Waste Not, Want Not - A Minimalist Take on Zero Waste

An important part of being a minimalist is recognizing the effects our consumer habits have on our lives. But while we make our internal space cleaner and clutter free, we are essentially adding to the waste of oceans and landfills in our external space. If we can learn how to take ownership of the waste we create, we can help to alleviate the problem through the choices we make on a daily basis.

Food

Coffee press

This is a big one for me because it upsets me so to see people who use coffee makers that use plastic pods. The convenience of the coffee makers makes them a popular choice, but those plastic coffee pods are probably the worst possible way to make coffee when it comes to the waste you are creating. Plus, shooting hot water through plastic is basically drinking chemicals. Slightly better are coffee makers that require a filter. While paper filters are quick to decompose, there is actually an even better option available in the form of a french press. Because they have a mesh filter, you can save money and the environment by not needing a disposable paper version.

Coffee grounds for face mask

You are probably wondering how making coffee could be zero waste since there is always coffee grounds left over. The good news is the coffee grounds can be used to make a face scrub. Here is the recipe:

• 4 Tablespoons coconut, olive, or preferred oil
• 6 Tablespoons very finely ground used coffee

Mix together and store in an airtight container in the fridge and it will keep for a week.

Eat fresh food without packaging

This one is pretty self explanatory. If you use fresh ingredients, especially ones from the farmers market, you will not have any cans, plastic wrap or lids to trash. Any peels or seeds can be composted.

Compost

Keep a miniature compost bin on your kitchen counter to collect food waste to take to the compost pile/bin when it gets full. Just remember that meat cannot be composted.

Paper

Pay bills online

It's quicker and paperless. Another important aspect of this method is you are keeping those envelopes with plastic windows out of your home. Those plastic windows contain BPA and if you throw them in the recycle bin, they contaminate all the recycled waste with BPA. This is something to keep in mind if you are purchasing recycled products, like toilet paper, that you use on your body.

Cancel subscriptions/catalogs

You don't need those things anyway because anything you bring into the home has to replace something you already have.

Ask for reusable coffee cups

When visiting coffee shops, ask for your latte in a ceramic mug to save from the waste created from a paper disposable cup. 

Use reusable bags

If you reuse your bags, you won't bring bags into your home. Take extras to give to the person in line behind you and start the trend!

Decline receipts

Those receipts that turn black when exposed to the sun contain BPA in the ink. If you decline the receipt, you are keeping that BPA off of your hands. Most companies now offer the option to email your receipt.

Water

Collect water in watering can

I tend to get a glass of water and set it somewhere then forget where I left it. One way to keep from wasting that water is to keep a watering can that you pour the old water into to water your plants with.

Rain barrel

Keep a rain barrel to collect rain water to water your plants. You can also use this water to water your indoor plants with a watering can.

Drink tap water

It's free and doesn't come in a wasteful bottle! Not to mention the plastic chemicals that could have leached into your water during the shipment process if the delivery truck got hot enough.

The Minimalist Budget

Living with less can help you save money when you don't have as many things to care for and maintain. But being a minimalist also forces you to reevaluate your spending habits. The last thing you want to do is spend time getting rid of clutter only to turn around and buy replacements for everything.

Here is a look at some ways you can save money and live on a minimalist budget.

Food

Order water

If you plan to eat out, skip the soda or alcohol and instead opt for water. It's a free and healthier option.

Cook from scratch

Have you ever looked at the cost difference between a bag of shredded cheese and a block of cheese? Not only is the block of cheese cheaper but it has more ounces in it. It may take longer to shred the cheese yourself, but the money you save will add up in the long run.

Use up pantry

Before you make another grocery store run, take stock of what you have in your pantry. You may find that if you get creative, you could plan a meal for a week with the ingredients you already have on hand.

Get a basket instead of a cart

Just as eating off a smaller plate keeps you from overeating, shopping with a hand basket instead of a shopping cart has the same effect. Not only will having less room keep you from throwing unnecessary things into it that weren't on your shopping list, but the weight of having to carry all those things is another incentive to keep it light.

Stick to your shopping list or only take limited cash

Another way to keep from purchasing things that are not on your shopping list is to only take enough cash to cover the cost of the items on your list. Keep in mind that cash is money that is actually there while a credit line is not.

Home

Make your own cleaners and personal care products

Not only are household cleaners dangerously toxic, but there's nothing a little vinegar and baking soda can't clean for a lot cheaper. Why store all those different cleaners when you can have an all-purpose one that doesn't make you cough from all the added chemicals?

Fix broken things

Simple things like sewing a button back on or darning a sock can save you money in the long run and keep clothing out of the landfill. 

Hang dry clothes

If you don't have a clothing line in your backyard, you can find clothing racks that can be folded and stored away when not in use.

Turn down the heater/air conditioner

At night when you are warm under the covers, set your home temperature between 50 and 60 degrees to save money on heating and cooling. When the weather is comfortable, turn off your heating and cooling completely and rely on open windows and ceiling fans to regulate the temperature.

Walk everywhere

If you live in walking distance to places you frequent, think about walking instead of driving. This routine will not only save you money on gas, but will also help you get exercise and fresh air.

Shopping

Make use of credit card rewards

Although cash is the recommended form of payment for purchases, you obviously cannot pay for online purchases with cash. If you are going to have a credit card for these transactions, make sure it's one you will get rewards on in the form of cash back.

Unsubscribe from catalogs and emails

Out of sight, out of mind. If you don't see it, how will you know you want it? Save trees and money by asking companies to remove you from their snail mail list.

Pay bills online

Save from having to buy stamps by paying bills online.

Utilize the library for books & movies

Only buy books or movies that you know you will read more than once. For all other books and movies, put those tax dollars to work and check it out from the library.

DIY - Plastic-free Waterproof Shower Curtain

One of the largest plastics in your home is the shower curtain and liner. These PVC vinyl products release toxic chemicals like phthalates when heated by a hot shower or bath. Opening them for the first time can be overwhelming because if the smell they release - inducing headaches and respiratory issues.

While retailers have started making PVC-free alternatives, I wanted to find a plastic-free method for our home and family. I recently discovered a company from Portland called Otterwax that makes  natural products to care for leather and fabrics that endure the elements.

One of their products is the fabric bar, which contains no petroleum or silicone. I decided to try the bar on the inside of our cotton shower curtain to prevent the absorption of water. Here is a step-by-step to trying this method at home:

• wash and dry curtain

• rub fabric bar in a back-and-forth motion to create friction

• allow to cure before using

I love the smell of the wax and not having to use a shower liner in the future. For more information on Otterwax products, you can visit their website at: www.otterwax.com

Minimizing Digital Clutter

Giving yourself the gift of physical space through minimalism can be cleansing. What people sometimes forget is the same concept can be applied to your online and digital space.

Maybe you've considered deleting your Facebook account but worry without it you will lose touch with friends. Maybe you've tried leaving your phone off but worry you might miss an important call. We can't deny the convenience of the digital age and our love-hate relationship with our smart phones, but that doesn't mean we can't take back our time and intentions to stay grounded in the real and physical world.

More Social - Less Media

Delete apps or turn off notifications

You don't need to delete your social media accounts to reduce your screen time. Simple steps like cleaning up your "follow" list or deleting the apps on your phone can keep you from even realizing you have a notification and checking it.

Meet up in person

If you're worried about missing out on announcement posts and changes in the lives of your friends and family, then use that as an incentive to meet up with that person for coffee and conversation or have them over for dinner. These interactions will be much more meaningful and memorable than that a comment or "like".

Set a timer

If you absolutely must check your feed, then at least set a timer for how much time you think is reasonable to keep from wasting your afternoon scrolling.

Take Note

Start writing lists

If you're like me, then you are constantly making lists: grocery lists, to-do lists, goals lists, etc. I've tried making lists on my phone, but hitting "delete" on a finished task is not as satisfactory as scratching it off.

I love using journals and little notepads to write my lists on. I also love the idea of having these entries to refer back on in the future if need be. 

Use a paper calendar

While it's nice to have your phone remind you about an event coming up, the truth is, we shouldn't have to rely on it. Facebook should not be the reason you know your best friends birthday is next week. If you keep a paper calendar and check it daily, you will be able to remember important events without the help of social media.

Start writing letter correspondence

When was the last time you received a letter in the mail? I mean a handwritten one on actual stationary. If you received one in the last two years, it was probably from someone of an older generation. It more than likely made you feel special. To think that someone sat down and dedicated their time and best handwriting to express their feelings to you. There was no spellcheck button or backspace to edit with, so it's possible they had to start over - maybe even more than once. Wouldn't it feel special to receive a physical card in the mail on your birthday instead of a comment on your Facebook wall? Maybe you can be the one to break out the postage stamps and start the trend. 

Unsubscribe from emails

Take the time to unsubscribe from all those spam emails so you don't have to delete them in the future. It's easier to see the important emails when you don't have to scroll through all the junk.

Phasing Out the Phone 

Out of sight out of mind

Keep your phone in another room or in your purse to avoid checking it.

Use a camera

Document your life the right way. Photos taken with a camera can be so much more beautiful and meaningful. There's a reason you never see a wedding photographer using their phone to take photos of the bride and groom.

Play interactive board games

The problem with online games is you may be playing against a friend, but the interaction is lost. Break out the classic board games where you can actually see the person you are playing against, instead of sitting next to each other and looking down at your phones.

Products Without Plastic

In my previous posts about going plastic free, I talked about how plastics can be lurking in places that you may not realize. Tiny parts and mechanisms inside coffee makers and pretty much every part of a toothbrush were big concerns for me because these items make direct contact with my body daily in the form of the coffee I drink (produced with hot water passing through plastic parts) and the toothbrush I use twice a day.

Clean Coffee

I did lots of research before deciding on a replacement for our French press. It was only then that I realized it is near impossible to find a 100% plastic-free version because of the filtration system. Even glass and stainless steel versions contained plastic. I was ready to give up when I found this 100% stainless steel version by Secura. Even better is the fact that because there are no paper filters needed, I am saving money and keeping waste out of landfills. Our new French press gets a lot of use as we use it to make iced tea as well as coffee. It is easily cleaned and beautiful enough to keep on open shelving.

The next item I needed to replace was my coffee grinder. The electric one we had was one that had been good to us and lasted years. The only problem was it was made almost entirely of plastic. After searching for a replacement I realized the only way to find a plastic-free version was to find a version that you grind by hand. I found this one that is stainless steel with wood accents. Inside is a cork stopper that keeps your ground coffee fresh. I love that there is a way to adjust the type of grind you want which also changes how much effort is needed to grind the coffee.

Bamboo Brushing

The third item on my list to find a replacement for was my toothbrush. It just didn't make sense to work so hard to remove plastic products from our home but put a plastic toothbrush with synthetic bristles in my mouth twice a day. Luckily, there are companies that understand these concerns and produce natural bamboo toothbrushes. It took some research to find which one was best for me, and the only one I found that was 100% plastic-free (the packaging is plant-based and biodegradable) and natural was one by Brush with Bamboo. This brush is made with partially plant-based bristles and is one of the only on the market that has bristles not made from plastic or pig/boar hair (which would be a problem for vegans). Even better is that bamboo toothbrushes are beautiful enough to display on the sink for easy access.

Making the Most of your Minimalist Wardrobe

Living small means making the most of what you have. When it comes your wardrobe, every piece should be versatile so it can contribute to several different outfits. This doesn't mean everything in your closet needs to be neutral colors. There are ways to fit items into your wardrobe that maximize your choices.

I wanted to show how one piece can be worn several ways to maximize your wardrobe without sacrificing space. For this post, I've teamed up with Pink Blush to feature their brown two-toned knit dolman cardigan.

Layers

The great thing about layering clothing is you can change the look of an outfit so it's not as obvious you are wearing the same item weekly. Cardigans are a great layering item that can be worn several ways. Even accessories such as a belt or scarf are all that's needed to create a new outfit. But try to keep the accessories to one item per outfit. If you wear a necklace, you can't wear a bracelet. If you wear a scarf, no belts allowed. Remember that simple is always better.

Colors

It's important to know what colors look best with your skin tone. Neutrals are a safe bet, but there's no need to omit bright colors from your closet. If you love a floral dress in your closet but can never seem to like the way it looks, it's probably not the right color for you. If you have a lot of reds in your skin tone like I do, then you don't want to overdo it with the red and pinks. While black may be the most safe and versatile color to wear, beware of your white clothing. There's a huge difference between white and ivory as far as skin tones are concerned.

Patterns

I love patterns and tend to wear at least one patterned item with each outfit. But in order to utilize patterns in a minimalist wardrobe, you have to keep it simple. You should only wear one pattern at a time, wearing solid colors for an accent. Be careful when pairing patterns with accessories and remember the one accesory at a time rule.

Maintaining a Minimalist Wardrobe

They say the first place to begin your quest living with less is your closet. One of the reasons is that they tend to have an abundance of unwanted and overly worn items that will be easy to part with. In today's consumerist society where you can buy clothes cheap, it's easy for things to get out of hand and pile up quickly.

It's also the reason why newer homes are being built with walk-in closets to house all of these items. If you've ever visited Paris, you will find armoires in place of closets. These standing wooden closets can only hold up to around 20 hangers. But you don't see Parisians complaining.

You may think that having more options will make it easier to get dressed in the morning, but the opposite is actually true. Have you ever gone to a restaurant that has a everything you can imagine on their menu only to find you spend forever flipping through the pages trying to decide on something? Too many clothes give you too many options and you spend more time weeding through piles to find things. Do you really need 5 gray t-shirts? Will you ever wear the shoes you bought to go with your bridesmaids dress? Maybe there's a reason there's still a tag on that shirt that hasn't been worn since you bought it 5 years ago.

Less is More
One of the benefits to having less clothing in your closet is being able to spend less time searching for what to wear. It also gives you more space to properly care and store your clothes so they are able to breathe and more likely to last longer. An organized closet will keep clothes off the floor and on hangers or in drawers where they belong.

Another benefit to having less clothing is being able to spend less on new clothing. A general rule to keeping your closet to the bare essentials once you've decluttered it is to make a promise to yourself that any item you purchase and bring into your space will mean you have to give up one item in it's place. This will force you to really think about how much you want or need an item before you make that choice. This can save you money in the end and keep you out of department stores that tempt you with sales.

Love It or Leave It
The best way to decide if an item stays or goes is to decide if it's worthy enough to share a space with you. Create three piles before you begin. One pile for things to "keep", one pile for things to "donate" and one pile for "trash". Some questions to ask yourself when considering which pile to put an item in are: How often do I wear this? Is it damaged? Does it still fit? Is it flattering? Can it be worn with anything else?

Love and Logic
Are you a Mom who gets spit-up on your clothes daily? Are you an art teacher painting with kids? Do you have pets that get fur on your black clothes? Then maybe you need to think about these things when you are sorting your wardrobe. Be sensible realistic about whether or not you need a formal gown if you never go to fancy parties, or if you need so many wool sweaters if you live in a warm climate.

Keep it Simple
A minimalist wardrobe does not need to be all neutral colors in order to be paired with other items to create new outfits. You will however need to have a few items that will complete an outfit like black flats and a white t-shirt. Patterned items will be harder to pair with other items, but it can be done. I will talk more about this in a future post.

Quality Over Quantity
We all know that we get what we pay for. If you pay $5 for a shirt, it probably isn't going to last. But not everyone can afford to buy the organic cotton version. Keep in mind there are other options than stores who sell cheap clothing made overseas. Thrift-stores can provide you with brand name items for the same price, and also keep clothing out of the landfill.

Handle with Care
If you want your wardrobe to last, you need to treat your items with respect. This can be done simply by purchasing nice wooden hangers instead of using the wire ones you get from dry cleaners. Or by folding or rolling your clothing that is stored in drawers instead of bunching it up and cramming the drawer shut. If clothes are pressed against each other on hangers then you need to remove more things to allow space.

Previous posts on downsizing and living simply:
A purposeful pantry
Living life without plastic
A journey to simplicity