Contrary to popular belief, zero waste makes it possible to make savings! A zero-waste strategy is not just limited to food, it applies to all areas of our daily lives. Here is a summary of the potential savings associated to zero waste, by field:
Cooking & food:
- Eat less meat, think about buying better quality meat or vegetable proteins such as white beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc.
- Consume fewer processed products such as ready meals, etc.
- Purchase local and seasonal products
- Buy in bulk (packaging has its price)
- Make a shopping list to avoid too buying too much food which will end up in the bin
- Try left-over recipes (such as the vegetable-peel pesto or vegetable-peel broth , etc.)
- Try end-of-market produce and take advantage of discounts or even unsold donations
Hygiene and maintenance:
- Make homemade products: save up to 80% to 95% in comparison to ready-made products (source: Far Waste)
- Buy in bulk: save up to 10% and 40% compared to packaged products. (Source: Far Waste)
- Soap and shampoo bar (1 soap/shampoo bar = 2 bottles of shower gel/shampoo)
Consumption:
- The 5Rs,
- The BISOU method,
- Repair,
- Buy used or reconditioned items (electronic equipment)
Béa Johnson affirms in her book “Zero waste, 100 tips to reducing your waste” that by combining these different tips, her family were able to save up to 40% of their annual household budget (food + clothes + hygiene + miscellaneous purchases). When it comes to food, the savings may not be directly visible, especially when switching from purchasing products from conventional agriculture to organic products.