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All week long, you’ve sorted all your trash religiously into bins for plastic, paper, glass, and metal. Come Thursday (or whichever day you’ve designated as the Taking Out Trash Day), you stare in bewilderment at the literal heaps of packages you now must take to the nearest recycle-friendly container. Yup, although sorting your trash for further recycling is already a solid step forward to a more eco-friendly life, there’s still a lot of room to do even better. Enter the zero waste philosophy. Basically, it is what the name says it is - a life where you don’t leave any trash after you! Goodbye heaps of plastic, and au revoir miles of paper!

That’s right, zero waste living sounds like a dream come true to anyone who’s all about preserving our planet Earth, but how to start living zero waste? It isn’t like you’d be very welcome to go to your nearest Walmart with your own jars, cotton bags, and beeswaxed paper to wrap your stuff in! Worry not; you’ll find tons of useful zero waste tips in this article! And you know, you can always start with little steps, like using reusable cloth pieces instead of paper towels, and then adding in more and more zero waste hacks to your daily routine once you feel comfortable enough with those little changes. Still, if you’re more of an ‘all in or nothing’ person, you’ll find these useful tips very doable and easily adaptable to your own life. 

Now, ready to glean some info on how a zero waste lifestyle could look? If so, you know the drill - scroll down below until you reach the submissions, read the zero waste tips, and give your vote for the ones that seemed the most enlightening. After all that is well done, share this article with your friends. Who knows, they might be in for a zero waste challenge!

#1

Donate Unused Items In Good Condition To Support The Second-Hand Market

Cardboard Boxes And Clothes Everywhere

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    #2

    Wash Clothes When They Are Actually Dirty, Instead Of After Only One Wear

    Couple Holding Laundry Basket

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Quite right, and apply the same logic to bathing - do you really need to shower every day? A wash at the sink is probably just as effective for most people, shower every two or three days. EDIT: YMMV, the point is to ask yourself whether it's necessary.

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    #4

    Put On A Sweater And Socks Before Turning Up The Heat

    Couple Warming Their Feet Next To Fireplace

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    Jp@nda
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, don't touch the heat. I better see your butt in multiple layers before you complain

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    #8

    Pick Up Litter When You’re Out And Dispose Of It Properly

    Man Picking Up Trash

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    Marilyn Russell
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I go out every spring once the snow melts and clean the garbage litterbug jerks throw down my country road. I also do sections of adjacent roads. It amazes me how dirty people are sometimes and disgusted by how they have no compunction about polluting the beautiful and pristine countryside.

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    #9

    Surround Yourself With Tools And Items That Are Meant To Last A Lifetime. Try To Only Buy Objects Once

    Tools On The Ground

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    Charlene Woelk
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dewalt for me! Then Dremel and Bosch. Tools are an investment and I hate dealing with poor quality tools that don't do the job properly or makes the job more difficult and then I have to go and replace the cheep tool anyways.

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    #10

    Bring Reusable Produce Bags For Fruits And Veggies

    Fresh Vegetables In Boxes

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    #11

    Get A Library Card To Support Your Local Sharing Economy

    Woman Picking Books In Library

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    Evan H
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Better yet, build a community "little library" book sharing box by your sidewalk, or donate your books to a neighborhood box. There's a FexEx driver who always stops at ours, and swaps books with other boxes, so there's always different books every week.

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    #13

    Buy More Locally Made Goods

    Handmade Spices

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    #14

    Always Run A Full Dishwasher Or Load Of Clothes

    Dishwasher Full Of Dishes

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    LizzieBoredom
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't put your clothes in the dishwasher and don't put your dishes in the wash machine. The warning labels write themselves.

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    #15

    Buy Food Without Packaging Or Minimal Packaging

    Fresh Fruits On Display With Prices

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    Agnes Kirsch
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Problem ist that Food with less packaging is more expensive and more difficult to get.

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    #17

    Take Public Transit If Available Or Carpool

    People Travelling By Tram

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    Sapna Sarfare
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me... bus is cool... We are also getting metro system in place now...

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    #18

    Don’t Leave Your House Without A Full Reusable Water Bottle

    Woman Drinking Water

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    LizzieBoredom
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also, don't drive your Kubota to the liquor store to get beer. According to Officer Kirby, it is technically drunk driving.

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    #19

    Use Bar Soap Instead Of Liquid Soap, It Tends To Come With Less Packaging

    Variety Hand Made Soap Bars

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    #20

    Learn Where To Properly Dispose Of Items Like Gift Cards, Old Cell Phones, Batteries And Unusable Cords Can Be Turned In

    Mountain Of Used Electronics

    curtis palmer Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My local supermarket now collects mobiles and batteries. The local council office has multiple other disposal bins. Officeworks takes used ink cartridges and e-waste.

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    #21

    Ask Yourself If You Truly Need It Before Making Any Purchases

    Woman Holding Clothes In The Store

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    C Cat
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Add it to a wishlist instead of add to cart. Set a minimum time limit to wait (2 days, for example).

    #23

    Ditch Paper Towels And Use Tea Towels And Rags

    Toilet Paper Rolls

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    Vira
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do wonder if this concept is counter to the "do less laundry," and ,"use less water," concept. I stopped using paper towels, but it means I wash more.

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    #24

    If It’s A 30 Minute Or Less Walk, Get Outside Instead Of Driving

    Father And Son Walking In Forest

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    Glengoolie Blue
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's only one business in my town an it's a little bar. So yeah, I walk there.

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    #28

    Open A Window To Cool Down Your Home Or Air It Out

    A View Through The Window To The Street

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    Bec
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate how freezing-a*s cold buildings are everywhere in the summer. We only turn our AC on when the heat and humidity get to be uncomfortable to sleep in.

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    #29

    Bring Your Own To-Go Cup When Getting Coffee On The Run

    Person Holding A Coffee Cup

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Half-way there, but far better to just bring coffee from home in a vacuum mug.

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    #30

    Eat More Vegetables And Legumes

    Meal On A Plate

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    #31

    Keep A Stocked Pantry To Avoid Getting Takeout On Busy Nights

    Preserved Fruits And Vegetables

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    Bec
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But my pantry doesn't have a pizza in it that I don't have to cook after a long day at work

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    #32

    Make Your Morning Cup Of Coffee With A French Press Or Pour Over With A Reusable Filter To Avoid Extra Waste

    Coffee Machine Pouring Coffee

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    Vira
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just drink tea. I use a tea ball. I do enjoy my vietnamese drip press occasionally, though.

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    #33

    Turn Old Sheets And Towels Into Handkerchiefs, Rags, Napkins, And Cloth Produce Bags

    Dark Bedroom And Messy Bed

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    kitten levels tokyo
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Use a chamber pot like the one pictured. Then water your plants with it in the morning!

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    #34

    Store Your Food Properly To Make It Last Longer

    Sorted Pantry

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    L Coffeen
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Putting as much pantry food in glass or plastic air tight containers is the best way to avoid pests in the kitchen. Heck, roaches even LIKE to chew through the card board and glue bc they like the taste.

    #35

    Ask For A Real Mug At The Coffee Shop When Staying In

    Little Cup Of Coffee

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    Twisty
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Proper cups and mugs ought to be the usual. Want it "To go"...? Bring your own container.

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    #36

    Swap Tea Bags For Loose Leaf Tea In A Reusable Strainer

    Tea Bag And Scattered Tea

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    #37

    Try To Avoid Palm Oil

    Pouring Olive Oil

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    kitten levels tokyo
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can identify palm oil because the bottle will show tiny green coconuts like the ones in this photo.

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    #38

    Try Canning To Preserve Food

    Preserved Onions

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've done a bit of microwave bottling in the last 12 months and it's great!

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    #39

    Don’t Buy Anything Impulsively!

    Handing The Card to Cashier

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    kitten levels tokyo
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *everyone on bored panda impulsively purchases with the credit card that is so clearly shown*

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    #40

    Plant A Small Garden

    Small House And Garden

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    #41

    Unplug Electronics When Not In Use

    Camera Gear On Display

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only if they remain on standby, otherwise completely unnecessary.

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    #42

    Find Your Local Cobbler To Repair Tired Shoes

    Man Repairing Shoes

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    #43

    Pack Your Lunch Instead Of Eating Out Every Day

    Meal Ready To Eat

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    Nonesuch
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This idea will save loads of money. Sandwich shops are charging 9-12 dollars a sandwich.

    #44

    Reduce Your Meat Consumption. If You’re Not Ready To Go Vegetarian Start Small: Try Meatless Monday, Weekday Vegetarian, Or Even Weekday Vegan

    Colorful Food Platter

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    Ben Cook
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Animals often help regenerate land, so I'm not sure it's as simple as don't eat meat and the planet will be saved. Probably better to eat food that isnt imported from the other side of the world and isn't wrapped in plastic.

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    #45

    Bring Your Own Container For To-Go Food And Leftovers

    Food In The Container

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    Vira
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the idea but I genuinely am laughing my a$$ off at the thought of going to a fancy restaurant with a set of Tupperware

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    #46

    Swap Your Plastic Toothbrush For A Bamboo Toothbrush

    Toothbrush Under Tap

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    #47

    Change Light Bulbs To LEDs

    LED Colored Ceiling

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    Vira
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm genuinely wondering when people will start advocating for candles or "natural" lighting, when they start looking at lab/engineering waste. I wonder how much waste is produced just to create LEDs. Particularly I wonder about holiday lights that burn out after a couple months (wild considering it's led.) I think sometimes our replacement technology isn't cleaner, just because it lasts longer. I guess I wonder about trade offs.

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    #48

    Look Into Collecting Rainwater Or A Greywater System

    Rainwater Pouring Down

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    Sandra Guistwhite
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rainwater collection is illegal in some areas. Be sure to check your local codes

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    #49

    Serve Dinner With Cloth Napkins

    Nicely Presented Napkin

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    Adalmina
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a hoodie that i wear at home, so i just use the sleeve :p

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    #50

    Get Some Houseplants At A Local Nursery To Purify Your Air, Don’t Forget To Return The Little Plastic Pots!

    Esthetic Room Corner

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    Tara fenimore
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or use the little plastic pots! Keep them and add to them for cool pencil holders, little trash cans, a little bucket for compost, or plant another plant in them! They have very many uses!

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    #51

    Try To Shrink The Amount You Recycle. Zero Waste Is About Recycling Less Not More

    Glass Bottles In Bag

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    #52

    Avoid Receipts When Out, Ask If One Has To Be Printed

    Person Reading Receipt

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    Vira
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Woof. I get this one, but also receipts have saved some people from being part of the ACAB movement.

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    #53

    Join A Community Garden

    Green Garden

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    Vira
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idk I heard about a lady who was murdered in her community garden shed, because of an allotment dispute. I also read something recently about a lady whose garden was vandalized with tonnes of salt. I feel like human contact is a no-go. I'll be needing a private garden please

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    #54

    Ask For No Straw In Your Drink Order When Out

    Carboard Coffee Cups

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    kitten levels tokyo
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bring your own stainless steel straw! (Doubles as a shiv if this get dicey.)

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    #55

    Surround Yourself With Items That Serve Multiple Purposes To Streamline And Cut Excess Junk

    Bag Hanging

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    #56

    Ditch Plastic Shower Loofahs For A Real Loofah Or A Bamboo Bath Brush

    Sauna Gear Hanging

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So far I have found one made of potato fibre that is quite rough. Trying an actual loofa next.

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    #59

    Look Into Rechargeable Batteries Instead Of Disposables

    Rechargeable Batteries On A Drawing

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    Linda Ward
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is generally not advisable for standby devices like smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors.

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    #60

    Switch From A Plastic Disposable Razor To A Metal Safety Razor

    Woman Shaving Leg

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    #61

    Build A Zero Waste Kit And Put In The Trunk Of Your Car Or Carry It With You When You’ll Be Out So You’ll Always Be Prepared

    Man Singing With A Guitar To A Girl

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    #62

    Repurpose Stale Bread

    Freshly Baked Bread

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    #65

    Always Say No Thank You To Free Promotional Items. They Tend To Be Cheap And Break Easily

    Holding One Finger

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    Nonesuch
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes you get something useable..potholders, spatulas, small food containers

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    #67

    Learn How To Freeze Your Food Without Plastic So It Doesn’t Go To Waste

    Frozen Orange Drink

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    LizzieBoredom
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can reuse plastic freezer bags. Turn them inside out, put them in the dishwasher, dry on counter.

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    #68

    Make Homemade Gifts To Give To Friends And Family

    Two Women Making Christmas Gifts

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    Vira
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I genuinely wish people appreciated home made gifts. It was on this website that people had a sh*t-fit over whether gifting a hand made blanket was worth doing. It's a lot of blood sweat and tears, and 99% of the time it's not appreciated. I hate gift exchanges unless it's between really close relationships.

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    #70

    Instead Of Buying Something When You’re Having A Bad Day, Do Something (Go On A Walk, Take A Yoga Class, Meet Up With A Friend)

    Woman Doing Yoga

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    LonelyLittleLeafSheep
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll manage my own self-care thank you. If I want to buy a new book, or pretty socks, or an entire cheesecake to make myself feel better then that's damn sure what I'm going to do!

    #73

    Know Where Everything You Buy Comes From Whether It Be Food, Clothing, Or Other Household Goods

    Woman Looking Through Different Clothes

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    #74

    Ask For No Plastic And Reused Packaging Materials For Online Orders

    Delivery Guy Delivering Package

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    #75

    Wrap Presents In Newsprint!

    Packaging Gifts

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    #76

    Swap Cotton Rounds For Reusable Rounds

    Cotton Pads On Table

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    Lea
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can someone tell me how a facecloth is different from cotton rounds? Or how cotton rounds work better then a facecloth?

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    #78

    Ditch Sponges In Lieu Of Compostable Scrubs Or Brushes

    Soap Sponge And Wood On Table

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    #79

    Ditch Tissues For Handkerchiefs

    Three Scarfs On Ladder

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    LonelyLittleLeafSheep
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope. Not giving up my tissues. As someone with severe allergies I'm not carrying around a bunch of snotty cloths. Also not very sanitary in the Age of Covid.

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    #83

    Try Wheatless Wednesdays To Cut Back On Intensive Grain Farming

    Colorful Fresh Salad

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My whole life is wheatless, I guess that's one good thing about being celiac?

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    #84

    Avoid Junk Mail By Placing A Sticker On Your Box

    Old Abandoned Mail Box

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, they are still printing them, even if it doesn't go in your box

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    #85

    Make Your Own Febreze Spray To Freshen Your Room For Pennies!

    Spray With Gloves Near A Plant

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    #86

    Make Dry Shampoo To Stretch Between Washes

    Person Holding Dry Shampoo in Hands

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    Charlene Woelk
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dry shampoo is disgusting, used it once and it stink and I was choking for days. Just take a shower if you need to wash your hair.

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    #88

    Swap Little Plastic Chapstick Tubes For DIY Lip Balm

    Lip Balm In Hands

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    #89

    Try Making Tooth Powder To Avoid Unrecyclable Toothpaste Tubes

    Toothbrushes and Dry Toothpaste

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    #90

    Try Your Hand At An Easy All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

    Cleaning Spray And Cloth In Persons Hands

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    #92

    Try Elderberry Syrup If You Feel A Cold Coming On Instead Of Immediately Reaching For A Plastic Pill Bottle

    Hot Tea On Table

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not a substitute. You may not need drugs, true, but if you do, then no amount of herbal tea is going to do the job,

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    #93

    Make Your Own Deodorant

    Girl Opening Deodorant

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    Jp@nda
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope!! I don't care, this is the hill. I will use packaged, lovely smelling deodorant until the day I die, or until they find some magic that makes you not sweat. But I think I'll stick with my deodorant

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