How can I start living a ‘Zero Waste’ life?

Where to start?

The pure fact that you are reading this, shows you have already started your Zero Waste journey. Simply thinking about what you are consuming and thinking of the impact it has, has started that ball rolling. There are many blog posts out there which all spout the same messages about going Zero Waste. So many make it seem like a daunting task, or a giant change you have to make all at once. But, we understand it’s not usually that simple, or easy.

Your first move

So what is the easiest place to start? In the kitchen! Look in your cupboards and try to see what you buy that comes in single use packaging. Pasta? Muesli? Dried fruits? SO many products in our cupboards come in single use packaging, that when empty, gets chucked in the bin. We will be stocking many of these foods for you to purchase, without the packaging.

But how do you buy it?!

Have you got some old Chinese takeaway boxes in a draw somewhere? FISH THEM OUT AND USE THEM! Acquired tonnes of jam jars over the years? DUST THEM OFF AND BRING THEM IN!

As long as they are food grade containers (what was in them before?) then, they are safe for refill.

You can literally use anything (within reason!) to purchase your products. If it can hold the item safely, then it’s good with us.

You bring it in, you weigh it, and then you get filling.

It’s really that simple.

But I don’t have any containers?!

That’s cool too. We have a couple options for you then, newbie! Not bothered about the look of your container? Choose one of our ‘repurposed’ bottles or containers. These have come from other cafes, and shops in Wareham, sterilised by us and then put back for a new lease of life in the world.

But if you are looking for a bit of uniformity, or style, then consider purchasing one of our new bottles. All made from glass, with the purpose that you will re-use time and time again, and they will look great in your cupboard in the meantime!

These small things are the easiest changes to make! You can swap out items as and when you need to, and it allows you to buy EXACTLY what you need, not a kilo of something you will only use once! And it’s not just dried foods, we will have milk, oils, syrups and even squash to buy in your bottles!

Cheaper, more eco-friendly and you KNOW you’re getting good quality stuff.

Okay, I’m re-using my containers for foods, what’s next?

Right, it’s time to tackle the cleaning world. I can’t be alone in using WAY more than the recommended amount when it comes to stuff like washing up liquid. A good healthy squirt, ensures it’s SUPER clean!

But this means you get through products even quicker, and at the end of it, you’re left with another plastic bottle going in the recycling and the place covered in mountains of suds. But recycling is good right? Yes but with a catch. It’s not the BEST option. Recycling should be the last resort, when the item is no longer fit for ANY purpose. That’s because many plastics can’t break down entirely. Tiny microplastics end up in oceans, in fish, and then back into us. Doesn’t it make you feel a bit… weird, knowing you have tiny bits of plastic all up in you?

So here is the next small change. When you finish your washing up liquid, keep that bottle, come on in to us and fill that back up again! And you can do that with your fabric softener, laundry liquid, toilet cleaner, and even multi surface cleaner. And you can buy as much, or as little as you need. Feel like your fabric softener lasts forever? Get a little less and keep it fresh!

And what’s best, these products are eco-friendly, without losing the quality. This is such an easy change, you’ll barely notice it happening!

Alright, so foods and cleaning sorted, what else?

After this, you’ll find yourself demanding more from your products! It’ll be the little things that you’ll suddenly think, WHY is that covered in plastic, it’s SO unnecessary?!

Items like toilet roll, toothpastes, toothbrushes, dog poo bags, sanitary towels, cotton buds and more, you will start to see about, and make the change across from basic plastic variations to our plastic free, improved items.

Going Zero Waste is a gradual journey. Overloading yourself and trying to cut out everything, often leads to giving up completely. If you find yourself often thinking, when purchasing, about the impact and whether you can avoid plastic usage in your purchase, you’ll find it becomes part of your life.

We will always be happy to help answer questions, and advise if there is anything you aren’t sure about, but if you are in our shop and thinking about Zero Waste, be assured you are really doing your bit! The world thanks you!