Ever feel overwhelmed by the thought of saving the planet? You’re not alone. The World Bank says we produce a staggering 2.01 billion tons of trash every year. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Low-waste living is all about taking small, achievable steps towards a more sustainable life. And the best part? It can actually save you money and even help you earn some extra cash on the side. Let’s dive in!

Why Low-Waste Beats Zero Waste

Zero waste sounds great in theory—aiming for a life without sending anything to the landfill. But in reality, it often means going to extreme lengths, like making everything from scratch or carrying a full set of reusable utensils everywhere. While that’s inspiring, it’s just not realistic for most of us.

Low-waste living meets you where you are. Maybe start by swapping one disposable item each week, like trading paper towels for cloth napkins. Or cook one meal a week without generating any waste. It’s a long-term journey, not a quick sprint, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.

5 Principles, Endless Possibilities

Food & Groceries: Waste Less, Save Big

Tired of all that plastic packaging at the grocery store? Skip the pre-packaged produce at places like Tesco or Walmart. Instead, head to your local farmers’ market with reusable cotton bags. You’ll often save 10–30% on loose items! And forget about cling film—switch to beeswax wraps. Brands like Abeego in the UK or Food52 in the US are popular choices, and you could save over £/$20 a year on plastic products.

Food waste is a huge global problem—we throw away 1.3 billion tons of food each year, according to the FAO. But with a little creativity, leftovers can become delicious new meals. Transform stale bread into crunchy croutons or blend veggies into a hearty soup. For food scraps, try Bokashi composting (a hit in Japan and Europe) or freeze vegetable trimmings to make stock later. It’s a win-win: zero waste and great flavor!

Shopping: Shop Smart, Not Hard

Impulse buying got you down? Try the 30-Day Rule. Add non-essential items to a “waitlist” instead of buying them right away. Apps like Mint or YNAB can help you track your spending urges. When it comes to fashion, embrace the capsule wardrobe. Brands like Everlane and Patagonia offer timeless pieces that will last for years, inspired by UNIQLO’s minimalist designs.

Don’t let your old stuff gather dust. Sell your pre-loved items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Vinted (Europe’s top resale app). You can often get 30–50% of the original price back! For electronics, check out Apple’s Trade-In program or Best Buy’s recycling options—you might get cash or credit towards a new purchase.

Home: Green Hacks for Every Home

Save money and energy by switching to LED bulbs, like Philips Hue smart bulbs. In warm climates, set your AC to 26°C (79°F) and use a fan—it can cut your energy use by 20–30%. Skip the expensive store-bought cleaners and make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and water. It’s cheaper than Mrs. Meyer’s and better for the environment!

Composting doesn’t have to be complicated. Use an electric composter like Lomi (available in the US and Canada) or just set up a simple bin in your backyard for fruit peels and coffee grounds. In cities, look for local programs. London offers food waste collection, and San Francisco has “Recycle More” for curbside compost pickup.

Transportation: Get Around, Green

In cities like Copenhagen or Portland, biking just 3 km can save you about $0.50 per km in fuel costs—and you get a free workout! Use apps like Citymapper to plan routes that combine public transit and walking. It’s a great way to explore cities like Berlin or Tokyo on the weekends.

Share rides with Uber Pool and save around 40%, or rent a Lime or Skip scooter for short trips (usually just $1.50 per ride). In many EU cities, car-free zones make it easy to get around without a car, perfect for budget-friendly urban adventures.

Mindset Shifts

Instead of throwing things away at the first sign of damage, try fixing them. Support local repair shops or use iFixit kits to mend electronics and clothes. Brands like Patagonia even offer free repair workshops, turning the “throwaway culture” into a “wear forever” mindset.

Forgot your reusable cup? Don’t beat yourself up—just buy a coffee in a paper cup (it’s still better than plastic). Low-waste living is about progress, not perfection. Celebrate every small change you make!

Earn Money with Packetshare

Looking for an easy way to make some extra cash?  "Did you know the average household in the US pays for 6TB/month of bandwidth, but only utilizes 190GB (3%)?" PacketShare, available in over 180 countries, lets you share your unused internet bandwidth and earn passive income. Trusted by more than 800,000 users, it’s super convenient—you can get paid via PayPal. The bandwidth you share will be used for important digital services such as search engine optimization research, business intelligence, ad verification, application testing, content distribution and price comparison tools.

Join the Global Movement

Low-waste living isn’t about giving things up—it’s about finding creative solutions. Buying vintage clothes on Depop in the UK keeps them out of landfills. Composting in Nairobi’s urban gardens cuts down on methane emissions. Taking public transit in Mexico City reduces air pollution and saves you over $500 a year on car costs.

Ready to get started? Swap your plastic water bottle for a S’well bottle (it keeps drinks cold for 24 hours), or download the Too Good To Go app to rescue surplus food. Every small choice you make has an impact—on your wallet, your community, and the planet.