by Shameera Nair Lin

Zero Waste: How? 

The idea of living a ‘zero waste’ lifestyle has picked up traction in Malaysia, particularly over the last few years. However, what does it actually mean, and how do you get started? Today, we’ll think about what it means to start living sustainably through minimising waste. 

In part, ‘zero waste’ refers to restructuring the way we approach resource life cycles, redesigning and ensuring that a product does not go to a landfill, incinerator or the ocean. In a country like Malaysia, it is extremely difficult to get into a completely zero waste lifestyle. According to a WWF report from 2019, our annual per capita plastic usage remains at 16.78kg per person, with low recycling rates. Basic steps in our day-to-day approach to sustainable living would, nonetheless, go a long way. Here are some ways to get started: 

1. Reduce and reuse packaging

We’ll start with reducing. Whenever possible, avoid using or buying the following: bottled water; bottled drinks; plastic bags from the supermarket; take-out using restaurant packaging; vegetables, meat and fruits packaged in plastic; bread packaged in plastic; plastic utensils; paper towels. Instead of buying bottled beverages like soda and such, if you are a frequent consumer, get a soda maker machine, which are often reasonably priced. And if you can’t resist that 1.5L of Coke, reuse the bottle to store water. It might be uncomfortable at first, but bring your own containers to the supermarket or grocery store if you’re buying meat — there’s no need to tear yet another sheet of plastic from a roll, only to be discarded hours after. The rule of thumb for packaged food items is to carry a small grocery bag in your daily bag, because you may go on unplanned shopping trips.

With beverages, always carry a small spare bottle wherever you go. When ordering takeout, try using your own packaging if possible. And if not, repurpose the containers you’ve received. The more we build these easy habits, the easier it gets to reassess the way we use packaging in our daily lives. 

2. Be conscious of every purchase you make

There are great deals on Shopee and Lazada, sure. Sometimes, they’re unavoidable and oftentimes, budget-friendly. But when purchasing anything, think about whether it’s something you truly need. For example, you might want another mug. However, you already have enough mugs. If something is not essential, assess the need for something. To take things further, think about the quality of the items you purchase, if your budget permits. While the better option may appear to cost more, this is not necessarily the case when taking longevity into consideration. An investment in items leads to less unnecessary purchases in the long run, and there will be less of a need to declutter your home and send unwanted items to the landfill. 

3. Declutter

Which brings us to our next point: always declutter. You may have come across the concept while watching or reading Marie Kondo’s decluttering advice. Do what works for you, but keep your space as clear as possible, as this will encourage a more sustainable lifestyle. If you have old clothes lying around, repurpose them into kitchen cloths or rugs. If you’ve got 20 containers lying around, give some away to others. There are many opportunities to ensure you have all you need, and what you want. Reduce waste. 

4. Buy essentials from zero waste stores

With the advent of ‘zero waste’ as a lifestyle in Malaysia, more zero waste stores have been popping up around the country, particularly in the Klang Valley. At zero waste stores, you will find essentials without wasteful packaging. Some stores to visit include Frangipani Bulk, NULL Zero Waste Factory, Wowo Refill Store & NUDE The Waste Free Store. 

5. Store and reuse water

On a rainy day, leave a bucket or two outside and use rainwater to flush your toilet bowls. While washing dishes, use the sink stopper and turn the tap off as you wash your dishes.

Going zero waste is not an easy task, and it is not something you can do overnight. However, every bit of waste prevention serves as a positive, accumulating in the long term. There is no one way of trying to lead a zero waste lifestyle. For further information, read up on ways to reduce plastic waste and sustainability accounts on Instagram such as @kitarr.co and @zerowastemalaysia.