Changing everything in your house to become zero waste can be daunting and expensive. When I first started I had a huge Amazon list that totalled to about £200. I was also a student with a load of credit card debt to pay. I had no choice but to wait before buying anything. It also occurred to me that even though buying these things would help reduce waste, it would be good to be patient and learn to reduce buying things overall. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Make, mend and do. Here is a list of how you can start to become zero waste without spending a penny!

1. Be an advocate and spread the word! This is one the most important ways you can impact reducing waste. Not only does it encourage you and develop accountability for your actions, it encourages those around you. I have unintentionally led to my friends and family making more sustainable choice and even some Zero Waste swaps. You can also looking out for petitions to sign, such as the ones to ask your local supermarket to stop their plastic packaging.We may be just small people but we are capable of big change.
2. Use old flannels, clothes and tooth brushes for cleaning! 
3. Refill plastic cleaning spray bottles with vinegar and baking soda or even Vodka! It is also a great feeling knowing exactly what you are spraying all over your home, especially if you have young children or pets.
4. Use flannels for cleaning your face and make up removal instead of disposable wipes!
5. Save water when washing up by using a bowl or a rinse, lather, rinse washing up technique!
6. Compost your leftovers! Did you know that most of the food in the landfills do not biodegrade properly? Do some research and learn the important of composting!
7. When shopping bring your own bag, avoid produce bags and carry things if you can! Your own bags are also a lot stronger and prettier than the frail ones you have to pay for!
8. Use your local butchers and fishmongers with the tubs you have! This is where the stubbornness and a tree huger’s confidence is important! The butcher may blink at you a few times before understanding what you’re asking for.
9. Use your local fruit and vegetable market (without produce bags). Support local businesses!
10. When shopping try to buy things in cardboard or glass, without plastic. This can be so tough and frustrating, it can also be a lot more expensive. Do what you can and work on it over time!
11. Keep glass jars for storage of leftovers, homemade items or for using in a zero waste store!
12. Google home made recipes. Tooth paste! Face wash! Shampoo! Soap! Cleaning products! You’ll be surprised what is out there!
13. Look for local bulk markets or zero waste stores.
14. Look for soap bars, shampoo bars, conditioner bars and deodorant bars. I recommend Etsy (Online) or Lush.

If you’re a handy person then there are more options! You can:

1. Sew your own grocery bags from old cotton clothes or pillow cases.
2. Sew your own female washable menstrual pads.
3. Make washable kitchen towels and face wipes!

If you do not sew you can still make things like:

1. Homemade tooth paste! All you need is essential oils and baking soda!
2. Homemade food items
3. Homemade shampoo

You can make most of what you need and do not have to spend a fortune.

The bad news for your bank is… when you start going zero waste its really hard to stop and the bamboo tooth brush, bamboo dish cleaner and glass cleaning spray bottles will soon be bought. I waited until I had the money and then finally took the plunge!