In this 5 minute article, the Jungle Culture team will share 6 tips on how to become zero-waste! 

Zero-waste: How to start?

Tip 1 – Buy a Backpack

This is so simple, but such an easy win. Splurge on a great backpack and take it everywhere! 

Each member of our team has a really nice, long-lasting backpack. It may sound like this has nothing to do with being zero-waste. But in fact, just getting into the habit of carrying a backpack around will help you to lower your waste.

There are so many times when we just need to grab a few things from the shop on the way home. But of course, the last thing you want to do is accept the offer of a plastic bag. That’s not very earth-friendly, is it!  With a backpack, problem solved. 

You can take this to the next level by stashing a tote at the bottom of your backpack. Perfect for those days when you need a few extra pantry items!

Tip 2 – Get your Zero Waste Essentials Sorted

Every member of our team has a little zero-waste kit of all of their essential swaps. This is just a small bundle of handy bits and pieces that you can carry with you when you’re out and about. 

My kit includes:

• A reusable tote bag 
• A vegetable bag
• OurJungle Culture bamboo cutlery set
• A bamboo flask
• A set of Jungle Straws reusable straws
• A metal takeaway container

Just 6 items cut out 95% of my daily waste. It’s so easy to build a kit like this and keep it in one compartment of your new backpack. So, why not try it? 

Tip 3 – Shaving the World, One Blade at a Time

Switching to abamboo safety razor is one of the best things I have ever done. Not only do safety razors cost less and create less waste, but they also offer a much better shave. Ourunisex safety razor really does cut the cost of self-care and helps to shave you some money… Okay, I will stop! 

100 safety razor blades can provide you with 1,600 shaves and they cost a mere £8. The razor base is just £16.99. 

Tip 4 – Don’t Make Being Eco-Friendly a Chore

Lowering your waste can be challenging, but it shouldn’t be a chore. The more you can gamify the process, or built it into your normal day to day routine, the better!

That’s why we design our eco-friendly products and sustainable homeware to be stylish, but affordable. By doing this you can enjoy using sustainable items without paying too much for them. Look for other brands with the same ethos. If you aren’t sure which brands have the best products, send us a message or comment below asking for advice. We are always happy to recommend ethical brands who place quality over profits! 

For example, you could try aneco-friendly products delivery service like our partner, Sustainer Container.

Tip 5 – Switch to an Eco-Friendly Energy Supplier

The Jungle Culture team all useOctopus Energy who is a fantastic supplier of renewable energy! They were awarded a perfect score of 100, by The Good Shopping Guide, for their commitment to ethics and sustainability. They even offer the ability for electric car owners to use energy from their car at peak times, to power their homes. Saving them money and the grid extra stress. 

Switching tosustainable electricity is easy. Although it may be a little bit more expensive, prices will eventually come down as more people make the switch.

Tip 6 - Shop at your Local Zero-Waste Store

Next time you visit your local supermarket, take a look at all the packaging around you. Veggies in plastic, sachets of spices, packets of pasta. 

Instead, check out your local zero-waste store. Many cities and villages now have these. You simply show up with your reusable containers and fill up on all your pantry staples. If you live somewhere remote or you don’t have a zero-waste store, find one where you can order online and have your supplies delivered. You’ll get a real kick out of supporting an ethical business! 

We hope these tips help you to lower your waste and become more sustainable. If you need any advice or help to become more zero-waste, comment below or send us an email. You can chat to us on TikTok, Instagram andFacebook, too. We have a friendly team of eco-friendly experts waiting to help!