3 Ways You Can Go Waste-Free | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

3 Ways You Can Go Waste-Free

Though many items are recyclable, a majority of our one-use items are tossed away and rarely recycled. Here are a few ways you can cut out waste all together. *These tips and tricks are from my own experiences.

19
3 Ways You Can Go Waste-Free

MENSTRUAL CUPS AND PADS

beautyindependent.com

This one is for our ladies! For our entire lives, we've lived under the impression that "Diva Cups" are "gross", pads are for little girls, and tampons are the womanly way to go. Unfortunately, not only are pads and tampons incredibly wasteful and expensive, the wrappings cause extra waste and the chemicals in the cotton are incredibly harmful to our bodies! Not to mention the cotton in tampons is extremely drying. Menstrual cups from brands such as CORA (a supporter of providing organic feminine products to impoverished areas) and Saalt are made from medical silicone that mold to your internal shape and become lubricated as they settle in your body. These are a one-time purchase and can last you up to 10 years! Wear the cup up to 12 hours a day, dump them out, wash with gentle soap and warm water, and then re-insert! Sleep, run, drive, surf, they won't budge and they won't hurt your wallet or the environment.

Reusable Food and Beverage Containers

Using a re-usable coffee mug can help you in more ways than one. First off, in order to truly be waste-free, you have to order at the register and hand over your own cup. With all of the drive through or mobile ordering options, using your own cup with these efficient methods is no use—the company will prepare your coffee in a plastic cup, pour it into your cup upon arrival, and then toss the plastic. In this case, it's almost worse to use your own because the plastic gets wasted even faster. With this rule of thumb, it will force you to get up earlier, get ready faster, and be on time. And if you don't have time for your morning coffee, maybe it'll motivate you to save a few bucks and make your own at home!

Zero-Waste Beauty Tips

It's time again to break the conventions of hygiene. A majority of our soaps and cosmetics are not only held in plastic containers, but they also contain products that have either been tested on animals or even made out of animals. Many lotions contain sheep fat, while other cosmetics do the same. In going waste-free, many of these products go hand-in-hand with being cruelty-free/vegan. A win-win! You can make many cheap swaps such as going from hand/body soap to soap bars, shampoo/conditioner bars, and using DIY methods for toothpaste, deodorant, and body scrubs. These natural items will have longer shelf lives, will give you peace of mind to know what exactly you're putting on your body, and they won't hurt the animals or the environment. Simple Truth is a great soap bar brand that has recyclable cardboard packaging. Toothpaste and deodorant can be made out of baking soda, essential oils, and 1-2 other ingredients. Check out reusable cloth makeup pads too—they work as cotton rounds to be paired with makeup removers and toners and can be machine washed and used again!

These small tricks will make an incredible impact on the planet!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186644
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12631
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456248
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25604
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments