^{_{Habit #1: Recycle}}

Since a very young age, our teachers have begun instilling the word ‘Recycle’ and its importance as if not fulfilling the word weighed the same effect as to an unbreakable vow spell. For instance, if we hadn’t thrown our crushed 100 Plus can into the correct bin, imminent death would eventually start seeking us. Recycling is basically a process by which used materials are converted into new products. Recyclable products include cans, glasses, paper products, cartons, plastic containers, etc. Still, why should we recycle? 

Through the act of recycling, we can help by conserving finite resources, lowering our need to collect raw materials. Therefore, keeping usable materials out of landfills!

_{^{Habit #2: Thrift Shopping}}

How does the spending of more money on clothes help conserve the environment and lead a zero waste life? People often confuse the main goal of thrift shopping, which is to spend money purchasing second-hand clothing made out of reused pre-existing materials, rather than purchasing new, trendy, fast-fashion garments which are most likely to wind up in a landfill. 

Besides clothes, you can even thrift for other goods such as household items and furniture! Thrift shopping is such a convenient, fun, and eco-friendly activity where one can enjoy doing it with friends!

_{^{Habit #3: Repurposing Household Items}}

The ability to adapt or utilise something for a new purpose means to repurpose. And repurposing items at home breathes new life to old tools which are great to the environment. There are several simple ways in which we can repurpose our household items.

First, you can turn mason jars from the bottle of spaghetti sauce or jam you’ve bought to make great food storage containers and planters. You can also turn old bed sheets into a reusable tote for your grocery shopping. And instead of using  the store’s single-use plastic bags, you can use fabric bags to carry fresh produce.

_{^{Habit #4: Quality not Quantity}}

It’s better to purchase smaller amounts of better quality, reusable items for higher prices rather than purchasing large portions of singled-used, lower quality items for lower prices.

An example is to avoid buying fast fashion — low-priced but stylish clothing that moves quickly from design to retail stores to meet trends. Clothing stores which champion sustainable fashion include Zara, Levi’s, and Adidas. Furthermore, we can avoid single-used plastics or paper goods like utensils, straws, paper towels, and plastic bottles that contribute to the garbage and pollution plaguing our planet. Instead, use reusable items including metal straws, cutlery or cloth napkins that reduce the amount of paper and plastic waste you generate with every meal.

_{^{Habit #5: Connect with a Zero-Waste Community}}

Did you know? There are over 40,000 community members locally who’ve joined in the Zero Waste Movement. The benefits of connecting include expanding your network, creating new connections, and sharing different habits and experiences or milestones of the zero waste lifestyle with the community.

With that, Zero Waste Malaysia invites you to be part of this mission by connecting to their Facebook community group whereby you can get started with learning about the Zero Waste Movement and connect to community members who’re passionate about sustainability. It’s for everyone to join, be it for those who are still new to the sustainable lifestyle or even those who’ve practised it for years!