According to Gov.uk, “the recycling rate for Waste from Households…was 44.4% in 2020, decreasing from 46% in 2019”. This shows that people are now, more than ever, looking to reduce the amount of waste they’re producing.

There are several methods for reducing waste production, whether it be in domestic or commercial settings. But adopting zero-waste practices has never been more popular or, as suggested, effective. What is the zero-waste movement, why should we try to produce “zero waste” and how can you do it in a way that’s achievable?

What is the zero-waste movement?

The zero-waste movement refers to a large group of people across the world who work to ensure they produce little-to-no waste. Often, they won’t even have a rubbish bin because they have no need for one. Where it might seem like an impossible, unrealistic approach for a society that’s more wasteful than it’s ever been, it’s not actually as challenging as it might first seem. However, the results of living a zero-waste lifestyle will be incredibly positive over time.

Why should we try to produce “zero waste”?

The majority of the waste we produce and subsequently throw away ends up in landfill. Landfills are essentially giant holes in the ground where the waste that’s sent there is buried and then covered over with soil or another material that’s similar. Where they might seem like a good idea, they’re actually horribly problematic for the planet.

As one of the leading producers of methane gas, landfills are notorious for contaminating soil and wildlife as harmful greenhouse gases are emitted. As such, this has a hugely negative impact on the environment, hence why people are taking considerable steps to reduce the amount of waste they produce. This is especially the case if that waste has the possibility of ending up in landfill. We should try to produce zero waste to reduce our carbon footprints and work towards a “greener” future.

5 Tips for living a zero-waste lifestyle

Living a zero-waste lifestyle can be a challenge for most people, especially if you’re used to going to a conventional supermarket where everything is pre-packaged for optimum convenience. As it can prove to be difficult for some, here are some tips for helping you live a zero-waste lifestyle:

Get rid of your rubbish bin – if you don’t have anywhere to put your rubbish then you’ll find ways to stop producing it in the first place. Before you know it, you’ll be producing very little waste and, eventually, none at all.

Create a compost heap – you’ll find that there are just some foods that will produce waste, whether we like it or not, like a banana skin, for example. But instead of throwing them into the general bin for landfill, create a compost heap. Once the heap breaks down, you can use it to grow flowers and other fruit and vegetables.

Think reusable – disposable items aren’t eco-friendly, even if they’re made from sustainable products, like wood or bamboo. Choose one thing and keep reusing it, like tupperware boxes for lunches, flasks for coffee and water bottles for water. The less you throw away the better and opting for reusable alternatives is the best way to start on that journey.

Refrain from shopping at a supermarket – there are zero-waste food shops whose sole aim is to reduce needless waste. They’ll have containers full of grains, pasta, rice and even toiletries that can be dispensed into another jar, box or bag. This then allows you to stock up on all of your cupboard staples without having to dispose of any packaging of any kind.

Try your hand at some DIY – try making a few things at home. From cleaning products to hand soaps, a lot of things can be made at home that are also readily available in the shops. Not only will you find you’re disposing of less packaging, you’ll likely find it’s far cheaper than conventional alternatives.

Willshee’s aim to recycle 100% of the waste we collect

We understand that it’s not always possible or feasible for people to live a completely zero-waste lifestyle. As such, we’ve made it our priority to reliably collect and responsibly dispose of the waste that we collect from our customers. From vast construction projects to small home renovations, you can rest assured that the waste your produce will be treated at our dedicated recycling facility.

We’re proud to be able to recycle a wide range of materials, allowing us to dispose of your waste in an eco-friendly manner every single time. The materials we’re pleased to recycle include, but is not limited to, the following:

Residual waste
Textiles
Green waste
Soils
Plastics
Plasterboard
Hardcore/concrete
Metals
Cardboard
Paper
Wood
Food
Glass

Willshee’s can always be counted upon to provide customers with first-class waste management services that can always be relied upon. From skip hire and grab hire to hazardous waste removal and site clearance and demolitions, no matter the waste you generate, you can rest assured that we’ll be able to recycle it for you. Not only does this help to reduce your own carbon footprint, but it ensures we, in turn, reduce ours. We endeavour to be as environmentally-friendly as possible and our customers play a key role in that. For more information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our expert team – we’re always happy to hear from you.

Back