Tips to start a low-waste lifestyle and make Earth Day habit stick year round

For those thinking about starting a low-waste lifestyle, or who just want to reduce their waste in general, the thought of making the change can be intimidating.

But it doesn't have to be. 

Starting out small and making adjustments along the way are the key to helping the low-waste lifestyle last, say Tara McKenna of Guelph, Ont., and founder of the Zero Waste Collective blog, and Ellin Park, owner of Zero Waste Bulk in Waterloo, Ont.

Both say they've been able to make the low-waste lifestyle stick all year round. 

McKenna and Park said they made the change five years ago and it wasn't a habit that happened overnight. There will be days where people may forget to do certain things — and that's OK.

"I had to build a lot of habits that took time," Park explained.

"For example, when I got started, it was just remembering to bring my own reusable bags to the grocery store." 

McKenna is also the author of Don't Be Trashy: A Practical Guide to Living with Less Waste and More Joy. She said a good jumping off point can be getting to know your city's waste management system, have a recycling sorting list handy and take advantage of things like composting if you can.

McKenna said a trash audit might also help people see what kind of waste they are creating and where they can make adjustments.

"You might realize, 'Oh, maybe I can get less take out' or support some cool companies that allow you to use take out containers that you can then return later on," she said.

Kitchen contributes to most waste

McKenna and Park said the kitchen contributes to the most waste at home and is good place to start your low-waste journey.

"If you go to the grocery and you see what's in your cart, a lot of the food comes in packaging," Park said.

That's where shopping in bulk or bringing your own reusable produce bags can help reduce that packaging waste.

McKenna said stores like the Bulk Barn, for example, have a reusable container program that allows customers to bring their own containers or jars. Some independent stores, including Zero Waste Bulk, also allow customers to bring their own containers.

McKenna said most people already have a lot of what they need at home to start reducing their waste. Things like reusable water bottles, travel mugs, reusable containers and utensils. She said by putting those items together, you can create your own reusable kit.

"If you have your kit on the ready with all the reusable that you know you're going to use throughout the day and have it by the door when you leave each morning, you'll be set for the rest of the day," she said.

Make goals and simple swaps

Park said it's normal to make mistakes, like forgetting your reusable bags or utensils when you go out, but people shouldn't feel discouraged when that happens.

"That's pretty normal when you first get started until you build the habit and figure out what helps you remember things," Park said.

Making goals and simple swaps like replacing your shampoo bottle with a shampoo bar, can also go a long way, McKenna adds.

"When we start something, we often feel like we have to do everything," McKenna said. When it comes to waste, she says people should start small and ultimately do what works for them.

"People who work to climb Mount Everest don't start with Mount Everest."

Our planet is changing. So is our journalism. This story is part of a CBC News initiative entitled "Our Changing Planet" to show and explain the effects of climate change. Keep up with the latest news on our Climate and Environment page.