The abstract idea of reducing waste can be very tiring and overwhelming; but don’t look too far – the place to start is right where you are – at home, your home, yes. Examples include: shopping less – if you do not need it, do not buy it – only buying what you need. Buying staples e.g cooking oil in large containers that can be repurposed for other uses in the house. Cook better, if the food is great, the family will eat it.

The numerous plastics around the house has become a major source of concern, these plastics sneak into our homes mostly through shopping, take away, dining out, pre-packed fruit and vegetables, bottled water and more. Here are some quick tips that we can all try to use to reduce plastics:

• Take your own reusable shopping bags instead being offered the shop plastic bags
• Take a reusable cup for take-way coffee
• Use bar soap instead of liquid soaps in plastic containers
• Consume less soda or soft drinks; they are not that good for you anyway
• Avoid or reduce bottled water, carry your own water bottle and refill
• Avoid pre-packed fruits and vegetables
• Buy dried foods (e.g grains, nuts, spices) in bulk rather than packaged in plastic containers
• Avoid or reduce pre-packed meat  or fish
• Refuse straws with dine-in drinks, take away drinks or drinks at home. If you need to use straw, use the re-usable straws
• Shop at farmers markets to avoid small stores to avoid packaging
• Prepare lunch boxes without the plastic wrap
• Keep left-overs in containers/reusables to avoid plastic wrap
• Pick up litter  in public places
• Scoop or use bio-degradable bags for pet droppings
• Reusing ice pails as cookie jars and storage for homemade yoghurt
• Baking homemade bread
• Gardening

How have you been reducing waste at home?