Tips to start a low-waste lifestyle and make Earth Day habit stick year round

For those thinking about starting a low-waste lifestyle, or who just want to reduce their waste in general, the thought of making the change can be intimidating.

But it doesn't have to be.

Starting out small and making adjustments along the way are the key to helpingthe low-waste lifestyle last, say Tara McKenna of Guelph, Ont., and founder ofthe Zero Waste Collective blog, and Ellin Park, owner of Zero Waste Bulk in Waterloo, Ont.

Both say they'vebeen able to make thelow-waste lifestyle stickall year round.

McKenna and Park said they made the change five years ago andit wasn't ahabit that happenedovernight. There willbe days where people mayforget to do certain things and that's OK.

"I had to build a lot of habits that took time," Park explained.

"For example, when I got started, it was just remembering to bring my own reusable bags to the grocery store."

McKenna is also theauthor of Don'tBe Trashy:A Practical Guide to Living with Less Waste and More Joy. Shesaid a good jumping off point can begetting to know your city'swaste management system, have a recycling sorting list handy andtake advantage of things like composting if you can.

McKenna said a trash audit might also help peoplesee what kind of waste they are creating andwhere they can make adjustments.

"You might realize, 'Oh, maybe I can get less take out' orsupport some cool companies that allow you to use take out containers that you can then return later on," she said.

Kitchen contributes to most waste

McKenna and Park said the kitchen contributes to the most waste at home and is good place to start your low-waste journey.

"If you go to the grocery and you see what's in your cart, alot of the food comes in packaging," Park said.

That's where shopping in bulk or bringing your own reusable produce bags can help reduce that packaging waste.

McKenna said stores like the Bulk Barn, for example, have a reusable container program that allows customers to bring their own containers or jars. Some independent stores, including Zero Waste Bulk, also allow customers to bring their own containers.

McKenna said most people already have a lotof what they need at home to start reducing their waste. Things like reusable water bottles, travel mugs, reusable containers and utensils. She said by putting those items together, you cancreate your own reusable kit.

"If you have your kit on the readywith all the reusable that you know you're going to use throughout the day and have it by the door when you leave each morning, you'll be set for the rest of the day," she said.

Make goals andsimple swaps

Park said it's normal to make mistakes, like forgetting your reusable bags or utensils when you go out, butpeople shouldn't feel discouraged when that happens.

"That's pretty normal when you firstget started until you build the habit and figure out what helps you remember things," Park said.

Making goals and simple swaps like replacing your shampoo bottlewith a shampoo bar,can also go a long way, McKenna adds.

"When we start something, we often feel like we have to do everything," McKennasaid. When it comes to waste, she sayspeople should start small and ultimately do what works for them.

"People who work to climb Mount Everestdon't start with Mount Everest."

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