Hey there, city friends! I’m Luna Verde, and I’m so excited to share my favorite sustainable living tips for starting your zero waste living journey—right in your urban apartment. Zero waste living might seem tricky with small spaces and busy schedules, but it’s totally doable, even for beginners! In my book Zero-Waste Living: 30 Days to a Trash-Free City Home, I dive deep into eco-friendly habits tailored for city life. Today, I’m sharing five easy tips that helped me transform my tiny Lisbon flat into a zero-waste haven. Let’s get started! 🌿
Why Zero Waste Living Matters in the City
Zero waste living means reducing the trash you produce every day—like food scraps, packaging, and single-use items. In cities, where bins fill up fast and space is tight, our waste can quickly add up, contributing to overflowing landfills and pollution. But here’s the good news: small swaps can make a big difference! Whether you’re in a studio apartment or a bustling loft, these sustainable living tips will help you live lighter, save money, and feel amazing about your eco-choices. Let’s make our urban spaces greener with zero waste living, one step at a time!
5 Easy Tips to Start Your Zero Waste Journey
I’ve put together five beginner-friendly sustainable living tips straight from my 30-day zero waste living plan, perfect for city apartments. These swaps worked wonders for me, and I know they’ll help you too!
1. Swap Plastic Bags for Reusables
Plastic bags pile up so fast in city life—I used to find them everywhere in my Lisbon flat! On Day 3 of my challenge, I made the switch to foldable cotton reusable bags (affiliate link). They’re super compact, tucking into a tiny pouch that fits in your backpack or purse. Keep one by your door and another in your daily bag for grocery runs or market trips. Pro tip: tie a ribbon on the handle as a reminder to grab it! This zero waste living swap cuts out dozens of plastic bags each month, keeping your space clutter-free.
2. Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics like straws and coffee cups are a city staple, but they’re a zero-waste no-no. I tackled this on Day 4 by switching to reusables, and it’s been a game-changer for my sustainable living journey! Grab a stainless steel straw for your smoothies (my café runs are now so chic!) and a reusable coffee cup for discounts at local shops. At home, swap plastic wrap for beeswax wraps (affiliate link)—they’re perfect for covering bowls. Start with one swap, and watch your bin shrink. It’s an easy step with a big impact!
3. Reuse Glass Jars for Storage
Don’t toss those glass jars from pasta sauce or pickles! On Day 16, I turned my kitchen into a zero-waste dream by reusing jars for storage. Clean them with soapy water, peel off labels (a dab of oil helps with sticky glue), and fill with bulk buys like rice or granola. In your fridge, use them to store chopped veggies—they’ll stay fresh longer. Stack them in cabinets to save space in your small apartment. These airtight glass jars (affiliate link) add a polished touch. This sustainable living tip cuts plastic clutter!
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4. Use a Refillable Water Bottle
Plastic water bottles were a constant in my city life until I made the Day 18 swap to a refillable bottle. It changed everything in my Lisbon flat! Pick a 500ml stainless steel bottle (affiliate link) that fits in your bag and fill it with tap water (a Brita filter helps if your water tastes off). Many cafés have refill stations—just ask! Rinse daily with your homemade cleaner (see Day 7 in my book) to keep it fresh. This eco swap saves dozens of bottles monthly and lightens your bin load.
5. Wrap Food with Beeswax Wraps
Plastic wrap used to be my go-to in the kitchen, but on Day 26, I discovered the magic of beeswax wraps! These reusable gems are my secret to a waste-free fridge. Use them to wrap half an avocado or cover a bowl—just press with your hands to seal. Rinse with cold water and mild soap (your Day 10 bar soap works great), then air-dry. They’re perfect for small fridges and add a cute touch to your kitchen. Get your set of beeswax wraps (affiliate link) here. This swap makes meal prep so sustainable!
Start Small, Dream Big
You don’t have to do it all at once, friend! Pick one or two tips to start with, and build from there. Want more ideas? My book Zero-Waste Living has a full 30-day plan to help you go trash-free. You’ve got this, city dweller! Let’s make our urban homes a little greener with zero waste living, one swap at a time. 🌱
Have your own zero-waste tips? I’d love to hear them—drop a comment below or connect with me on Pinterest. Welcome to the #LunaVerdeEco community!
Get My Book – Zero Waste Living
For a deeper dive into urban sustainable living, grab Zero-Waste Living: 30 Days to a Trash-Free City Home (📖 Amazon link). Need gear? Check out my favorite tools at my Eco Shop (affiliate links)
(Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.)
