The Ultimate Guide to Going Zero-Waste While Living In NYC | Verte Mode

Living a zero waste lifestyle means reducing the amount of waste you produce as much as possible. It's not about being perfect, but about making small changes in your everyday life that add up over time.

If you're living in a city like NYC, there are a few things you can do to get started:

1. Do your research. Learn as much as you can about zero waste living, including what it means and how to get started. There are many resources available online and in libraries.
2. Set realistic goals. Don't try to change everything all at once. Start with a few small changes, such as bringing your own reusable water bottle and utensils, and gradually work your way up.
3. Find a community. There are many zero waste communities online and in-person where you can connect with other people who are on the same journey. This can be a great source of support and motivation.

Here are 30 ways to reduce waste, live a minimalistic lifestyle, and start going zero waste in NYC:

Reduce:

1. Bring your own reusable bags, water bottle, utensils, and coffee mug when you go out. This will help you avoid single-use plastics.
2. Buy food in bulk and bring your own containers. This will help you reduce packaging waste.
3. Cook at home more often. This will help you reduce the amount of food packaging you produce.
4. Avoid processed foods. These foods typically come in a lot of packaging.
5. Buy food from local farmers and businesses. This will help you reduce the environmental impact of your food transportation.
6. Compost food scraps and yard waste. This will help you reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
7. Repair clothes and other items instead of throwing them away.
8. Borrow or rent items instead of buying them.

Reuse:

9. Use reusable produce bags, sandwich bags, and storage containers.
10. Use reusable cloth napkins and towels.
11. Use reusable cleaning cloths and mop heads.
12. Use refillable pens and pencils.
13. Use rechargeable batteries.
14. Repair broken items instead of throwing them away.
15. Find creative ways to reuse items that you would normally throw away. For example, you could use old jars to store food or candles or use old clothes to make cleaning rags.

Recycle:

16. Recycle all of your recyclable materials. This includes paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, and glass.
17. Learn about your city's recycling program. What materials are accepted? How should they be prepared for recycling?
18. Rinse out food containers before recycling them.
19. Remove labels from plastic bottles and jars before recycling them.
20. Flatten cardboard boxes before recycling them.
21. Recycle electronics and batteries at designated drop-off locations.

Minimalist lifestyle:

22. Declutter your home regularly. Get rid of anything that you don't use or need.
23. Only buy new things when you really need them.
24. Choose quality over quantity.
25. Buy experiences instead of things.
26. Borrow or rent items instead of buying them.
27. Give away or donate unwanted items.

Zero waste tips:

28. Shop at zero waste stores. These stores sell food and other products without packaging.
29. Make your own cleaning products and personal care products. This is a great way to reduce packaging waste and avoid harmful chemicals.
30. Get involved in your community. There are many ways to get involved in the zero waste movement, such as volunteering at a community garden or starting a zero waste meetup group.

Here are products that can get you started:

Bagito Original Reusable Shopping Bag – Verte Mode

Neepa Hut Thip Handwoven Market Tote – Verte Mode

LYT UV-C Water Purifying Bottle - Kale | Verte Mode

 The Backpack - Day Owl – Verte Mode

 

 Reusable Stainless Steel Straws- Spanish Gold Marble – Verte Mode

 

 

All-Purpose Cleaning Coconut Home Bar - Circular Bodies – Verte Mode

 

Izzy Beauty Zero Waste Lip Gloss Damage Control – Verte Mode

Zero-Waste Dissolving Body Wash Sheets – Verte Mode

 

Plant Based Makeup Remover Balm – Verte Mode

FLÎKR FIRE Round Personal Fireplace – Verte Mode

Urban Pulse Cedarwood Natural Soy Wax Candle 9oz – Verte Mode

Lizush 3 in 1 Essential Home Mist - Eucalyptus – Verte Mode

No. 10 A Hundred and Fifteen Rows Candle – Verte Mode

Organic Fair Trade Whole Coffee Beans-1 lb Breakfast Blend – Verte Mode

UpCircle Beauty Caffeinated Skincare Duo – Verte Mode

 

Hojicha Dark Roast Tea | Verte Mode

The Chai Bar Caha Chai Spice – Verte Mode

Reusable Glass Coffee Cup with Cork Band – Verte Mode

 Paneros Kate Blazer in Cherry Punch – Verte Mode

 

Dooeys Blue Grey House Shoe Loafers | Verte Mode

Help Coral Reefs Bar Soap – Verte Mode

B-Organic Carrots & Citrus Soap – Verte Mode

 

Evolve Botanica Specialty Soap - Mediterranean lime Salt Bar – Verte Mode

 Essential Oil Blends Bath Bombs w/ CBD Bag of 6 – Verte Mode

 Vegan Body Moisturizer- Normal to Dry Skin – Verte Mode

Is it really likely to live a zero waste lifestyle?

It is possible to live a zero waste lifestyle, but it is not easy. It requires a commitment to reducing your waste and making small changes in your everyday life.

There are a few things that can make it difficult to live a zero waste lifestyle in NYC:

• Limited access to zero waste stores. There are only a few zero waste stores in NYC, and they can be inconvenient to get to for some people.
• High cost of living. Living in NYC can be expensive, and it can be difficult to afford zero waste products, such as reusable containers and bulk food.
• Lack of space. Many people in NYC live in small apartments, which can make it difficult to store reusable containers and compost.