Honestly, I used to think zero-waste meant wearing homemade clothes, carrying a compost bucket like a badge, or turning my whole life upside down.
That sounded exhausting, and unrealistic for my busy days. What actually worked for me was a different approach: small, sensible swaps I could make once and keep doing without stress.
Over a couple of years I cut my household waste by about half. I didn’t do it by being perfect. I did it by changing routines that were easy to keep.
Below I share the exact 14 habits I used, how I folded them into daily life, the problems I ran into, practical fixes, and the specific products I tested and still use.
These are things I tested in my kitchen, bathroom, and bag, not abstract ideas. You can pick one or two to start, or try a few at once. The point is steady change, not shame.
Key takeaways
- Small habits add up: tiny changes that are easy to keep will reduce most household waste.
- Pick habits that match your life: the best change is the one you’ll actually keep.
- Track what you toss for a month, you’ll see quick wins and clear next steps.
- These swaps save money over time and cut waste, wins for your budget and the planet.
1. Swap paper towels for reusable cloths
Paper towels were everywhere in my kitchen. I’d use one, toss it, reach for another. It adds up fast.
I switched to a set of cotton dishcloths and unpaper towels and never looked back.
How I do it: I keep a few cloths in a small basket on the counter for day-to-day spills. A separate pile goes under the sink for greasy rags. When the basket is full, in the washer they go with other towels.
Why it works: A single cloth replaces dozens, even hundreds of paper towels. That cuts trash and saves money.
I use Marley’s Monsters Unpaper Towels: they’re absorbent, machine-washable, and have held up well in my kitchen. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Buy plain cotton or muslin, they’re cheap and last.
- Reserve one cloth for greasy jobs and another for food contact to avoid cross-contamination.
- If you worry about smell, pre-soak in vinegar once a month or use hot-water washes.
Common problem: You forget to put dirty cloths in the wash. The Fix: Keep a small, breathable bag under the sink and toss used cloths in there immediately.
2. Use a refillable water bottle
Before I switched, my house had a weird collection of single-use bottles hiding in cups and car seats. I bought a good stainless bottle and started carrying it everywhere.
How I do it: I refill it at home, in cafés, and at work. I rinse it daily and deep-clean it weekly.
Why it works: Reusable bottles stop single-use plastic from entering your home in the first place. They’re also better at keeping drinks hot or cold.
I recommend the Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth: wide mouth for easy cleaning and durable insulation that keeps drinks cold or hot for hours. I clean mine often and it still looks new. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Choose one with a wide mouth, it’s easier to clean.
- Keep a spare in the car or bag so you don’t forget one at home.
- If taste or mineral buildup is an issue, clean with baking soda and hot water.
Common problem: It’s bulky to carry. Fix: Pick a slim design you’ll actually take along.
3. Shop with reusable bags
Plastic grocery bags used to pile up in my pantry. I’d reuse them sometimes, but most ended up in the trash. Now I keep a handful of foldable bags in my backpack and car.
I put reusable bags in the trunk and in a small pouch I clip to my keys. If I forget, I buy fewer items so it still fits in one bag.
Why it works: One reusable bag replaces dozens, sometimes hundreds, of plastic bags.
I recommend: BeeGreen Reusable Grocery Bags: sturdy, foldable, and great for heavy loads. They’ve handled groceries, garden soil, and laundry. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Use flat-bottom bags for easier packing.
- Keep a lightweight bag in your purse for quick trips.
- Cloth or thicker woven bags handle heavier loads and last years.
Common problem: Forgetting bags at home. Fix: Keep a visible reminder by the door or set a simple habit like putting keys beside the bag pouch.
4. Ditch disposable coffee cups
My local café gives a small discount for bringing your own cup. That made the switch easier.
The first week I forgot a few times, but the discount and the habit stuck.
How I do it: I stash a lightweight tumbler in my bag and use it for takeaway coffee. I rinse it at home and wash it properly every few days.
Why it works: Disposable coffee cups are usually lined with plastic and are hard to recycle. Using a tumbler cuts that waste immediately.
I use: Yeti Rambler 20 oz Tumbler: leak-resistant, well-insulated, and solid on my commute. I like the secure lid for travel. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Pick a leak-proof lid for commuting.
- Choose an insulated cup if you like your coffee hot longer.
- Bring a spare if you expect to forget.
Common problem: Cafés sometimes won’t accept personal cups due to hygiene rules. The Fix: Call ahead or keep a collapsible cup that fits their rules.
5. Buy in bulk with reusable containers
Buying bulk stopped a lot of my packaged-food waste. I started bringing jars and cloth bags to fill rice, beans, oats, and nuts.
I label containers with the product and date, then store them in the pantry. When a container gets low, I refill it.
Why it works: Bulk sections let you buy only what you need and skip individual packaging.
I recommend: Stasher Silicone Reusable Bags: versatile for shopping, storage, and freezing. They close tightly and are easy to clean. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Bring glass jars or clean, labeled containers.
- Weigh containers before filling when required at the store.
- Start with staples you use often so nothing goes to waste.
Common problem: Not all stores allow personal containers. The Fix: Ask staff, many will if you’re polite, or find a nearby store that supports bulk shopping.
6. Compost food scraps
I hesitated about composting because I thought it would smell or attract pests. Once I started a small indoor bin and moved the scraps to an outdoor composter, it became easy.
How I do it: I keep a small countertop caddy for peels, coffee grounds, and egg shells. Once a week I empty it into the backyard composter or a community drop-off.
Why it works: Food waste is a large portion of household trash. Composting returns nutrients to soil and keeps organic matter out of landfills.
I recommend: Back Porch Compost Tumbler: I tested a tumbler like this for odor control and easy turning; it made composting less of a chore. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Use a closed caddy with a charcoal filter to reduce smells.
- Chop scraps smaller to speed decomposition.
- If you don’t have space, look for municipal compost programs or community gardens.
Common problem: You don’t want worms or flies. Fix: Balance green scraps with brown materials (paper, dried leaves) and keep the bin dry-ish.
7. Switch to bar soap and shampoo
I swapped liquid soap bottles for bar soap and solid shampoo. It’s simpler, and the plastic bottle waste dropped noticeably.
How I do it: I keep bars in well-draining dishes so they dry between uses. A bar lasts surprisingly long if you store it right.
Why it works: Bar products often come with paper or minimal packaging, and they remove plastic bottles from the bathroom.
I recommend: Ethique Shampoo Bars, solid shampoo that lasts a long time and minimizes plastic packaging. I’ve found they lather well and reduce how often I need to buy bottles. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Use a soap saver or wooden dish that drains.
- Rotate bars to let each dry fully.
- If you’re worried about travel, cut bars into smaller pieces that fit a tin.
Common problem: Bars can get mushy in constant water. Fix: Use a soap dish with holes and keep bars away from direct water flow.
8. Use reusable food wraps
I replaced plastic wrap and disposable sandwich bags with beeswax wraps, silicone lids, and reusable silicone bags.
How I do it: Beeswax wraps cover bowls or wrap sandwiches. Silicone bags hold leftovers or go into the freezer.
Why it works: These products are washable and last a long time, cutting lots of single-use plastic.
I recommend: Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Wraps: I’ve found these work well for covering bowls and wrapping sandwiches; warm them in your hands for a tight seal. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Warm beeswax wraps in your hands for better sealing.
- Avoid wrapping raw meat with beeswax, use silicone or a lidded container.
- Rinse silicone bags right away to avoid staining.
Common problem: Beeswax wraps don’t like heat. Fix: Use them for cold storage and choose silicone for hot or wet items.
9. Opt for digital receipts
Paper receipts pile up quickly. Many stores now email receipts or let you use their app.
How I do it: I ask for email receipts when I can, or skip the paper option at payment kiosks. I keep a folder in my email for receipts so they’re easy to find.
Why it works: Digital receipts cut down on small, hidden paper waste and make tracking spending easier.
Trueecoliving tips:
- If a store asks for your phone number, use your email instead.
- Create a single receipts folder and archive receipts regularly.
Common problem: Some returns require the paper receipt. Fix: Take a photo of receipts before recycling them.
10. Repurpose glass jars
Glass jars from sauces and jams are great for storage. They pull double duty as containers and drinking glasses in my house.
How I do it: I wash jars and lids, remove labels (soak in warm water with a little baking soda), then use them for bulk goods, leftovers, or small-tool storage.
Why it works: Reusing glass keeps perfectly good containers in circulation and out of the recycling pile.
Trueecoliving tips:
- Mason jars are versatile for storage and freezing.
- Use jars as gift containers for homemade treats.
- Keep a few in the car for emergency water or snack storage.
Common problem: Labels and sticky residue. Fix: Soak jars in hot water and scrub with a sponge; oil like coconut oil removes stubborn glue.
11. Choose bamboo toothbrushes
I switched plastic toothbrushes for bamboo-handled ones. They feel the same in my hand, and I toss the head but compost the handle where possible.
How I do it: I replace the brush head every three months and store the bamboo handle dry.
Why it works: Bamboo handles compost far faster than plastic ones, reducing long-term waste.
I recommend: Humble Brush Bamboo Toothbrushes, comfortable grip, compostable handle, and a simple switch from plastic. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Look for brands with replaceable heads if you want less waste still.
- Let handles dry fully to avoid mold.
- When you’re done, remove bristles and recycle metal or dispose properly, then compost the handle.
Common problem: Not sure how to dispose of bristles. The Fix: Pull out bristles and dispose of them in general trash; then compost or repurpose the handle.
12. Say no to single-use cutlery
I used to bring home plastic forks and spoons from takeout. Now I carry a slim utensil set in my bag and keep a spare in the car.
How I do it: I rinse utensils after use and wash them at the next sink.
Why it works: Single-use cutlery is rarely recycled. A small reusable kit avoids dozens of disposable pieces.
I recommend: ToGo Ware Bamboo Utensil Set, compact, durable, and comes with a case. It fits in a bag or lunch box and has saved me from taking disposables many times. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Choose a lightweight bamboo or stainless set with a case.
- Keep it near your keys so you remember it.
- If you often eat with others, keep extra sets at work or in a shared drawer.
Common problem: You forget the set. Fix: Keep a cheap backup set in a drawer at work.
13. Repair instead of replace
Throwing something away was my default for years. Now I try a simple fix first. It turns out many frayed seams, loose buttons, or small cracks don’t need a new purchase.
How I do it: I keep a small repair kit, needle, thread, super glue, a few screws. I watch short repair videos when I need guidance.
Why it works: Repairing reduces demand for new goods and keeps usable items from the landfill.
Trueecoliving tips:
- Learn basic sewing stitches, a running stitch and a backstitch will fix most tears.
- Tighten screws and oil hinges before they break.
- For bigger repairs, local repair cafés and cobblers are cheaper than replacements.
Common problem: Time or confidence. Fix: Set a 15-minute repair window, most fixes are quick once you try.
14. Plan meals to reduce food waste
This one probably made the biggest difference for me. I used to buy food impulsively and end up tossing half of it.
Now I plan the week, shop with a list, and use leftovers creatively.
How I do it: On Sunday I write a simple plan: breakfasts, lunches, dinners. I shop the list and prep a few things, chop vegetables, cook a base grain, so meals are easy.
Why it works: Planning prevents overbuying and makes leftovers part of the menu instead of an afterthought.
I recommend: Souper Cubes Silicone Freezer Molds, they make portion-sized meals and freezer portions easy, stack neatly, and reduce wasted leftovers.
I batch-cook and freeze often; these save time and reduce spoilage. (Available on Amazon.)
Trueecoliving tips:
- Use leftovers for lunches or transform them into a new dish (roast vegetables become a grain bowl).
- Freeze portions that you can’t eat within a few days.
- Keep a running inventory on your fridge, tape a list to the door if it helps.
Common problem: Life gets busy and plans fall apart. Fix: Keep one “rescue” meal, something quick in the freezer or a pantry-based dinner you can make even on hectic nights.
How I measured progress (and how you can)
I kept track for one month by watching the trash and noting what items appeared most often: single-use coffee cups, plastic bags, packaged snacks, and food scraps.
Then I applied these habits to those pain points first. After three months I saw fewer single-use items in the trash. After a year I estimated my waste had fallen by half.
How you can do it:
- For one week, track every disposable item you throw away.
- Pick the top three items and apply the habit that targets them.
- Re-check after a month. You’ll usually see quick wins that make continuing easier.
Common excuses and simple fixes
- “I don’t have time.” Start with one swap, reusable water bottle or cloth towels. These save time later (fewer shopping trips) and require little effort.
- “It costs more.” Some swaps do cost up front. But many pay for themselves: reusable bottles, bags, and dishcloths last years. Meal planning saves on groceries.
- “I don’t have space.” Use small, stacked containers, or try a community compost drop-off if you lack yard space.
- “It’s inconvenient.” Make a habit: stow bags by the door, leave a tumbler in your car, or set a reminder for laundry.
A 30-day, low-effort challenge you can try
If you want structure, try this simple plan:
- Week 1: Replace paper towels and disposable coffee cups (try Marley’s Monsters Unpaper Towels and a Yeti Rambler).
- Week 2: Start using reusable bags and a refillable bottle (BeeGreen bags and Hydro Flask).
- Week 3: Begin meal planning and bring reusable containers for bulk shopping (Stasher bags and Souper Cubes).
- Week 4: Start composting and swap in a reusable cutlery set (Back Porch Compost Tumbler and ToGo Ware utensil set).
Each week build on the last. Track what you throw away at the end of the month, you’ll see real differences.
The bigger picture: why this matters
Cutting household waste is not dramatic, headline-grabbing work. It’s slow, steady, and local.
But it matters: less waste means fewer resources used, less strain on landfills, and fewer plastics in oceans.
It also makes daily life simpler, less clutter, fewer single-use items to buy, and gradual savings.
Most important: you don’t have to be perfect. My house still produces trash. But the habits I kept changed the ratio.
Half the waste gone felt huge because it was visible and repeatable. That’s the kind of change that sticks.
Final thoughts
If you want to get started, pick "DJ TV TV hi my ghost hcg things from this list and try them for a month. Track what you toss and make small adjustments.
My advice: choose habits that match your life and are easy to repeat. That is the real key to long-term change.
I’ve been where you are, skeptical and busy, and these are the habits that felt natural to me. They weren’t a chore; they became the new normal.
Do one small thing today and one more next week. Over time, those steps add up. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and feel a quiet satisfaction every time you reach for a reusable item instead of a throwaway one.