When I first heard about “zero waste,” I pictured people who could fit a year’s trash into a tiny mason jar. Honestly? It felt impossible. But once I realized it wasn’t about perfection, just progress, I decided to give it a try. And the small steps really did add up.

Start by Noticing Your Trash

The first thing I did was take a hard look at my garbage. Mine was full of plastic water bottles, snack wrappers, and way too many takeout containers. Yours might look different, but paying attention helps you figure out where to begin.

Make Easy Swaps First

Instead of trying to change everything overnight, I picked a few simple swaps. I bought a sturdy water bottle, carried a cloth tote in my backpack, and started saying “no thanks” to straws and plastic bags. Those changes alone cut down my trash dramatically.

Rethink Shopping

I also began shopping a little differently. I started buying certain items in bulk and choosing products with less packaging. Thrift stores became my go-to for clothes and I found great pieces, saved money, and kept things out of landfills.

Compost if You Can

Food waste was a big chunk of my garbage. I don’t have a backyard, but I found a small countertop compost bin that I drop off at my local farmer’s market. If you’ve got outdoor space, a simple compost pile works too.

One Step at a Time

The most important thing I’ve learned is not to aim for zero overnight. I focused on one area each month. First bottles and bags, then food waste, then clothing. That kept it from feeling overwhelming.

Living zero-waste is about being mindful and making small choices that add up. It’s not about the jar, it’s about the journey.

Photo by Nathan Cowley.