it’s about buying smarter. Choosing brands that use recyclable, compostable, or refillable packaging is one of the most powerful changes you can make.

Try this:

  • Bring your own containers to refill shops or farmers’ markets

  • Choose products packaged in glass, metal, or cardboard instead of plastic

  • Support brands that are transparent about their packaging choices

 

4. Repair and Reuse

Waste often happens because things break or wear out and get replaced. Zero Waste living encourages us to slow down, repair, and repurpose what we already have.

Try this:

  • Mend clothes with a simple sewing kit

  • Upcycle jars as pantry storage

  • Refresh furniture with a coat of paint instead of buying new

 

5. Start Small, One Room at a Time

Trying to go completely Zero Waste overnight is overwhelming. Instead, tackle one area at a time.

Start with your kitchen, where food packaging and cling film are big waste sources. Once you’ve built habits there, move on to your bathroom or cleaning cupboard.

Try this:

  • Swap cling film for beeswax wraps

  • Refill dish soap instead of buying a new bottle

  • Replace paper towels with reusable bamboo cloths

 

Conclusion
Zero Waste living isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. Every refill, every repair, and every reusable swap creates a ripple effect. Over time, those ripples add up to real impact for your home and the planet.

At The Reset Edit™, we’re here to help you curate a lifestyle that’s both modern and planet-kind — proof that sustainability can feel stylish, not stressful.

 

Zero Waste Living FAQs

 

1. What does Zero Waste actually mean?
Zero Waste is a lifestyle approach that aims to reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill by reusing, recycling, and refusing unnecessary items. It’s not about producing zero waste — it’s about making small, conscious changes that add up over time.

2. Is Zero Waste living expensive?
Not at all. While some reusable items may cost more upfront (like beeswax wraps or refill bottles), they save money in the long run by replacing endless single-use products. Many Zero Waste swaps — like repairing clothes or reusing jars — are actually cheaper than buying new.

3. Where do I start with Zero Waste at home?
Start small and focus on one area of your home, like the kitchen. Easy first swaps include replacing cling film with beeswax wraps, using reusable shopping bags, or refilling cleaning products instead of buying new bottles.

4. Can Zero Waste living really make a difference?
Yes. Every swap reduces plastic waste, carbon emissions, and the demand for disposable products. While one person can’t solve the whole problem, collective small changes create huge impact globally.

5. What are the easiest Zero Waste swaps for beginners?

  • Reusable water bottle instead of plastic

  • Refillable cleaning products

  • Cloth shopping bags instead of single-use plastic bags

  • Washable makeup pads instead of cotton rounds

  • Bamboo or stainless-steel straws instead of plastic straws

6. Do I have to fit all my rubbish into a jar to be Zero Waste?
No — that’s a myth! The famous “jar” example is inspiring but not realistic for most people. Zero Waste is about progress, not perfection. Even reducing waste in a few areas of your life makes a big difference.

 

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Orla Rose