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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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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!

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#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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#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?

#84

Avoid Junk Mail By Placing A Sticker On Your Box

Old Abandoned Mail 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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#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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