That deep, sinking, gut-wrenching feeling you get when you ask for another plastic packet at Pick ‘n Pay knowing damn well you’ve got at least another fifteen shoved in a drawer at home is getting too much to bear. Here are some handy tricks to start living a zero waste lifestyle on campus, still keep it affordable, with minimal effort, and a clean conscience all while saving our Mama Earth! What a bargain.
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Refuse. Refuse. Refuse.
This is the first and most important trick. Say no to plastic bags at the grocery store. Say no to freebies on campus that you’ll eventually get rid of in spring clean. Say no to straws when you can drink out of the can. Practice self discipline, you don’t really need the excess.
2. Tuck fabric bags into your backpack
You can find fabric bags almost anywhere – chances are you probably got one as a freebie and you didn’t say no! Fabric bags or totes are handy to roll up, tie and elastic band around and just throw into your backpack for convenient times. Shops are very happy to pack items into your own bag if you provide it to them. Plus, a trendy, personalised tote is 100% more aesthetically pleasing than another flimsy Woolies packet.
3. Pack your own cutlery
Scratch around for a small, old pencil case from your school days and pack in a knife, fork, and spoon. This means you don’t need to keep using plastic cutlery that you’ll eventually throw away to land up in a landfill or in the sea where it will never disintegrate. Think of those cute sea turtles, guys.
4. Start using Ecosia
If you’re getting tired of using Google, try out a new search engine. For every 45 searches, Ecosia will plant a tree! While searching the web, search ads generate an income for Ecosia. With this income, Ecosia have already managed to plant over 16 million trees. Give it a go, folks! We have got to get that oxygen flowing.
5. Be a diva
If you are a uterus-owning individual, try swapping over to using a diva cup. This will limit the amount of tampons and pads that use excessive plastic packaging and are also difficult to dispose of in the long-term. A diva cup can last for up to 10 years, so think about the cup as an investment!
6. Bring your own coffee cup to campus
Cafes on campus are happy to assist you on your new journey! If you bring your own coffee mug, they’ll gladly fill it up and you can be on your merry way. You can finally stop using excessive plastic and paper cups and be guilt-free while having your morning cuppa.
Items to save up for:
If you’re loving this new lifestyle, here are some fun things to add to your lifestyle, house, or backpack. They’re on the pricey side, so if you feel like a good treat or splurge, I’ve got a great list for you to start making a real difference in the world
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Steel or glass straws – R234,00 (the pack comes with two straws but you can find them sold individually. Alternatively, you can split the cost with a friend and both take one)
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Bamboo toothbrushes – R40.00
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Beeswax wrap – R165.00 for 3 (They are a cute alternative to cling wrap. Beeswax wraps shape and stick around objects in response to the heat of your hands and are completely reusable!)
And remember:
REFUSE what you don’t need
REDUCE what you do need
REUSE what you already have
RECYCLE what you cannot refuse, reduce, or reuse
ROT the rest