10 Ways to make less trash at home

Clica aqui para leres a versão portuguesa. Obrigada.

A few days ago, I read here that in Lisbon we are throwing away 40% more stuff than ever. That is huge!

Instead of pointing out what's not working, who's fault it is and how we've reached this point, we have to reflect about how we could make less trash at our homes and therefore in our planet.

So I got inspired and decided to share with you how I changed some of my habits into sustainable ones!

1 - Buy products in card or glass containers instead of plastic ones.

I used to buy liquid soap but I have switched them for my favourite Ach. Brito solid soaps.

I switched canned beans for jarred ones and carbonated water in plastic bottles were substituted for glass bottles. Whenever there's an alternative, I avoid plastic containers. 


2 - Consume less clothes and kitchen gadgets.

How many times will you use it? Reflect about it before you buy it. You don't want a cluttered home or spending money in things that will end up on your trash bin... 


3 - Use tote bags and avoid plastic ones.

A tote bag is cheap (photo: 2,99€, H&M), easy to fold and doesn´t require any space in your bag - I always have one or two in my bag ready to use!

And if you like sewing, you can make your own tote bag!


4 - Use the library instead of buying books.

We often buy a book by the wrong reasons: a beautiful cover, a friend's opinion or because everyone else is reading it and many times it ends up on a shelf and it won't be read again.

So what about using the library? If you love it, you can buy it. If you don't, return it and try another one, guilt free! 


5 - Carry a reusable water bottle or a reusable travel mug to drink hot coffee or tea.

A long time ago, I used to buy bottled water whenever I went to the gym. I would end up recycling 3 bottles per week, at least! Now I have a reusable water bottle and another one to hot drinks (the one in the photo) both from Pegada Verde.

6 - Stop buying room deodorizers and learn a natural way to make your home smell great 
Avoid synthetic scents and toxic chemicals like ftalates that are present on deodorizers for your home and car! Here's a recipe for a natural home deodorizer:

Fill a saucepan with water, cinnamon, orange peels and your favorite herb and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Your home will smell fabulous!

7 - Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposal ones

I love taking photos but my camera consumed a lot of batteries so I was always buying them, spending money and throwing them away. I had to break the cycle! 

I've read that a rechargeable battery becomes useless after 500 uses but until now I've never had to throw a rechargeable battery away! 


8 - Do you really have to use a straw? Then, choose a bamboo one!

Plastic straws end up in the oceans. If you use one reusable you are protecting our planet. In Portugal, you can find them on Maria Granel. 


9 - Buy less toys

A child's happiness isn't measured by the number of toys possessed. It's like when we have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear...

Remember your days, you had your favourite toys and the others were left on the shelf. The same happens now. They are just collecting dust and cluttering your child's room.

10 - If you have to throw away something big, call a trash pickup company

Sometimes people throw away big or heavy things near the trash along the sideways. In Portugal, you'll get a fine for that. You should always call your trash pickup company first, the service is totally free.


How about you? Have you done any greener swap too?