The idea of living sustainably and reducing waste has gained significant traction in recent years, and for good reason. As concerns about the environment grow, many of us are starting to realise the importance of rethinking how we consume and dispose of goods. From recycling to reducing our carbon footprints, there are countless ways we can contribute to a more sustainable planet. However, this doesn’t mean we need to become perfect zero-waste advocates overnight. Small changes can have a significant impact, especially when adopted collectively.

I recently sat down with Carleton-based wellness blogger and yoga instructor, Sharon Potts, to discuss how we can all make small but meaningful changes in our daily lives. In our chat, Sharon shared some invaluable insights on how to reduce waste while leading a mindful, plant-based lifestyle. Here are five practical ways you can reduce your waste and make a positive impact on both the planet and your well-being.

The Lowdown on Zero-Waste Living

Zero-waste living has become a buzzword over the last decade, but what does it actually mean? The term "zero waste" refers to a lifestyle that aims to reduce waste as much as possible by making thoughtful decisions about consumption. According to Zero Waste Europe, it involves "the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning, and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health."

In simple terms, zero-waste living encourages us to minimise waste by consuming less, reusing what we can, and recycling whatever is left. By reducing our overall consumption and waste production, we can help combat the devastating effects of landfill overflow, pollution, and resource depletion.

It’s important to remember that zero-waste living is not about being perfect—it’s about making conscious choices. Sharon Potts emphasises that the focus should be on the system, not the individual. "We need to focus on judging the system, not the individual," she says. This mindset helps to remove the guilt often associated with sustainability efforts and instead fosters a collective approach to change.

The good news is, you don’t have to go zero-waste overnight, and it's okay to take baby steps. If we all made a few small adjustments in our daily routines, we could collectively reduce waste on a massive scale—improving both the environment and our lives.

1. Freeze, Blend, and Enjoy: Reduce Food Waste

One of the biggest contributors to waste is food waste. According to recent reports, the UK alone wastes a staggering 6.6 million tonnes of food every year. This not only harms the environment but also wastes money. In fact, the average household in the UK spends around £500 annually on food that gets thrown away.

Sharon’s first tip for reducing food waste is to get comfortable with freezing leftovers. "Freeze leftover vegetables, fruit, and even things like broccoli stalks. I’m a firm believer that anything can be made into a smoothie," she shares. By freezing produce, you can extend its shelf life and prevent it from going to waste before you have a chance to use it.

Another fantastic way to reduce food waste is by getting creative with your leftovers. When you have excess food in the fridge or pantry, think about how you can repurpose it into a new dish or meal. For example, leftover vegetables can be turned into hearty soups or stir-fries, while slightly overripe fruit can be blended into smoothies or baked into cakes.

If you want even more convenience and deliciousness, consider vegan ready meals, which are designed to help you enjoy plant-based meals without the food waste or effort of cooking from scratch. These vegan ready meals are perfect for anyone looking to reduce food waste while still enjoying nutritious, delicious meals.

If you have a garden or even a balcony, consider starting a compost bin or a wormery. Both options are great for turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil that you can use to grow more food. By rethinking how you manage food, you’ll make a significant impact on reducing food waste in your home.

2. Invest in Sustainable Choices: Start With Your Pension

It’s not just your food and clothing habits that affect the planet—your financial investments can also have a major impact. Sharon recently learned that many pensions fund unsustainable practices, which was an eye-opener for her. “I was introduced to a nonprofit campaign called Make My Money Matter," she says. "This campaign helps people understand how their pensions can affect the environment and how to make more sustainable choices with their investments."

Pensions, along with other financial tools like savings accounts and investments, can support companies with questionable environmental records. By shifting your financial support to funds that prioritise sustainability, you can align your money with your values. This might include choosing ethical investment funds or ensuring that the companies your pension supports are committed to reducing their environmental impact.

3. Clothing With Holes? Patch ‘Em Up!

When it comes to fashion, one of the easiest ways to reduce waste is by repairing and reusing what you already own. "Get into patching," says Sharon. "Clothing with a hole or a stain can be patched up and turned into something unique." Repairing your clothes instead of throwing them away is an easy and inexpensive way to give them a second life. Plus, the patched clothes will have a personal touch that tells a story, adding to their charm.

If you're not the DIY type, there are plenty of other ways to extend the life of your wardrobe. Consider swapping clothes with friends or donating items that no longer fit. Alternatively, you can shop at charity shops, thrift stores, or apps like Depop, Vinted, and eBay, where you can find second-hand clothes that are often in great condition. If buying new is necessary, try supporting brands that prioritise sustainable fashion. Brands like Finisterre, which use recycled materials, are helping to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

4. Weave Low-Waste Love Into Your Social Feed

Sharon’s fourth tip for living a more mindful, low-waste life is to engage with others who are on the same journey. By following zero-waste advocates and sustainability influencers on social media, you can gather inspiration and practical tips for reducing waste in your own life. Some of Sharon’s favourites include Zero Waste Doc, Wasteland Rebel, and Max La Manna, who offer invaluable advice on living more sustainably.

Engaging with like-minded individuals online not only helps you stay motivated, but it also allows you to share your own tips and ideas with a wider community. The more people we have talking about sustainability, the more likely we are to create a larger cultural shift towards conscious consumption.

5. Invest in Reusable Food Storage

One of the simplest but most effective ways to reduce waste in your kitchen is by investing in reusable food storage containers. "I finally invested in a nice set of glass food storage containers with sealed lids for the fridge. It’s encouraged me to keep leftover meals in the fridge, and they actually stay fresh!" Sharon explains.

Gone are the days of mismatched plastic containers with missing lids. By purchasing a set of durable, glass storage containers, you can avoid using single-use plastic bags and ensure that your leftovers stay fresh longer. This small change can reduce your reliance on disposable plastic while helping to extend the life of your food.

If you’re looking for more sustainable meal options, frozen vegan meals offer a fantastic way to enjoy plant-based convenience while also reducing food waste. Stock your freezer with these frozen vegan meals for easy, eco-friendly meal options that help reduce food waste and save you time in the kitchen.

A Final Thought: Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Reducing waste is about making mindful choices—whether it’s repurposing leftovers, buying second-hand, or investing in more sustainable products. We don’t need to strive for perfection, but we can all do our part by making small, consistent changes. As Sharon says, "Living slowly and mindfully means doing the best we can with the knowledge and privilege we have."

If we all aim to consume less and reuse more, we’ll make a massive impact. So, start with one or two of these tips and see where it takes you. Every little action counts, and together, we can create a more sustainable future.

Have tips for reducing waste or living more mindfully? Drop them in the comments below! We'd love to hear how you're making a positive change in your life.