Zero-Waste Tips That Will Also Save You Time

Here are three tips to help you reduce your waste, clutter, and save time today!

1. Make what you can instead of buying it 

This may sound like it’s time-consuming, (and sometimes it is) but for certain items, it can be enjoyable and better for you. 

For example, on Fridays when I already have my food processor out, I make mayonnaise.  It takes less than 5 minutes!  I use 2 egg yolks, 1 cup oil,  1/4 teaspoon of dried mustard (optional), half the juice of a lemon, (which I squeeze all at once and freeze), 1 Tablespoon hot water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.  I slowly add the oil to the already spinning eggs and it thickens. 

I use the egg whites on my challah or I make meringues, and to help clean up the mayo that is left in the food processor I make tuna,  egg salad, or babaganush in it so I don’t have to wash the machine till after I have done it all. I get more bang for my buck and get out every last drop!

The beauty of this is that you can control the ingredients, you don’t have to buy more plastic containers, and you don’t have to recycle them either,  (Let’s face it – you pay for the container when you buy something!)

This is also a great tip if you are crafty. You can make reusable bags, or masks, from old materials instead of buying them. This helps reuse what you already have-  keeping things out of landfills and keeping more money in your pocket!

2. Try before you buy 

How many times have you made a purchase that ended up being all wrong?  

Before you buy something new – ask a friend if they have it already and see if you can try it out,  This works for a board game, a new spice you have never tried before, kitchen appliances, consumable products, the list is endless.

By asking a friend to try something it not only helps to avoid unnecessary purchasing, but it keeps us from adding clutter we don’t really want in our homes.  And et’s be real-  how many times have you said, “I don’t really like it but I can’t get rid of it cause it cost too much money!”

When you ask a friend to borrow an item or see if someone is giving it away,  you can avoid getting things you don’t really want or need!

3. Don’t just chuck what you declutter.  

You decided to declutter, great job!  Most of what you have decided to declutter and let go of can actually be recycled!

Finding your items in a new home is the best choice.  As you can have your discards get some extra love and use from someone else.

I believe giving things away is best because you are offering your blessings to someone else while making room for new blessings. And if it is a very high-value item – sell it!

If you need ideas of how to up-cycle your high-value items:

Jewelry and accessories

These can be sold on eBay or through private auction houses, Also local, second-hand shops,  pawnshops, or Facebook marketplace is a great place to sell.

Clothing

Clothing can go into drop boxes or go to a secondhand shop. 

Any unwearable clothes can be put in a bag marked rags and dropped outside. This saves loads of textiles from filling up the landfill which saves space, money, and the environment.

For clothing in good condition, you can put it in the drop bins, sell it on Facebook marketplace or other second-hand sites like eBay and Poshmark.

Many cities have second-hand shops that will take things in good condition and may even give you store credit,

My personal favorite is offering it up for free in local clothing swaps! 

Scrap metal and old electronics

There are many cities and private companies that can recycle scrap metals and old electronics. Sometimes they will even pay you for these items, so it’s important to check with your local municipality to find out where you can recycle them.

Often times there are repair shops that are interested in older electronics, as they use the parts for repairs. So if you have a bunch of old cell phones in good condition- check with any local repair places!

Musical instruments and toys 

These can be donated to local schools or shelters. 

It may take a little bit of work to get something to have a new home, but the reward is feeling good about letting the item be loved by someone who can really use it.

Reducing waste and decluttering can really be rewarding!

What are you doing to declutter and avoid waste? If you need help decluttering, reach out and book a consultation or book a Done In A Day Declutter session with me today!

Happy organizing!

For more zero waste tips check out our other blog posts: