Living more sustainably starts with the small things. Every choice we make—what we buy, how we eat, what we throw away—has an impact. The zero living lifestyle is all about reducing waste, consuming consciously, and living in harmony with the environment.
Here are 10 simple, effective daily habits that will help you move toward a zero living lifestyle, even if you’re just starting out.
1. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
Billions of plastic bottles are thrown away each year—and many don’t get recycled. By switching to a reusable bottle, you could prevent hundreds of plastic bottles from ending up in landfills or oceans.
- Americans use an estimated 50 billion plastic water bottles each year. Only about 23% are recycled.
- Switching to a reusable bottle can save an average of 167 plastic bottles per person annually. Plus, you’ll save money and avoid exposure to microplastics.
2. Use Reusable Shopping Bags
Plastic bags are one of the most common items found in litter cleanups. Bringing your own bags not only reduces waste but also helps protect wildlife and waterways.
- Over 100 billion plastic bags are used in the U.S. each year, and the average bag is used for just 12 minutes.
3. Say No to Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics like straws, utensils, and to-go containers often get used for just a few minutes but can pollute the planet for hundreds of years. Reusable alternatives are easy to carry and use.
- Single-use plastics make up 50% of all plastic produced globally.
4. Compost Your Food Scraps
Food waste makes up a large portion of what we throw out every day. Composting at home turns leftovers and peels into nutrient-rich soil instead of adding to landfill waste.
- Food makes up nearly 22% of municipal solid waste in the U.S.
5. Plan Your Meals to Avoid Waste
Planning meals ahead of time helps reduce impulse buys and spoiled food. It’s one of the most effective ways to cut down on kitchen waste—and it saves money too.
- The average American household throws away $1,500 worth of food each year.
6. Switch to Package-Free Toiletries
Many toiletries come in plastic packaging that can’t be recycled. Look for shampoo bars, refillable deodorants, and toothpaste tablets to reduce waste in your bathroom.
- The beauty industry produces 120 billion units of packaging annually, much of which is not recyclable.
7. Buy in Bulk and Use Your Own Containers
Buying items in bulk using your own jars or bags cuts down on unnecessary packaging. It also makes shopping more intentional and organized.
- One bulk refill can replace up to 20 single-use containers.
8. Fix and Repurpose Instead of Replacing
Instead of tossing out torn clothes or broken items, try repairing or repurposing them. This habit keeps usable materials out of the landfill and saves you money.
- The average person throws away around 80 pounds of clothing per year, much of which could be repaired, donated, or reused.
9. Support Local and Eco-Friendly Brands
Buying local reduces emissions from transportation, and choosing eco-conscious brands supports sustainable practices. It’s a powerful way to vote with your wallet.
- 73% of global consumers say they would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact
10. Be Mindful of Water and Energy Use
Turn off lights when not in use, take shorter showers, and unplug unused electronics. These small actions reduce your energy footprint—and your utility bills.
- Turning off lights when not in use can save $100–$200 per year.
- Fixing leaky faucets saves up to 3,000 gallons of water per year per household.
You don’t have to change everything overnight. Adopting just a few of these daily habits can make a big difference over time. Zero living isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making better choices, one day at a time.