30 Ways to Champion Zero-Waste Living in Shanghai
The trend of zero-waste is catching on, and in a populous city like Shanghai, there are plenty of options to help create a sustainable lifestyle. With this month being Green Month, here are 30 ways in which you can live a zero-waste lifestyle (in no particular order).
1. Say No to Balloons
They may be festive, but balloons take years to decompose. If it escapes from your grasp, it may end up as dinner for the birds or fish! That rubbery plastic is really not good for them. Entertainment and social impact blogger FeyChina suggests "kites and garden spinners [instead]. To substitute a balloon release, try tree planting or jump roping".
2. Upgrade
If you do not want to repurpose your clothes, then maybe minor adjustments can be made to give your old wardrobe a new twist! Visionnaire can upgrade your dress so you can take it out for a new spin (WeChat: Visonnaire).
3. Public Transportation
Zero-waste also means being mindful of creating heavy carbon footprints, so instead of taking that DiDi, make a choice to ride a bus, the metro, or a Mobike.
4. Hang-Dry Your Clothes
If you have a fancy schmancy apartment that your landlord outfitted with a dryer, make a conscious habit to hang-dry your clothes. You can save energy and electricity.
5. Hand-Wash Your Clothes
Since we suggested to give your dryer a vacation, how about doing the same for your washing machine? Instead of putting everything in the machine, how about hand-washing some of your dirty laundry to reduce the load?
6. Reduce Meat Consumption
Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust from all transportation. Livestock and their byproducts account for at least 32,000 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year or 51% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Each day, a person who eats a vegan diet saves 1,100 gallons of water, 45 pounds of grain, 30 sq ft of forested land, 20 lbs CO2 equivalent, and one animal’s life. (Source: www.cowspiracy.com/facts/) Interested in learning about veganism?
If you want to get started, you can begin right now with the 30-day vegan challenge! Click Read More below if you would like to join! Or follow WeChat: veganeve or VegansofShanghai
7. Bye Bye Plastic Wraps
Kiss your saran wrap good-bye by using other methods to cover and store your food. How about reusable containers? Or silicon suction lids? The options are endless…You can even purchase beeswax reusable wraps from Baluchon (WeChat: Baluchon).
8. Use Real Cutlery
Go to the F&B market and purchase some plates and cutlery. It may be hard during a kid’s birthday party, but you are teaching them the finer art of entertainment.
9. No Gifts; Opt For Experiences
Instead of purchasing and wrapping presents for birthdays or holidays, gift experiences instead. Something like entrance tickets to a museum or a prepaid coupon to go to the movies can do the trick. Think of all the wrapping paper you can save! But, if it's for another kid’s birthday party, be sure to check with the parents to make sure that what you're gifting is suitable.
10. Cloth Wraps
If providing a present is necessary (holiday gift exchange, kid’s birthday party), then choose a cloth wrap. The cloth can be kept and used for other purposes. You can purchase cloth wraps from Baluchon (WeChat ID: Baluchon).
11. Bring Your Own Water Container
When out and about, instead of buying water in plastic bottles, opt to bring your own water in a reusable water bottle.
12. Bring Your Own Mug
If you can bring your own refillable water container, this will be easy. Bring your own refillable coffee mug for the times you need to add a bit of perk to your day. Places like Starbucks and EGG will offer a discount if you bring your own too. Now, isn’t that a great incentive?
13. Say “No” to Straws
It is a small and simple act that you can do anywhere. Even paper straws are lined with plastic on the inside, so it’s better to just get rid of them all together.
14. Order Less
One of our biggest problems is food waste. Although you may only be eating with four friends, chances are you'll end up ordering food for 10 and won't have the stomach to finish it all. Learn to order what you can finish. But, if you do want to take home leftovers, bring your own Tupperware.
15. Swap not Shop
Kids grow out of their clothes easily, so how about doing a clothing exchange instead of spending big bucks on new clothing? You could also stay on the lookout for second-hand clothes. This can easily apply to furniture for kids and toys as well.
16. Cloth Diapers
Babies can go through at least 20+ diapers a day. Opt for reusable diapers instead of the disposable ones. Think of all the money you can save!
17. Reusable Facial Pads
Our skincare routine can be extremely complex, especially for women. But instead of buying cotton pads, just invest in Panda Pads! Also made by Baluchon, you can easily wash and reuse them.
18. DIY Playdough
Easy to make and easy to combust, all you need is flour, water and some food coloring to make it bright and cheery. This is a great natural alternative to playdough without containers! If your kid likes their creation, you can bake it in the oven and it comes out like a ceramic piece.
19. Reuse Crayons
Tired of buying new crayons when they are down to the final bits? Match the broken bits together and with the aide of a silicone cupcake mold and an oven, you can melt the crayons together!
20. Make Your Own Makeup
If you have a tween that is curious about makeup, go all-natural and make your own! Not only are the materials all biodegradable, but it will also do no harm to your skin. For some inspiration on how to do it, take a class via My Beauty Farm to make masks and other natural skincare products.
21. Go to the Wet Market
Flickr: David Leo Veksler
Instead of having your groceries delivered, grab your reusable cloth bag and take a trip to the local wet market. This is a great opportunity for your kids to learn about the different types of foods available.
22. Cloth Bag
If you don’t already have a reusable cloth bag, there are some pretty nifty ones from Nah Studio (WeChat shop: Nah Studio).
23. Reuse Coffee Grinds
Instead of purchasing fancy deodorizers for the home, you can easily reuse coffee grinds to absorb odors. Just put the grinds in old yogurt containers and voila!
24. Recycle Water
If you have a dehumidifier, use the water to mop or water plants.
25. Reusable Lunch Boxes
Instead of using paper bags and Ziploc bags to store your sandwiches, how about investing in a reusable lunchbox that you can wash yourself?
26. Use Products That Can Compost Easier
Have you used a luffa before? They are made out of natural ingredients that will compost easily. Great for showers and you can also use them to wash the dishes.
27. Natural Cleaners
Learn to make your own detergents at home for cleaning. This is more natural and can also create a non-toxic environment for your family.
28. Refill
Choose brands that offer the possibility of refilling your products rather than buying new ones, which will greatly help decrease the number of plastic bottles. Brands like Eco&More and Soapnut Republic are great examples.
29. Repurpose
Photo: Savoteur
Find a new purpose for old things ... Be creative and breathe new life in old materials. UseDem, for example, repurposes jeans into bags (WeChat ID: UseDem). Not only do they look good but they are one-of-a-kind!
30. Buy What You Need
Minimalism is in! But that doesn’t mean you should live a monochromatic lifestyle. Instead, focus on what is necessary and hold off on unnecessary junk, especially home decoration.
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