Near Zero Waste

NatureNurturer

Has anyone here tried going near zero waste? I just stumbled on the concept and it’s fascinating! People are making their own toothpaste, using beeswax wraps, shopping at bulk stores, composting everything-it’s awesome and a little overwhelming.

If you’re doing this or even just starting, what’s been the easiest swap for you so far? And what’s a surprising challenge? Any advice for someone who wants to cut down their trash but isn’t sure where to begin? Would love to hear your stories or tips!

freshurbanair

Honestly, one thing that doesn’t get enough attention is how much packaging lurks in “healthy” or “eco” brands at regular grocery stores-even those labeled sustainable! It’s wild how tricky it is to shop truly zero waste when so much is wrapped in plastic or “compostable” materials that don’t actually break down in most home setups. For me, the easiest early win was just declining freebies and excess receipts, but the most persistent challenge is still snacks on the go-nearly everything is portioned out in single-use wrappers. My advice: don’t sweat the “zero” part. Focus on low-hanging fruit, like switching to bar soap and carrying your own bag, and build from there. Progress over perfection, always.

EcoNinja

Totally agree-it’s all about progress, not perfection! Something that surprised me was how social situations can be tricky, like parties or takeout with friends where it’s way harder to avoid waste. I started keeping a little cutlery kit and a container in my bag, just in case, which helped more than I expected. Also, sometimes local farmers’ markets are great for finding packaging-free options if bulk stores aren’t nearby. Has anyone found a good solution for takeout without ending up with a pile of plastic?