It’s 2025, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably noticed how much more talk there is about climate change, plastic waste, and living sustainably. The truth is,
zero waste isn’t about being perfect (because none of us are!). It’s about making little everyday choices that add up to something big. Think of it as progress, not perfection. So, if you’ve been wanting to live with less waste this year, here are some easy, real-life tips to get started.1. Shop Smarter, Not More
I used to be guilty of impulse buys, but now I always stop and ask: Do I really need this? If the answer’s “meh,” I skip it. In 2025, more stores have refill stations and bulk bins, so bring your jars and bags with you. Farmers’ markets and local CSAs are my favorite because the food is fresher, and there’s way less packaging waste.
2. Carry Your Reusables Everywhere
This one’s huge. I don’t leave the house without my reusable water bottle and coffee cup. Bonus: lots of coffee shops in 2025 will actually give you a discount for bringing your own. Toss in a set of bamboo cutlery or a stainless steel straw in your bag, and you’re good to go. No more sad plastic forks.
3. Make Composting a Habit
Okay, composting sounded intimidating at first, but it’s honestly so easy. Food scraps make up a big chunk of what ends up in landfills, and composting keeps them out. Some cities now offer curbside compost bins (super convenient), but if yours doesn’t, a little countertop compost bin works fine. I throw in veggie peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells—it all turns into rich soil for plants.
4. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Fast fashion and cheap gadgets might save money upfront, but they don’t last. I’ve started focusing on buying fewer but better things—clothes, kitchen gear, even furniture. The “buy it for life” mindset has saved me money and headaches.
5. DIY the Fun Stuff
One of my favorite swaps has been making my own cleaners and personal care products. Vinegar, baking soda, and a little essential oil can clean almost anything. I also love making body scrubs and even granola. It cuts down on packaging, saves money, and honestly feels pretty satisfying.
6. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (In That Order)
By now, we all know recycling alone won’t solve the problem. The goal is to reduce what we bring in, reuse what we already have, and recycle only when we can’t do either. I’ve gotten into the habit of reusing jars and bags—it feels good to give things a second life.
7. Rethink Fashion
The fashion industry is still one of the biggest polluters, but the good news is secondhand shopping is cooler than ever in 2025. Thrift stores, online apps, and even clothing swaps are everywhere. I’ve built a small, mix-and-match wardrobe that makes getting dressed easier and keeps me from buying random “just because” pieces.
8. Inspire
Living zero waste is way more fun when you share it. I’ve hosted a clothing swap with friends and even joined a community cleanup. I also share little swaps on social media—not to brag, but to encourage others to try. The ripple effect is real.
Wrapping It Up
Zero waste in 2025 isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making mindful choices that fit into your life. Some days you’ll nail it, and other days you’ll grab that plastic-wrapped snack because, hey, life happens. And that’s okay. Every small change—whether it’s composting, shopping secondhand, or carrying your coffee cup—moves us closer to a greener future.
Suggested reading