Efficiency
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Buy imperfect or 'ugly' produce to help reduce waste caused by cosmetic standards.
Grocery stores demand even-colored fruit, leading farmers to discard up to 60% of produce that isn't perfectly round or sized; buying it creates a market for these items.
3 people, independently
Batch repetitive tasks by completing one step for all items before moving to the next step, such as folding all laundry before putting it away.
It reduces time and effort.
one person who lived it
Add sweet potatoes or pumpkin/squash to chili.
It is so good.
one person who lived it
Include repairability as a criterion in your pre-buy research process and buy goods known for being repairable.
If spare parts were cheaper and more accessible, it would be much better for me and the environment.
2 people, independently
One approach that helped reduce food waste: buy a vacuum food saver to separate large packs into smaller portions for freezing.
It allows taking advantage of sales without spoilage, making it rare to throw away food.
one person who lived it
Hang clothes you rarely wear in your closet instead of drawers so you see all options at once when choosing an outfit.
Seeing everything at once helps with decision-making and addresses the issue of buying clothes that go unworn.
one person who lived it
Be aware that donating food to animals carries legal liability risks, including lawsuits if an animal is harmed by foreign objects in the food.
One restaurant was sued after a toothpick in donated food lodged in a pig's throat.
one person who lived it
If shopping for one person is frustrating due to large pre-packaged portions, seek out bulk bins or farmers market-style vendors to purchase only the amount needed.
This avoids immediate economic decisions and prevents waste from buying more than necessary.
one person who lived it
Donate small vases to local flower shops to support their community programs, such as sending free flowers to nursing homes.
One donor noted that because few vases are returned, the contribution helps keep the program running.
one person who lived it
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Make durable and reusable items from the start to avoid the energy costs associated with recycling.
Recycling requires hauling junk somewhere, deconstructing it, and reconstructing it, which uses energy.
one person who lived it
Treat durable goods like cars, computers, and clothes as long-term assets rather than disposable items.
one person who lived it
Place silica gel packets from electronics inside your toolbox to absorb ambient moisture and prevent rust.
Silica gel absorbs moisture from the air.
one person who lived it
Keep your refrigerator full to reduce electricity usage.
A full fridge releases less air when the door is opened, requiring less energy to replace it.
one person who lived it
Buy replacement parts for nearly identical models sold under different names or retailers if the original manufacturer does not sell them.
Manufacturers may stop selling parts for specific retail-exclusive models, but similar models elsewhere may still have available parts.
one person who lived it
Incorporate leftover ingredients into omelets for breakfast.
It allows for interesting flavor combinations using yesterday's leftovers.
one person who lived it