Simple Ways to Reduce Waste at Home (That Actually Work)

I began this journey in 2014 with the intention to refuse plastic completely for a year, in the hope that my experience could help others reduce theirs's too. A zero-waste plastic policy!

Over the last 11 years that's shifted into something softer, something that works with my seasons. It's less about perfection, more about small progress - Imperfect Low Waste Living.

Because reducing waste isn’t about doing everything right, it’s about doing what you can, with what you have, in the season you’re in.

As a Mumma of a very active toddler, working full time, running a business, navigating perimenopause and facing all of life's general happening in a country without family nearby, some weeks can feel spacious. Others feel like survival.

While we are privileged to live here it is also one of the most expensive cities in the world where basic expenses are consistency rising and that shapes our family's choices. This is where the small, everyday shifts really matter. Less waste, more money stays in our pocket, frugal, but thoughtful living.

Eating the leftovers. Freezing what you can. Turning scraps into stock or compost. Choosing bulk where it’s accessible, even if it comes in plastic. Making one thing at home instead of buying it, whenever you have the space or compacity. Simplifying what you bring in, from food to skincare, choosing products that do more, last longer, and create less.

Here are some simple ways we reduce waste at home with these ecofriendly swaps.

Eat the leftovers

Start with what’s already there. Food that’s been made, bought, and already paid for deserves to be used.  Our kerbside food waste in Australia currently exceeds 50%! Reducing your food waste not only reduces your spending, but your bin waste and ultimately landfill resources. 

Freeze what you can

Freezing creates flexibility. It gives food another chance instead of sending it to waste plus you have a wholesome meal on hand when you don't have the time or energy to cook!
Batch cooking to freeze is great to save both energy and time. A couple of our favs is Spaghetti bolognaise loaded with legumes, lentils and veggies and anything slow cook.

Turn scraps into something useful

Peels, stems and ends can become stock or compost. What we call waste often still has value. Potato skins make tasty snacks, while I love this Scrappy pesto recipe that utilises greens on their way out. BUT I cant leave out this very simple DIY stock which reduces vegetables scraps to almost zero and couldn't be simpler. 

Choose bulk where it’s accessible

Even in plastic, bulk can reduce overall packaging and cost. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. My favourite bulk food store is SCOOP Wholefoods. and I don't mind sharing that I am very partial to their dark chocolate strawberries for a sweet treat. They also do a great refillable makeup range which I adore!

Make one thing at home

Not everything. Just one like a jar of hummus or my easy scrap banana bread which can also be sliced and frozen into portions ready for quick snacks or lunchbox fillers. A small shift that reduces packaging and builds simple and healthy habits.

Have a "eat me first" space

Visibility matters. When food is seen, it’s more likely to be used. Dedicate a container or space on your fridge space for this, Pop a cute or cheeky reminder on a post it note to draw attention, including yours to it. 

Plan one low-waste meal each week

A meal built from what’s already in the fridge or pantry. Simple, achievable and often the most creative and tasty! Great to do just before your shopping day.

Simplify your skincare

Fewer products used fully. Multi-use skincare products over excess. Your skin doesn't need a 10-step routine, it loves, clean, simple skin compatible products, without the fluff or nasties. Our NAKED Balm is one of our most loved multi-use products, as an all over moisturiser, for dry, sensitive or eczema prone skin or pregnancy and baby.

DIY your cleaning products and simple Skincare

DIY natural skincare or cleaning recipes made simply at home. Less packaging, more connection to what you use. I share some lovely skincare ones in my DIY section but the most popular is the Infused botanic oil. A multipurpose oil that can be used for body, bath, massage and even baby.
The cleaning DIY's are simple and effective and use my favourite items, baking soda and Dr Planet castile soap for Low Tox cleaning.

Refill where you can

Extend the life of what you already have. Choose options that reduce the need to start again like our new Wander Less interchangeable zero waste skincare system.

Living with less isn’t about restriction.

It’s about using what’s already here, more fully, more slowing and with greater intention.

It’s not perfect, but it’s lighter and that's enough for where we are now.

I'd love to know below what small shifts you are making, 

Yours in nourishment

Sarah xx