How should you start changing to low-waste? I started with three low-waste changes; reusable bags, reusable straws, and glass containers. I know it sounds generic but this was the most feasible way for me to incorporate this into my lifestyle. By no means did I start these three changes all at once either.

I started thinking more about the impact we have on our environment after having my son. Especially with global warming being so severe. I wanted my son to have good habits and understand the impact his decisions had from the beginning. Then, it wouldn’t be as hard of a lifestyle for him to live because it would be second nature. Being older, my habits are established. I found it very uncomfortable and weird to try to break these habits. I was so comfortable in the habits I already had established, that breaking them felt difficult.

Once I honed in on my true reason for developing a low-waste lifestyle, it helped me make these changes more gracefully. It’s hard staying consistent and feels extremely weird at first. But, when you know why you’re making these changes, it gets easier and easier. I have an extreme personality, which makes me do things in an all-or-nothing manner. Consistent and small changes make the biggest and most lasting impacts.

reusable bags

Going from plastic bags to reusable bags was the first thing I switched when deciding to head towards a low-waste lifestyle. I didn’t even give plastic bags at the store a thought. You go to the store to buy what you need (and sometimes what you don’t), you check out, get the bag, and go on your way. Plastic bags were part of the shopping experience. After becoming a mom and learning the environmental impact, I knew I wanted to change my habits. When you know the impact your decisions have, it makes you shop and live more intentionally.

I started by buying 2 bags from a local farmers market, about $3 each. Then, at my job, I got a free one. Later, my sister gave me an old college bag she had, and before you know it, over time I’ve collected about eight different reusable bags. When you take the initiative and buy your first reusable bags or talk to your friends and family about what you’re doing and why, people will soon be offering them to you. The amount of people who will randomly have reusable bags to give away or stores and jobs that have them to give away, is mind-blowing.

The hardest part about using a reusable bag is remembering to bring it into the store! I started with my two new bags, and I honestly cannot tell you how many times I would forget to bring them in. I’d be standing in line ready to check out, then realize I oh-so-conveniently left my bags in the car. I leave the store feeling extremely guilty as I walk with plastic bags in hand to see my reusable ones sitting on the seat of my car. Not only would I forget to bring them into the store, but I’d forget to put them back in the car sometimes!

After a couple of tries, I found some easier ways to remember to bring them into the store and back to the car after unloading. I would fold the bags inside each of my purses and bags. If I wasn’t carrying a purse or bag, after getting in the car, I would put the bags on the side of the car door. As annoying as it was at times when I go to open the car door and they fall out, I surely remembered. After I got home and unloaded the groceries, I would throw the bags down my stairs to the backdoor. Whoever is the next person to go through the back door, whether for laundry or to leave, puts the bags in the car.

I had to get into this habit routinely for it to become second nature. I still had times I forgot to bring them in or throw them down the stairs. But, after time and a lot of repetition, it becomes a lot easier to remember. It begins to feel more natural. Find what tricks or changes you can make so you’ll remember. Time, repetition, and consistency are key.

low-waste straws

The next change I made was straws. It sounds simple or small, but it has a huge impact. Straws do not biodegrade. They will not compost or biodegrade naturally, in any way. We use straws for everything. Drive-thru, restaurants, homes, parties, and more. It almost sounded silly to me until I read about this topic for myself. If all I have to do is drink out of a bamboo or wheat straw to help this plastic epidemic, then that’s a habit I can surely change.

To begin this non-plastic straw journey, I started with metal and silicon straws. I instantly stopped buying plastic straws and found Amazon had packs of metal straws for an average of $5. I also had family members gift me metal and silicone straws. Most of these straws come with proper scrubbers for cleaning and are easy to clean. However, it was a weird habit to change. Using them wasn’t weird. Getting used to not throwing them away was weird.

Now it’s important to note that metal and silicone straws aren’t necessarily the best ‘zero-waste’ option but more so a ‘low-waste’ option. However, I was still very much beginning my research at this time. There are only certain metals that will biodegrade naturally, and silicone is not an easy thing to dispose of. However, both of these materials do promote long-term use and are reusable. Plastics are single-use products and are thrown away, whereas metals and silicones you can wash just like your dishes. Using reusable straws was a great step forward, especially in changing the habit.

I’m now looking to use bamboo and wheat straws. I do still have the metal and silicone straws I was using before, however, I want to get bamboo and wheat straws to see which I like best. Both of these plants are naturally biodegradable and compostable. These straws are slowly becoming more common, which means the more people who use and demand this product, the more affordable and easily accessed it will become.

glass containers

One of the only reasons using glass containers was a different switch compared to bags and straws was the price. Bags and straws I just stopped using right away. I stopped using one product and bought a reusable or biodegradable version of the same product. It was an immediate change and satisfaction. Plus, the replaced products were usually cheap being between $2 and $5. However, glass containers can be pricey. Switching to glass containers I took a slower approach and either repurposed them myself or found them at local thrift stores.

Most of my glass jars come from stuff we buy and run out of, like jam or sauces. Whenever we run out of that item, I wash it well and continue to reuse it. I’ve also found glass jars at thrift stores for great prices! I usually find my bowls and larger glass containers at thrift stores for under $3. Local thrift stores have great finds for reusable products just like this. I’ve also found mason jar sets at Walmart for under $7 as well.

Glass containers and jars are also a step towards ‘low-waste’ rather than ‘zero-waste,’ as glass doesn’t biodegrade naturally. It’s a material that can weather over time but ultimately will not biodegrade. However, it is a material that can be recycled. It can be ground or remelted to be reused indefinitely. Glass is a great step towards a low-waste lifestyle, whether it’s ‘low waste’ or ‘zero-waste.’ Watching my glass collection slowly grow over the years has been fun as well.

Glass containers offer benefits other than being low-waste. I was concerned about BPA and other toxins used in the process of making plastic that leaks into our food when reheating. Glass is a lot safer when reheating food, whether in the microwave or oven. Glass containers are also more durable and last longer. They even keep the food fresher for a longer period. They’re worth the small investment or patience. Glass is a low-waste switch that gives you safer and fresher food.

These three switches are basic and common, but they’re easy to start with, affordable, and work. I found the beginning of my journey with low waste to be a great teacher of consistency and patience. It’s a change worth making that leaves a lasting impact. It benefits our environment and our personal growth. Whether it’s low waste, zero waste, or just reusable bags, any change is worth it and impactful.