10 Simple Ways to REDUCE WASTE // Sustainable Living Tips

We've been talking a lot about minimalism and living with less over here at the CMS HQ lately. Garbage really is a problem—whether it be waste or recycling—it's something that is becoming more and more important on a global scale. We really are the stewards of our planet, and while there are some things that are out of our control, there are a number of ways that we can start moving to a zero waste lifestyle by reducing the day to day waste that comes out of our homes. So, in this video, I take you through 10 simple ways that you can reduce waste today and live a more sustainable lifestyle.

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Questions? Comments?
We'd love to hear from you - say hello down below!

[asmith]

More of this environmentally conscious content please!! Thank you so much!!!

[SweetandMellow]

that's the same idea I had to about detergent companies! We should be able to refill our detergent jugs at the grocery stores.

[litabears]

I'm glad your talking about being eco-friendly and recycling. A lot of people with as many subscribers don't talk about this topic👏👏👏👏👏. I've never thought about buying agave or bamboo plates. Will be looking into it.💙💙💙💙

[debe]

Awesome tips. I already do most of these. I need to get some cloth napkins.
Be mindful with guests at outdoor parties. They seem to think everything is disposable. I dug out half of my kitchen utensils and fancy melamine plates from the trash.

[leahcorgiat]

Oh my gosh Melissa I just fell in love with you even more!!! Thank you for being an influencer who uses her platform to help the planet. We need it!!! Loved this video & I am getting better and better at being less wasteful. 💕💕💕

[samarie]

My grandfather passed away a few days ago. Could you do A video on dealing with a (mild) hoard, especially of papers, and/or how to clean and declutter a house after the death of a loved one???

[bethanjones]

Absolutely agree with nearly all your tips... BUT... microfibres cloths release microfibres into the water cycles that take 1000 years + to decompose and are absorbed far too easily into ocean life.

I know your cloths are high quality- and this is not an attack on your products per se- but if everyone stopped buying microfibres and switched to ethically sourced options that did not release fibres as readily and were produced in more sustainable and less impactful ways- this would make a massive difference on the impact on our irreplaceable environment.

[teresagreen]

Changing to cloth napkins is my favorite change ever! So easy. I was worried about all the extra laundry. I've never regretted it though. Barely added to my laundry.

[amandalashley]

Have your ever heard of mygreenfills? They sell non toxic laundry products. The first time you order they send you a jug for your laundry soap but every order after that is just a packet of powder that you mix with water to make more, you just keep using the same jug every time after that. I also enjoy using silicon stasher bags instead of plastic baggies to pack and store food in.

[ritamouradian]

Please keep making videos like this, I’m always looking for ways to reduce waste!

I would really like for companies in the health and beauty industry to offer to refill product bottles. It’s not lost on me how many bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, and moisturizer get thrown out...

[sssonalsinha]

Love your topic of recycling . I have started using wooden toothbrushes and they are really good and long lasting. I don't believe in buying microfiber clothes for cleaning I use old pillow covers or used towels etc. we always keep cloth bags in our car so that we don't have to buy plastic bags. Steel straws, steel glasses, steel bottles, steel mugs are good options to reduce waste.

[ellenm]

We have laundry soap in bulk at my co-op.

Another idea is to rent dishware for parties. It’s often inexpensive and they usually will wash them too!

[T-marie-N]

This is great, Melissa--thanks! The more people talk about this issue the more people become aware of what they can do to help with the problem. When we go to sit down restaurants we take an empty container with each of us for the leftovers. As seniors, we can't eat the serving sizes most restaurants provide so we nearly always have leftovers. We keep two containers in each car so we always have one when we need it. I also carry folded up wax paper bags (hard to find these days so I bought a case) in my purse to place items in--leftover bread, pancake, etc.

[chechewall]

Love the Biokleen product line. they all work on the enzymatic recipe, work great, you use less, and they not only clean and breakdown grime or spills but are excellent at eliminating odors ! Thanks for caring about the environment Melissa & Chad !!! Your ideas are awesome too!

[emmcguire]

It’s now REFUSE, reduce, reuse, recycle 😊

[ilrimpianto]

Thank you Melissa for the ideas. I want to start to recycle and reuse. A lot of the ideas you suggested is GREAT!

[maryannlyons]

Yes would def like to see companies offer an incentive for people who present their own container/bottle/cup etc for product

[OliverHatched]

One word: Composting!
Paper towels aren't so bad if they end up becoming good compost for you garden next spring. Especially if you're growing your own food! : ) Any other gardeners in the Clean My Space Nation?

[adriennebradywalker]

This is a good start. Something to keep in mind is when deciding to make the switch from single use items, it is best to shop second hand first. Yes, using cloth napkins in place of paper is wonderful, however purchasing brand new cloth napkins does produce one time waste in it's packaging, as well as other impacts from production and shipping.

Thrift stores, freecycle, and even yard/garage/estate sales can almost always provide us with what we need, without producing new waste or new demand, and saves perfectly good items from ultimately ending up in a landfill.

Also, it helps us break the addiction of instant gratification. How many people here in the comments just hopped on to Amazon, and prime shipped cloth napkins, or bamboo plates? Odds are there are still a roll, or many rolls, of paper towels still in your homes. You have them, it's okay to use them. Purchase was made, so the waste is inevitable. Best to use the time you have left using up those items to search for second hand napkins.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk, lol.

[itsmehopieb]

I recently discovered a company called ethique, they make shampoo, conditioner and other body products. All their products are bars and come in compostable paper packaging so there is zero plastic waste!!! They sell on amazon and I’m so glad I found this company! I love doing my part and am glad I don’t have to waste plastic for some of my personal care items any more!
Love your channel!