DIY zero-waste swaps you can do at home

When you first start your zero waste journey it can feel very overwhelming trying to find a place to start. It can feel like it's necessary to completely overhaul your lifestyle: find new places to shop, invest in building a mason jar collection, learn to make your own toothpaste etc. And that journey looks different for everyone, everyone has different accessibility needs that change what will work for them and what won’t. Here’s three ideas for zero-waste swaps you can do with some of our favourite products, or do it yourself!

Store your leftovers plastic-free

We love our Beeswax wraps – they’re colourful, reusable and versatile. You can use beeswax wraps for everything from keeping bread fresh, to covering bowls or plates in the fridge. These silicone bowl covers also work so great, and can be used for all sorts of things!

However, there are other options that you can choose that you probably already have in your own home. Bread and baked goods can be kept in tupperware or bread bins and you can always use plates and bowls as alternative covers for food. And of course we’ve all stored leftovers in a container, whether that’s your kitchen tupperware or reusable takeout containers. 

Eat plastic-free while on-the-go

Travel utensil sets are convenient for outdoor events like BBQs and picnics or to carry to the office with you for your lunch. 

You can make your DIY travel utensil kit by selecting a fork, knife and spoon from your cutlery and storing it wrapped up in a napkin, bag or packing them as part of your lunch box in the morning. If your office has a sink you might also find it useful to keep a small set of cutlery in your office that you can wash and dry after you’ve eaten. 

These utensil sets can be stored in their pouch and cleaned once you get home and help reduce plastic waste. 

Zero-waste paper towel

If you like doing DIYs you can also use old or leftover fabric to make rags and reusable paper towels! DIY rags are a great way to reuse old and torn clothes and extend their life cycle in your home. All you need is some scissors, the fabric (optional: a sewing kit) and you’re good to go!

If you’re not up for a DIY, these cotton flannel towels are great for cleaning up kitchen spills and messes. Each reusable roll comes with 12 towels that can be washed, rerolled and reused hundreds of times!