Refuse: say no to everything that is not essential;
Reduce: decrease the consumption of what we have as necessary;
Reuse: reuse what is actually consumed;
Recicle: recycle anything that cannot be refused, reduced or reused;
Rot: transform organic waste into natural manure.

1. Refuse plastics and other disposables

Golden Rule: Say No to Disposable Plastic! Especially for single use plastic. In fact, we are aware that leading a life without plastic is not an easy task, because unfortunately the planet is crammed with plastic - and this consumption is overly inculcated in society. However, there are simple measures that will reduce our ecological footprint: cut with what is disposable!

Refusing straws in the restaurant and plastic bags in the supermarket is another option. Replace plastic bottles, cups, cups and cutlery with alternatives such as glass, stainless steel… these alternatives last a lifetime! All of these small measures will have a major impact on reducing material waste.

2. Buy in bulk (and less packaged products)

This tip follows the thought of the previous one. We currently see a considerable increase in bulk grocery stores. The concept is perfect for a Zero Waste life: Each person takes their own (reusable) container and purchases the desired products separately. Whether it's cereals, spices, pasta, rice or even detergents!

As well as allowing you to choose exactly what quantities you want, it´s a way to ensure your contribution to a more sustainable planet. Buying in bulk is a great solution for reducing plastic and also for saving (a lot!) of money.

3. Borrow or buy used

Share goods with your family, friends and neighbours. This is an essential tip to reduce the consumption of single uses. Are you sure you don't need a toolbox at home - or you hang pictures every day? And do you really need a new platter just to test a recipe you recently learned? All of these small purchases can be replaced with one simple word: "borrow."

On the other hand, if there is such a need, we advise you to look for second hand products first. Whether it is clothing, household items or an article for an unusual trip, what matters is finding a different solution. Used and second-hand products are always more economical and, of course, avoid the pressure of the planet to extract raw materials and thus produce them!!

4. Adopt home cleaning and personal hygiene recipes

We have already talked about the advantages of buying detergents or other cleaners in bulk. But we have another one: create your own products. We know it sounds almost crazy - "but I'm not a scientist, engineer or chemist." Right. But who says home-made recipes have to be complicated?

A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is perfect for removing fat from the kitchen. Also baking soda, when mixed with coconut oil, creates a very nice deodorant. To wash the dishes, we recommend coconut soap. On the other hand, to achieve silky hair (without depending on the chemicals in supermarket shampoos), we suggest making a mixture of baking soda, crushed avocado and filtered water.

5. Transform the utility and identity of materials consumed

Here creativity comes into play! Bottles become cups, mugs become pencil holders, wooden boxes become vases, corks become key chains and so on… In this case, it is important to give your imagination wings and recreate from products. that we already have at home. Remember: there is "garbage" that is not garbage, it's just a new thing!

Adopt upcycling. Do you know this term? Coming from English and adapting the term “recycling”, the term upcycling has as its mission to totally transform goods that would go to waste, giving it a totally new function.