(Part 2) Best products from r/ZeroWaste

WALL OF TEXT I'm so so sorry!

Here is what I realized when I started reducing my waste. First, you're not starting from scratch where everything that you already have disappears. Most likely, you already have a lot of plastic stuff, tools or objects that aren't really needed, products (beauty/cleaning etc) that aren't best for the environment, clutter etc, and you have to deal with that. It may be confusing and hard at first to decide what to get rid of or replace. You could end up like "I'm trying to reduce waste but I've never thrown so much things out and I'm buying so much new stuff!". Two words: damage control!

So number 1, I would explore your neighborhood and find out the recycling/donation options for various stuff: what can you recycle from home? What can you drop to a location nearby for recycling? (like plastic bags, electronics, spray cans, empty makeup containers etc). Do you have a salvation army or other donation option nearby? Is there an office depot or another facility (maybe work) where you can shred your old paperwork that has some personal information and that may not be needed anymore? You may be surprised what you find out when you look for it. I know I was!

Number 2, simplify/declutter your home, and donate/recycle as much as you can. The /r/declutter subreddit may help. Try not to donate something that you'll regret and repurchase later. Try to reuse some of your stuff: they may not be beautiful glass jars but they are there and could still be useful. Try to replace when you run out of something. Simplifying your home and keeping it that way (i.e. not adding clutter or junk) is going to be liberating :)

The above was about how to deal with your existing stuff. Now what about dealing with new stuff? You can start simple with using reusable bags and containers, avoiding packaged stuff (if you can't, avoiding the worst type of packaging like Styrofoam or flimsy plastics). Stop buying extra stuff (focus on what you really need or want) or specialized devices that are used for one task only, maybe find milk in returnable glass bottles (a great feeling it is not to throw a gallon plastic jug in the bin), buy a safety razor if you shave. Find out if you can compost of if there is a compostable service in your area that could pick up your compostable waste.

Various other tips:

• try to find good options locally to avoid delivery packaging: not everything will be in one store (and if it is, I envy you!)
  
  
• Some people like to focus on one area first: they'll reduce waste in the kitchen, then in the bathroom etc.
  
  
• if you buy off amazon (which admittedly I still often do :p), try to group orders, and add a note that specify "please do not use plastic packaging"
  
  
• When is time to renew your precious toilet paper, get unbleached toilet paper made with a large % of recyclable paper and paper packaging (lots of option out there, personally I buy http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MTVZP0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1, lasts me a year)
  
  
• great all around cleaner: castile liquid soap (like Dr Bronner diluted in lots of water). Add tea tree oil which has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
  
  
• face cleanser: I use oil! I was shocked when I find out oil was actually good for the skin, took me a while to get to the idea. The skin naturally produces oil because it needs it, the issue is when it overproduces oil or oil solidify around impurities. Oil actually cleans pores, make up or sunscreen very well. Not all oils are the same, a good starter oil is sunflower oil, but like with everything YMMV. I personally add an emulsifier to it so that it' s easy to rinse away with water (check out /r/skincareaddiction or /r/NaturalBeauty beauty for more info)
  
  
• when you do buy new materialistic stuff, shoot for quality and longevity AND pleasure! instead of buying crap, disposing of it and rebuying something similar, make sure you enjoy what you buy. Things now have more value. The little pleasures are back! :)
  
  
• turn off mailed statements
  
  
• junk mail: every time you receive a mail intended to a previous tenant, write on it "No longer at this address, please return to sender" and post it back. Call magazines or banks to stop getting them in the mail (there are many more tips online to avoid junk mails)
  
  
• you' re not going to be zero waste in a day or even in a month or even in a year maybe but it' s ok! You can do pretty simple things that will have a huge impact already, and try to do a bit more bit by bit :)
  
  
• step by step bullet list to concretely go toward zero waste: http://myplasticfreelife.com/plasticfreeguide/
  
  
• not everything considered natural is good for you (lemon juice and baking soda on your face are a big nono, undiluted essential oils could be also dangerous in some instances, etc). Not everything on pinterest is smart. Keep it real/safe!
  
  
• for ladies: menstrual cup! So much saving and such big impact in the bin. Can take a bit to get used to it but totally worth it.
  
  
• in my experience, you may feel like you end up buying more expensive stuff (for quality, etc). BUT it' s going to be totally balanced out by the fact that you buy much much less stuff. In fact, I'd say it' s pretty frugal in the long term so win win.
  
  
• totally agree with safety comes first. Medicines and medical stuff can produce waste easily and you may feel guilty: don't! your health is more important.
  
  Good luck and have fun! this is going to be sometimes frustrating but overall very satisfying!
  
  edits: typos and simplified a couple of things.

First, I would love to say that I am very impressed. You have made great progress! The amount of making from scratch and DIY-ing is incredible!

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I would like to give a different perspective and some logistics of ZW.

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It is important to note that the term zero waste wasn’t supposed to be referred to as a lifestyle, it was meant as a structure for businesses. It is also important to note that we don’t live in a circular economy, we live in a linear economy; so there isn’t a way to create absolutely zero waste. https://www.reddit.com/r/ZeroWaste/comments/bsxixk/aim_for_a_circular_economy/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app

Zero waste is about finding ways to reduce your waste and be mindful of your choices and impact on the world. :) This includes the brands and companies you support such as amazon or lush cosmetics. Greenwashing is also something that is important to watch out for! The concepts of Refusing, Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Rotting in that order help achieve a low-waste lifestyle. 

Starting Kit and concept of the term “zero waste” not possible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD9KKUjwzdk&t=330s

Low-waste journey mistakes and zero waste concepts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R48k1W3QGVs

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In Bea Johnson’s book, Zero Waste Home she talks about her first few experiences with DIY things. She started taking up making butter, cheese, etc. She explained that she took zero waste too far, in that all of her DIY activities were very restrictive and time consuming. It gave less time to spend going biking, spending time with family, etc. 

Living in this way can be unsustainable, in the sense that some will most likely stop being zero waste because they associate it with so much work and time commitments. People are more likely to stick to zero waste if it is more convenient. Try finding a deli counter that allows you to bring your own container, buy cheese or meat there. Find a bakery that allows you to slip your fresh bread into a cloth pillowcase instead of a plastic bag. Buy yogurt in a larger container and spoon out smaller portions into storage containers for lunches. Etc, etc, etc. 

What I am trying to say is, it is possible to cut out the more extremes without letting go of the zero waste lifestyle. Everyone is on a life journey that should be exciting, rewarding, fun and fulfilling! Take time to figure out what you want from life and allow zero waste to intertwine with your life, not take it over. :)

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Some other grocery-related links:

Food waste:

https://www.wastewiseproductsinc.com/blog/food-waste/food-waste-an-economic-and-environmental-problem/

Reduce food waste https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uRTimUpNr0 - Sustainably Vegan

Homemade broth: https://www.reddit.com/r/soup/comments/bwxpit/homemade_broth_has_so_many_advantages_reduce_food/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x

Try downloading an app that suggests meals based on what you have in your kitchen like this one: https://www.reddit.com/r/ZeroWaste/comments/c8s6yl/i_found_an_app_called_plant_jammer_where_you_can/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app

Yoplait Glass yogurt: https://www.wideopeneats.com/general-mills-fresh-yoplait-yogurt-design-is-a-new-path-for-the-brand/

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Here are some bulk-store locators:

https://zerowastehome.com/2013/04/16/our-bulk-locator-app-is-ou/

https://www.litterless.com/wheretoshop

https://zerowastenerd.com/us-bulk-locations/

Shopping without access to bulk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4lqZJ-oZBM - Shelbizleee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaPX2ZtPBjI - Sustainably Vegan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oO0eHutLjw - Sedona Christina

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Pick your own farms: https://www.pickyourown.org

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The 5 R’s are the best way to navigate a low-waste journey: https://zerowastehome.com/2011/09/28/how-to-get-started/

In case you are looking for more, I’ll link a few YouTube channels that have good zero waste information :) 

Shelbizzlee: *highly recommend* https://m.youtube.com/user/Shelbizleee

Sustainably Vegan: *highly recommend* https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkq2gEWE-i647M71bh7zDxA

Sedona Christina:  https://www.youtube.com/user/720tanner

Blue Ollis: https://m.youtube.com/user/SophsChoices

Eco Boost: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pE1IqHqbdf3vqtaALL4nA

*Note: You don’t have to agree with all the influencer’s values and opinions to watch or support their channel. There is a lot of good content to be found on these channels! :)

It's worthwhile to educate yourself on different styles and alternative concepts to find the right compromise for your lifestyle. You'll probably find a solution for one person that is an impossibility for another; keep that in mind as you travel on your journey!

r/upcycling is also a nice sub for repurposing things.

r/minimalism is a good sub and topic for assessing your belongings and future purchases. 

/r/EthicalFashion offers resources on sustainable-wearing materials and ethical textile production that can help you make informed decisions about the items your purchase and wear. There's also information about sustainable care and cleaning of different fabrics.

Books:

Try checking books about reducing waste. Sustainable Home is good for beginners. Zero waste home, by Bea Johnson is amazing book!

The Hands-On Home is less zero waste and more seasonality and sustainability focused, which is divided into seasons and has recipes for cooking, preserving and home cleaning during each of those seasons. The author is based in the Pacific Northwest.

The wiki in the sidebar is a great starting place, and if you're on mobile, check the pinned post at the top of the subreddit to get there!

I've been checking out a ton of books from my library about reducing waste, and I'd say Sustainable Home has been my favorite so far for beginners. I think it covers the breadth of the home and gives a lot of ideas, though this is going off of my checking that book out a couple months ago. I guess I would call myself "intermediate" zero waste, so most of the suggestions were things I'd already done, but the book also had some good ideas for me and was a nice reminder of the things I've already accomplished in changing.

My other favorite, which is less zero waste and more just seasonality and sustainability focused, is The Hands-On Home, which is divided into seasons and has recipes for cooking, preserving and home cleaning during each of those seasons. The author is based in the Pacific Northwest like I am, so I really like that her kind of "seasonal" is the same as mine since that does vary by location of course. I've been making her laundry soap recipe since 2017 and not only has it not let me down yet, it costs me maybe 2 or 3 cents to run a load, which is absolutely mind boggling to me. (Note though that I don't have hard water where I live, so I know that it wouldn't work for everyone!) Also, her recipe for a grime cutting cleaner works very well even on my stove (I cook a lot so it gets gnarly), which was a very welcome surprise. As I mentioned, the book itself isn't exactly about zero waste, but it does have recipes for cleaning supplies that keep me from having to buy spray bottles which is awesome!

I have this one and it is a game changer. Totally recommend it. Not only do you use little or no TP, but the feeling of being totally clean afterwards is awesome. I used to pride myself on being a company time pooper, now I wait til I get home (if I can help it) to use the bidet.

Kind of depends what you do with the compost.
Do you bring it outside to a compost bin that gets picket up by the city? -> there are paper bags you can buy if they won’t take the loose compost in the bin.
Do you bring it to a compost drop of? (-> has to be transported a bit without leaking etc) keep it in a bin - ask what their rules are.
Do you bring it outside to your garden compost?
That’s what we do. We got an extra bin that sits on the kitchen counter that gets taken out every few days. It has a good lid, a handle for carrying, is super smooth on the inside with rounded edges/corners so nothing can get stuck and the lid can be removed so it’s easier to fit in the dishwasher (Jup, dishwasher save). It does not of a vent with carbon filter against Oders or anything fancy like that, but if you take it out regularly that shouldn’t be a problem. :) not sure how international this company is but here is the link to ours (to give you an idea what I’m talking about). It is small, because we don’t produce much compost in a couple of days.
There are also bins for the kitchen that turn part of the compost into liquid fertiliser if you are interested in that.

Hope you find what works for you :)

Yes, they make glass straws and they are really nice. My fiance loves to drink with a straw and so I got him some reusable ones. We tried stainless steel, silicone and glass. He liked the glass the best. The ones I purchased came with a cleaner.

I purchased these: https://www.amazon.com/GINOVO-Reusable-Drinking-Cleaning-Brushes/dp/B01DW3MKVS/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=glass+straws&qid=1554146331&s=gateway&sr=8-20

Oh, sorry! xD

I got them on Amazon too: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Ecology-Organic-Cotton-Produce/dp/B004UJ0U0C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498257058&sr=8-1&keywords=simple+ecology

So far they are ok. Solid 3.5/5. Supposedly you can keep greens in there if you dampen the bag but mine always get wilted, so I just chop them up as soon as I get them and put them in a bowl in the fridge. Bonus: they're pretty handy for bulk stuff like lentils and stuff too.

Thanks! We have a lot of plastic containers at home, I just want something that can easily fit in a purse. If I don't want to get a 4-set, I was thinking that this bento-box style meal kit might be a good alternative: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Planet-3-Compartment-Silicone-Collapsible/dp/B0051XRY4Q/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=collapsible+meal+kit&qid=1556468389&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I want something reusable, eco-friendly, microwaveable, dishwasher-safe and collapsible is what I'm looking for. I'm hoping someone could share their experience with this collapsible technology and if it's worth it.

I started with a vintage 60s Gillette razor but it eventually broke. Switched to this one about 3 years ago and still going strong. The butterfly style ones are super easy for replacing blades. At the same time I bought a pack of 100 blades for like $10-15, and am still working through that package. So have spent roughly $30 for 3+ years of shaving.

You're welcome! It definitely does not stain, and regarding dry skin, if that happens a little bit of natural/unscented base cream ("carrier lotion") moisturizer will resolve it (you can add tea tree if you wish, as I did). I use Brazilian brand Lazslo's cream - good grief I was looking at American brands at Amazon and Bon Vital' only sells stuff by galon! There must be a smaller size!

EDITED: I found this brand on Amazon, It's half a gallon, It's the only one with vegan and all natural ingredients, and unscented, it's half a gallon - but that much you can safely use for the whole family: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M1X1CHO?aaxitk=Nr3t9zOFMNaieS9l4v7neg&pd_rd_i=B00M1X1DOG&pf_rd_p=9420597b-7dad-4cbd-a28d-7d676ac67378&hsa_cr_id=8669166890601&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=Massage%2BCream%2Bby%2BMassage%2BFX%2B-%2B100%25%2BPure%2BSweet%2BAlmond%2B%26%2BSunflower%2BSeed%2BOil%2B-%2BIvy%2C%2BArnica%2B%26%2BAloe%2B-%2BUnscented%2B-%2BDeep%2BTissue%2Bto%2BRelaxing%2BLight%2BMassages%2B-%2BEasy%2BGlide%2C%2BNon-Greasy%2B-%2BParaben%2BFree%2B-%2B1%2BGallon&th=1

Does that wheat straw material look like this kind of product? I saw a variety products using wheat straw plastic on the market and I bought the plates for curiosity. I'm pretty happy with them so I did some more research to see if it is really eco-friendly material. I found some information that wheat straw plastic is fully biodegradable within 6month in the facility. Here is the reference and website I found the information: http://www.worldcentric.org/about-compostables/materials/wheatstraw

Red Worms: A fast and efficient system to compost World Centric® brand compostable plates ; Cicada Hoyt; Ms. Buffy Sexton 7th grade science fair; Science Fair Research Paper; Provided January, 29 2013.

I have this brush: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018XYG4E/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and this comb: https://www.etsy.com/listing/74960763/hair-comb-natural-comb-wooden-hair-comb?ref=shop_home_active_31 and love them both! They're beautiful products and work much better than any plastic ones I've tried.

What hasn't been mentioned yet: copper cloth. Personally I don't have one (yet) but I've only read good things and will definitely get one in the near future. https://www.amazon.com/Redecker-Cleaning-Non-Abrasive-Scrubber-Washable/dp/B007VXF662/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=copper+cloth&qid=1566680461&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Also dish brushes, as have already been recommended. Personally I don't like the ones with a long handle - but the small ones without a handle are great and you can basically use them just like you would use a sponge. https://www.amazon.com/REDECKER-Natural-Untreated-Beechwood-Heat-Resistant/dp/B00V3HW4SU/ref=pd_bxgy_201_img_2/137-2212606-3635363?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00V3HW4SU&pd_rd_r=af379e67-eeeb-471c-b570-e41ae3ef776a&pd_rd_w=ZC3cq&pd_rd_wg=nnCo4&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=79DGV85CNKGVX70KJV4R&psc=1&refRID=79DGV85CNKGVX70KJV4R

This doesn't have to do with the box problem, but one thing to consider is that the liners may be avoidable with silicone muffin pans. Not sure whether that is a no-no or not for the quality muffin business, but mine come out perfectly tasty & well shaped with it. :)

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Again, not sure whether there is a reason this wouldn't work on a larger scale or not.

https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Designs-MCUP6-2X-Muffin-Pan/dp/B00KDPLKS8

hi, I have this floss which is biodegradable (60-90 days)

https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Activated-Charcoal-Peppermint-essential/dp/B07F2PCX4B/

I also love these bites,

https://bitetoothpastebits.com/

Not sure you're in the US, but might be helpful if they ship to you :)

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I got them here!

CAMPFY Stainless Steel Boba Straw Original Set: 5 Angled-Tip Straws & Cleaning Brush - Wide Bubble Tea Straws - Reusable Metal Drinking Straws for Reduced Plastic Consumption - Dishwasher Safe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J1XJ45N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nI3QDbKVCTSBX

I know it’s amazon but it was the only place I could find them reasonably priced. I really like them though!! Came with a carry pouch and cleaner

1. Basically rice/quinoa/grain with beans & lentils. Sauteed/roasted veggies on that, too. I make my own seitan, too. As far as butter goes - you can make your own! The Vegan Pantry by Miyoko Schinner is honestly priceless. Has so many homemade recipes for butter, sour cream, etc and always tells you what to do with the "waste" (like the pulp after soymilk).
   
   
2. I have three pairs of shoes, some vegan new balance sneakers my work makes me wear, Dr. Martens, and Sanuk sandals. Also, Zappos lets you search for vegan shoes.
   
   
3. I just prefer to make really thick smoothies. If you use a frozen banana and frozen fruit (I literally buy all the fruit... pineapples, peaches, raspberries, etc) and throw 'em together, it's very good.
   
   
4. Don't wear makeup, found this store that has like 30+ vegan lipsticks in tins. She also ships them in just a paper envelope at your request. Also, Pacifica which is found in more stores (Whole Foods, Target) sells lipsticks with 100% recyclable packaging. Seems they also only source boxes, packaging, etc locally so they aren't ordering the tube from overseas or anything.
   
   
5. Dried fruit, roasted chickpeas, homemade "lara" bars (just processed dates, peanuts, and cocoa powder basically).

Miyoko Schinner's Homemade Vegan Pantry includes recipes for fancy vegan cheese that may be exactly to your liking. My boyfriend has a cashew allergy so I have not tried making them myself, but everything I have tried so far has been great!

Use old curtains as cloth napkins. Use old bath or beach towels as kitchen rags to replace paper towels. We've been using the same napkins and rags for over 10 years. I can't imagine how much paper towel and paper napkin that is. But no doubt, someone has made up for our lack of consumption.

In place of those awful disposable tupperware not-quite-trash containers, a bowl with a plate on top of it will keep your leftovers from dinner to lunch. Soups go great into glass jars (don't freeze please). These wax cloth wrappers are pricey, but we have used them to good results. Thinking about making some with our beeswax. These son of a diddlys are awesome to take leftovers to work or bring leftovers home from parties or restaurants. Of course, Amazon will send it to you in 80 boxes and 15 bags.

Try doing less laundry by making less laundry. Try it.

Purchase a reusable razor where the only disposable is the blade.

Compost everything you can.

The ones with metal handles are especially nice. A wooden handle is prone to rotting. A metal handle lasts forever, and the brush head can be replaced (and composted) when the bristles begin to break down.

ETA: It helps to have a dish cloth on hand in addition to the brush, for small or oddly shaped items. I use nylon mesh scrubbing cloths . The weave is loose, so they dry very quickly. They can be machine washed.

I bought two different sets of 6 bags each that come in mixed sizes from Amazon. I’ll include the links below. I washed and air dried them before use. Love them.

Simple Ecology Reusable Organic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UJ0U0C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


Reusable Produce Bags - Organic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074Z6DV26?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I got this one for christmas and it’s been great! That said I cannot comprehend how anyone can turn the dial past like 2, maybe 3, let alone all the way, without giving themselves an enema...

/u/hedgehiggle recently recommended a book about making vegan staples (tofu, soy milk, cheese etc). Maybe that would be useful?

You should show him reviews from all the bidet converts here: Luxe Bidet
I know, I know. One more thing to buy on Amazon. But this thing is so easy to install and it will change your life!

There are also plenty of reusable ones available, such as these from Amazon!

Found it!

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Planet-3-Compartment-Silicone-Collapsible/dp/B0051XRY4Q

You could always install a bidet onto your toilet.


They’re really easy to use and involve no waste.


You can check out one here

Make your own! It sucks if you can't find zero waste vital wheat gluten, but you can always look at ordering larger quantities online. Also, it's still far less waste than repeatedly buying the pre-made stuff.