Zero Waste: As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable living and reducing the cost of living for youths and older adults in Nigeria and Africa, BlaccTheddi explores the concept of zero waste grocery shopping. While recycling is often the first solution that comes to mind, it is actually the last step in a series of actions known as the 5 R’s: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and then recycle. By incorporating these principles into your grocery shopping routine, you can significantly minimize waste and make a positive impact on the environment.

Refuse: Start by refusing to buy wasteful or non-recyclable products. When working with vendors, refuse unnecessary product packaging and request reusable or returnable containers. Making smarter purchasing decisions can go a long way in minimizing waste from the source.

Reduce: Reduce the use of harmful, wasteful, and non-recyclable products. Use only the minimum amount required to avoid unnecessary waste. For example, print documents double-sided to cut waste output in half. Focus on reducing single-use plastics, plastic packaging, organic waste, and Styrofoam cups.

Reuse: Reuse items throughout your home instead of buying new ones. Replace single-use eating utensils, Styrofoam cups, water bottles, and paper plates with compostable or reusable alternatives. Prioritize reuse for other products like packaging peanuts, printer cartridges, cardboard boxes, food containers, and rechargeable batteries.

Repurpose: For items that can’t be refused, reduced, or reused, try repurposing them. Upcycling common office products can serve more than one purpose. Use wasted printer paper for scrap paper, cardboard boxes for storing supplies, binder clips to hold power cords, and mason jars for holding pens and pencils.

Recycle: Finally, recycle any items that you can’t refuse, reduce, reuse, or repurpose. Start collecting cardboard, mixed paper products, commingled materials (plastics, aluminum, glass), and organics if your business doesn’t already.

By following these steps, you can make a significant impact on reducing waste and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Let’s work together to reduce the cost of living for youths and older adults in Nigeria and Africa.

Source: [RoadRunner]

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