Want to go zero-waste? The Source Bulk Foods has seven easy tips to help you towards a waste-free life.

It’s not easy to stay away from packaging in a world dominated by excessive consumerism, but the zero-waste movement aims to combat the problem one metal straw at a time. The shift towards a waste-free lifestyle actively avoids unnecessary packaging and instead focuses on minimising and preventing waste by weaving sustainable practices into your everyday life.

The Source Bulk Foods is a Byron Bay-born business on the forefront of zero-waste that hopes  to change the way Australians buy groceries – plastic free and in bulk.

As a bring-your-own supermarket, The Source Bulk Foods provides high-quality whole foods with a package-it-yourself philosophy, where customers can bring their own containers and jars or scoop produce into brown paper bags to eliminate the need for plastic bags and unnecessary product packaging – something which has a minimal chance of reaching recycling according to Australian Ethical.

As passionate supporters of the environment, The Source Bulk Foods has shared seven easy tips you can do in your day-to-day life to help eliminate and to begin your waste-free living journey.

1. Consider the four classic zero waste principles

When you first set out on your mission to waste-free living, think about the four key zero-waste principles: Refuse what you do not need, Reduce what you do need, reuse what consume and recycle everything else.

2. Say no to single-use and invest in reusable products 

An estimated one billion disposable coffee cups are thrown away by Australians each year, amounting to tonnes of  waste.

Avoid the trap of single-use items such as takeaway cups, straws and cutlery and invest in reusable alternatives that you can take with you each day. These can include metal straws, thermal coffee cups and produce bags (which can be used when shopping to avoid plastic-wrapped produce).

3. Start your pantry goals by reducing packaging and buying in bulk

Reduce your food packaging straight at the source – your pantry.

Shopping at bring-your-own grocery stores allows you to buy whole foods and store them straight away. Not only do you purchase what you need, but you also cut out the use of unnecessary single-life packaging. To save money, consider buying in bulk and reuse your bags, bottles and containers when you shop.

You can start slow by swapping out just one or two items during your usual grocery run that you can easily find waste-free such as loose leaf tea (instead of teabags) or flour.

4.  Pack waste-free lunches

Not only does packing lunch help save money, it also helps save the environment. It’s a win-win.

To create a sustainable lunch, make sure to avoid individually wrapped food. Ditch plastic cling wrap and replace it with Beeswax Wraps and you can even invest in durable stainless-steel containers to store leftovers.

5.  Go package-free for the bathroom, laundry & cleaning

Your bathroom and laundry is also packed with products you can easily switch for zero-waste alternatives. From biodegradable toothbrushes, durable Stainless Steel Clothes Pegs, these small changes last longer at little cost to the earth. Even buying liquids in bulk to refill your smaller bottles at home can help save on extra packaging!

In the realm of self care, consider shifting to package-free beauty and body product by experimenting with reusable makeup wipes, shampoo bars or even a Shave Bar.

6.  Upcycle and repair old items

If your stuff is still on the brink of saving, repair it! Australia sends 85% of textiles to landfill, piling up an excessive amount of clothing waste. Don’t write off that tear in your t-shirt too quickly and have a go with a needle and thread. Or, if it’s past saving for its original purpose, you can use the material for cleaning, dusting and more.

7.  Give eco-friendly gifts and start a loved one’s zero waste journey

Share your love for zero waste with eco-friendly gift ideas to help others start their own path toward waste-free living. Whether it’s sustainable cutlery or a zero waste starter kit, you can help get them started and spread the message. Have fun with it and gift-wrap it in recycled fabric or craft paper with a finishing touch of nature like a rosemary sprig.