Each year, Australia generates millions of tonnes of waste, most of which goes to landfill. This mounting waste problem is not logistically sustainable; landfills lead to soil and water contamination, are the source of harmful methane gas, and take up valuable land. Moreover, many of the items discarded in the landfill – plastics, electronic goods – take decades or centuries to break down, resulting in pollution and damage to environments. The amount of rubbish causes strain on natural resources and a cycle of overconsumption after housing it. We need to start reducing our landfill waste to protect the environment, conserve resources, and have a more sustainable future. By taking action now, we can lessen our ecological footprint and have a cleaner, healthier planet for generations. Here are the 10 things we think all of us as Australians can implement into our lives to help achieve this goal.

1: Adopt a Zero-Waste Mindset

Simply put, we should all aim to minimise the waste of production by making mindful decisions about consumption. Consider if an item is really needed before purchasing. Here's how you can be intentional with your decisions.

• Use reusable items such as water bottles, coffee cups, shopping bags, and cloth napkins.

• Refuse unnecessary packaging or single-use items, such as plastic straws, cutlery, and plastic bags.

• Support businesses with zero-waste initiatives or ones that allow you to bring your own containers.

2: Compost your Organic Waste

Organic waste is transformed through composting into nutrient-rich soil, decreasing organic waste that finds its way to landfills and later produces methane (a powerful greenhouse gas). Here's how you can get started!

• You can begin by setting a compost bin or worm farm at home for scraps of food and garden rubbish.

• We must separate food waste such as peels of fruits and vegetables, used coffee grounds, eggshells from regular garbage.

• If you don't have room, you can still get involved in your local community composting programs, as well as dropping off your compost bins at designated dropoff locations.

3. Recycle Properly

Many of the items found inside the home can be recycled, but we have to properly separate them and correctly place them in the appropriate bins. Here's are some pointers on how this can be achieved.

• Follow the guidelines provided by your council, this will help you understand what can and can't be recycled in accordance with the rules your council has set (some councils accept soft plastics while others don't.)

• Clean out the Jars, bottles, and containers before recycling them, as dirty items can cause contamination to recycling loads.

• Use recycling programs like Red cycle for soft plastics, which can be dropped off at participating supermarkets.

4. Buy in Bulk and Avoid Single-Use Packaging

Purchasing products in bulk reduces packaging waste and often provides a greater value for money. Here's how you can reduce waste and also save money by buying bulk items.

• Visit bulk food stores like Costco, as well as open markets. Make sure to bring your own reusable containers where possible, to purchase items like grains, nuts, spices, and household goods.

• Chose products with minimal or recyclable packaging when buying groceries and household items.

• Avoid individually wrapped snacks or single -serve products. Go for larger containers that produce less waste overall.

5. Repair, Don’t Replace

Repairing items instead or replacing them can extend their lifespan and also keep them out of landfills. Here's what you can do to extend the life of your household items.

• Learn basic repair skills, or simply take your items to repair cafés or workshop that encourage fixing rather than replacing.

• For broken electronics, you should look for certified repair services or check for manufacturer warranties before you replace your items.

• For clothing, it is simply easier and more cost-effective to mend tears, patch holes, or upcycle old pieces into new items instead of discarding them.

6. Participate in and Promote Second-Hand Markets

Buying and donating second-hand goods reduces the demand for new products and keeps usable items out of landfills. Here's how you can utilise second hand markets to reduce your waste generation.

• Shop at thrift stores, op shops, or online platforms like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, or Depot for second-hand clothes, furniture, and household items

• Organise clothing swaps or garage sales in your community to exchange items you no longer need.

• Donate unwanted but usable items to charities or drop them off at recycling centres that accept them.

7. Reduce Food Waste

A significant portion of household waste is food. Reducing food waste helps save resources and reduces methane emissions from landfills. Here are some strategies to reduce your household food waste.

• Plan meals in advance, create shopping lists, and avoid over-purchasing perishable items.

• Store food properly to extend its shelf life, such as keeping produce fresh in appropriate storage conditions.

• Freeze leftovers or surplus food for future meals, and get creative with cooking to use up ingredients before they spoil.

8. Opt for Reusable Menstrual and Hygiene Products

Disposable hygiene products like pads and tampons contribute significantly to landfill waste. These are some of the ways you can implement this strategy into your everyday life.

• Switch to reusable menstrual products such as menstrual cups, cloth pads, or period underwear.

• Use reusable razors, rather than disposable ones, and eco-friendly toothbrushes made from bamboo instead of plastic.

• Choose biodegradable and plastic-free hygiene products where possible.

9. Support Local and Sustainable Products

Supporting local businesses that prioritise sustainability can reduce waste and carbon emissions associated with transportation.

• Buy locally produced food and goods, which typically come with less packaging and fewer transportation emissions.

• Look for products made from recycled materials or those with minimal environmental impact.

• Support companies with sustainable packaging practices, such as those that use compostable, recyclable, or reusable packaging.

10. Advocate for and Participate in Community Clean-Ups

Community clean-ups help remove litter from public spaces, reducing the chances of waste entering landfills and the environment.

• Join or organise local clean-up events in parks, beaches, or neighbourhoods through programs like Clean Up Australia Day.

• Educate friends and family about waste reduction and encourage them to participate in these activities.

• Petition local councils for more recycling facilities, better waste management practices, or bans on single-use plastics in your community.

By implementing these comprehensive strategies, Australians can play a vital role in reducing waste sent to landfills, protecting the environment, and fostering a more sustainable future for generations to come.

10 Simple and Affordable ways to reduce household waste!