WHAT IS ZERO WASTE

The zero waste movement has gained some significant momentum in the las few years. So, what is zero waste? It aims to reduce the amount you consume and prevent waste ending up in landfill.

PLASTIC WASTE

At KEEPER Denim we focus on reducing plastic waste, because once a plastic product comes to the end of its’ life and it ends up in landfill – it can take thousands of years to break down. Even then, it doesn’t completely break down and disappear, instead if forms what is known as microplastics. These are tiny pieces of plastic that end up in the ocean, polluting the water. Did you know it is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean (by weight) than fish? These microplastics then move up the food chain and we as humans consume them indirectly through our food and water.

ZERO WASTE AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL

Many people have adopted a more sustainable lifestyle, one where they consider the waste they produce in their everyday life and look for alternative products and methods to recycle or reuse these products rather than disposing of them, where they will ultimately end up in landfill.

ZERO WASTE BY BUSINESS

Many businesses today are also putting zero waste into practice, by looking at all stages of their supply chain and considering the ways they can reduce waste during the production of their products. An example of this includes using fabric cut-offs that would otherwise be disposed of and using them to make new products. More companies are also starting to consider what will happen to their products once they come to the end of their life – for example, some clothing brands ask you to send in your old items for them to repair and re-sell them, creating a second life for old clothing.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Here are KEEPER Denim’s top 4 tips on how to begin a zero waste lifestyle at home:

1. Consider the products that you consume and see what you can reduce.
2. Look for ways that you can reuse and recycle your products once they come to the end of their life.
3. To make the switch to a zero waste lifestyle less overwhelming, choose one room in your home to make the switch. What conventional products could you swap for more sustainable alternatives?
4. Set yourself realistic goals, this will ensure the changes you make will last and are sustainable. For example, if you buy takeaway coffee each morning in a disposable cup, remember to bring your reusable coffee cup to the café next time you go.

We hope you enjoyed this KEEPER Denim post. Remember the goal isn’t to be perfect and live a 100% waste free lifestyle because that is unsustainable. Instead, focus on the small changes you can make every day that will make an impact, reduce what you consume and reduce the amount of waste you create.