The key to live your best life and reduce your waste is being prepared. Be ready to make a real difference. Live sustainably by drastically reducing your waste.

First, have a kit of reusables. The better they are, the more they last and the more you like them, the more likely you will have them with you. You have got to have them to use them. Throughout your day, these items should be ready to use. The need may arise on a moment’s notice.

Second, have a plan. Ask yourself, what’s the best option? Do I need it? Can I buy what I am looking for without packaging?  What businesses are known for disposables? Are there alternatives? This gets easier with practice. The basic zero waste frameworks can help you as well.

I feel like my buying power cast a vote with every purchase. A vote for a better system.

Third, think about what single use products might be given to you without even asking. You can end up with a plastic bag, a straw, plastic cutlery, soy sauce package or many other disposables before you know it.

Fourth, kindly request your order without. Turn them down before they even get touched or handed over.
It’s good to have what you’re going to say, though out in advance.

For example, “I am challenging myself not to use any single use plastics” or “I am doing the Plastic Free July Challenge” “Go green”. Keep it light hearted as the person you encounter is often just doing their job. It’s often not them but the system as a whole that is the problem.

You might even be able to spread the word on the movement. But don’t force your standards on others.

In the end, do your best. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every little bit helps in the big picture. You will encounter hiccups along the way. You are doing your best in our throwaway system. Don’t get caught up in the thinking that it’s all or nothing.

Reusables and Essentials in your daily Kit

Water Bottle

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• A stylish bottle that you will like to cary around
• Reusable and long lasting
• Non toxic or BPA free
• Stainless Steel or Glass are my favourites
• Has replaceable or fixable parts
• Easy to clean
• Has a built in filter if your water sources are questionable
• Use what you have. If you have a water bottle, use that water bottle until it becomes unusable

Coffee Cup

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• A stylish coffee cup that you will like to cary around
• Reusable and long lasting
• Non toxic or BPA free
• Stainless Steel or Glass are my favourites
• Collapsible silicone ones are great too
• Has replaceable or fixable parts
• Easy to clean
• Use what you have. If you have a coffee cup, use that coffee cup until it becomes unusable

Reusable Bags

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• Shopping or produce
• Reusable and long lasting
• Easy to carry, empty or full
• Natural fabric: cotton, hemp, linen
• Different sizes and types
• Pre place them: home, car, bike, work or school bags

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Reusable Containers

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• Reusable and long lasting
• Lunch kits
• Stackable
• Reusable take out containers
• Stainless Steel are my favourite
• Easy to clean
• Use what you already have

Reusable Cutlery or Utensils

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• Reusable and long lasting
• Easy to carry, lite
• Stainless Steel are my favourite
• Bamboo are also good, especially for air travel
• Easy to clean
• Carrying case
• Use what you already have

Reusable Straw

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• Reusable and long lasting
• Easy to carry, lite
• Stainless Steel are my favourite
• Bamboo and glass are also good
• Easy to clean
• Use what you already have

Reusable food wrap or silicone zip locks

• Beeswax wrap
• Silicone zip locks
• Clean dish cloth works quite well for many applications

Reusable handkerchiefs or cloths

• Multiple clean handkerchiefs
• Storage for used ones
• Clean dish cloth
• Small hand towel or cloth
• Natural fibres are ideal

Tips to remember

• Visual aides, reminders or lists
• Develop a system, I put thing back at the door so I can’t leave without them
• Routines become habits
• Set up electronic reminders

Essentials wrap up

Whether you are trying to live more sustainably, reduce your environmental footprint, remove single use plastic from your life, live a zero waste lifestyle or maybe doing a challenge like Plastic Free July.

To reduce your waste and impact day in and day out.

First, have your zero waste kit and essentials ready to go.

Second, have your plan.

Third, know what to avoid: disposables and single use plastic.

Fourth, kindly request no disposables.

And in the end, do your best. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every effort makes a difference.

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Pat