What Does Zero Waste Lifestyle Actually Look Like? 7 Realistic Swaps To Start
Curious about the zero waste lifestyle? Learn what it really looks like, how to start with simple swaps, and why progress over perfection
Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes
If you're curious about what it means to live a zero-waste lifestyle but think it seems daunting, stressful, and, to be completely honest, unrealistic, then this one’s for you.
Spoiler: It’s not about fitting a year’s worth of trash into a jar (unless that’s your thing). At ZeroWasteStore, we see zero waste as a journey, not a finish line. It’s about choosing progress over perfection and building sustainable habits that make sense for you.
From reusable swaps to rethinking how we consume, there are tons of ways to make low-waste living work in real life. And with Plastic Free July as the perfect kick-off point, there's no better time to explore your version of zero waste.
P.S. We just launched a brand new way to build your own low-waste starter kit, details below!
Contents
What Is a Zero Waste Lifestyle? Okay…But What Is It Really? - 7 Realistic Swaps for Plastic Free July
- Why a Zero Waste Lifestyle Is Important
- Zero Waste, Your Way: Build Your Own Bundle
- You Might Also Like
What Is a Zero Waste Lifestyle?
According to the Zero Waste International Alliance, zero waste can be defined as
“the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, packaging, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products and materials without burning, and without discharges to water, land, or air that threaten environmental or human health.”
Whew.
In simpler terms, the goal of a zero lifestyle is to keep trash out of landfills, oceans, and incinerators by rethinking how we make, use, and discard things. It’s about minimizing your footprint and maximizing your intention.
Okay…But What Is It Really?
Let’s be honest: In a perfect world, we’d all live in solar-powered tiny homes, make our own oat milk, and compost like pros. But real life doesn’t always work that way.
At ZeroWasteStore, we believe that perfection is a myth and inclusion is everything. Living a zero waste lifestyle doesn’t mean doing it all. It means doing what you can, when you can.
While we recognize that the real game-changers (large corporations and governments) need to step up, we know that in the meantime, our choices still send a message. Every refill, every swap, every conscious step forward—it all counts.
So what might a real-life zero waste lifestyle look like?
- Using reusable cloths instead of paper towels
- Bringing your own bags, jars, and coffee cups
- Shopping secondhand or borrowing instead of buying
- Volunteering at local cleanups
- Protesting for climate action
- Having conversations that inspire others
Take a peek inside our team's realistic zero waste lifestyles…
Sarah has been using shampoo and conditioner bars since 2018!
Clara started composting last year and swears it's easier than it sounds.
Heather tries to shop second-hand as much as possible, and has save so much money this way, too.
Monica loves bringing her own bags and containers to her local farmers market, and has turned it into a fun weekend ritual.
7 Realistic Swaps for Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to reduce single-use plastic for the month. It’s the perfect time to test new habits and discover what sticks.
Here are 7 low-waste swaps that are actually easy to keep up with:
1. Reusable Swedish Dishcloths
Difficulty: Low
Impact: Replaces 17 rolls of paper towels
Stickability: So versatile, you’ll never go back to paper towels
SHOP NOW2. Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Difficulty: Medium
Impact: Replace 2-3 bottles of liquid shampoo and conditioner
Stickability: Once you get through the adjustment period, it’s smooth sailing from there
SHOP NOW
3. Bamboo Charcoal Floss
Difficulty: Low
Impact: Reduces the waste from 3 million miles of dental floss tossed in the US each year
Stickability: Strong (use just like normal floss!)
SHOP NOW4. Beeswax or Vegan Wraps
Difficulty: Medium
Impact: Reduces plastic wrap, encourages you to BYO lunch, and reduce food waste by storing and eating leftovers
Stickability: Super convenient for leftovers
SHOP NOW
5. Zero Waste Safety Razor
Difficulty: Hard(er)
Impact: Helps to reduce the 2 billion plastic razor pile-up that happens every year
Stickability: High. It takes practice, but once you’ve got it, you’ll feel fancy. Trust us
SHOP NOW6. Bamboo Toothbrush
Difficulty: Easy
Impact: Helps reduce the 1 billion plastic toothbrushes thrown away each year
Stickability: Once you switch, it’s second nature
SHOP NOW
7. Reusable Produce Bags
Difficulty: Easy
Impact: Less plastic at the grocery store, plus encourages you to buy loose product
Stickability: It takes time to get into the habit, so keep them in your bag so you remember when you’re at the store
SHOP NOWWhy A Zero Waste Lifestyle Is Important
We know change starts with action and the more of us taking small steps, the bigger the ripple effect.
According to the UN, we produce over 400 million tons of plastic waste every year, and that number is rising.
We’re not going to solve that with a single bamboo toothbrush, but collectively, our choices add up. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is momentum.
Zero Waste, Your Way: Build Your Own Bundle
Ready to put what you’ve learned into action? Our Build Your Own Zero Waste Starter Kit is the perfect way to kick off (or level up) your zero waste lifestyle.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a collection curated by you, for you. With practical, bestselling swaps you’ll actually use.
How it works:
Pick 5–10 low-waste essentials from our favorite kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and on-the-go swaps
The more you add, the more you save:
5 items = 15% off
7 items = 20% off
10 items = 30% off
Every item is 100% plastic-free, totally customizable, and designed to help you reduce waste in a way that works with your life (not against it).
BUILD YOUR STARTER KIT
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