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21 bits of plastic we can all quit right now

Source: Facebook/ZeroWaste.Japan

ZeroWaste Tips from a busy mum-of-two in Japan on how to permanently eliminate everyday plastic objects from your life.

ZeroWaste living, Japan-style

ZeroWaste.Japan was started by Mum-of-two, Ran, after reading Bea Johnson’s seminal masterpiece Zero Waste Home (now translated into 25 languages).

“I started my ZeroWaste journey in Japan.” Says Ran on her website“It literally changed my life. I’ve started the process of switching to many of the suggestions from the book to reduce waste.”

Sadly, there are no bulk shops & farmers’ markets around Ran, and people aren’t concerned about single use plastics. However, she is trying to produce as little trash as possible.

“I hope to live a zero waste lifestyle locally by being environmentally conscious about the waste we produce, and raise awareness on how we can make simple changes to reduce waste.”

Regards sharing her experiences, Rans says “I hope it will help you on your zero waste journey. We can all do something to make the world a little greener.”

Below there is a selection of 21 of Ran’s Japan-style ZeroWaste living tips and hacks. Ran shares her Japanese style Zerowaste journey on Instagram. Learn more about the ZeroWaste Japan Travel Guide. You can also find loads more photos and Zero Waste tips on Facebook.

17 things we can all replace today to help save our planetSource: BrightVibes
Before→I used single use plastic bags?Now→I use my own shopping bag? If you care to limit your use of plastic bags at the grocery store, reusable shopping bags are a must-have! I use them all the time to grocery shop✨
Easy Zero Waste Swap #1 Before→I used single use plastic bags?Now→I use my own shopping bag? If you care to limit your use of plastic bags at the grocery store, reusable shopping bags are a must-have! I use them all the time to grocery shop✨ Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Before→I had a bad habit of buying bottled water while out and about? Now→ A stainless steal bottle that I could refill made sense?
Easy Zero Waste Swap #2 Before→I had a bad habit of buying bottled water while out and about? Now→ A stainless steal bottle that I could refill made sense? Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Before→ I didn’t pay attention to whether I bought packaged or unpackaged produce? Now→ I consciously choose unpackaged.
Easy Zero Waste Swap #3 Before→ I didn’t pay attention to whether I bought packaged or unpackaged produce? Now→ I consciously choose unpackaged. Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Before→I used to throw away so many q-tips? Now→I always use this Japanese traditional wooden earpick ! It is sturdy and do the job?
Easy Zero Waste Swap #4 Before→I used to throw away so many q-tips? Now→I always use this Japanese traditional wooden earpick ! It is sturdy and do the job? Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Before→I had used fancy plastic toothbrushes. However, plastic is not safe and plastic never goes away from the environment? Now→I use bamboo toothbrushes that are earth friendly and I don't have to feel bad about throwing them out. The bristles are very soft and gentle on teeth?
Easy Zero Waste Swap #5 Before→I had used fancy plastic toothbrushes. However, plastic is not safe and plastic never goes away from the environment? Now→I use bamboo toothbrushes that are earth friendly and I don’t have to feel bad about throwing them out. The bristles are very soft and gentle on teeth? Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
When you think of how many tissues you might use during your lifetime, multiplied by the population of tissue users in the world, you can imagine how many tissues are thrown away in the world?In Japan, we carry a small handkerchief with us everywhere! ( small kids also ?) If more people started using handkerchiefs, it would be a much more reusable, sustainable path to follow??
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Easy Zero Waste Swap #6 When you think of how many tissues you might use during your lifetime, multiplied by the population of tissue users in the world, you can imagine how many tissues are thrown away in the world?In Japan, we carry a small handkerchief with us everywhere! ( small kids also ?) If more people started using handkerchiefs, it would be a much more reusable, sustainable path to follow??
. Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Bring your reusable mug and grab your favorite coffee ☕️I used to use disposable cups. Drinking out of reusable cups makes a huge difference in my opinion. It’s also easy to rinse clean, will continue using this for a while, plus it’s eco friendly!
Easy Zero Waste Swap #7 Bring your reusable mug and grab your favorite coffee ☕️I used to use disposable cups. Drinking out of reusable cups makes a huge difference in my opinion. It’s also easy to rinse clean, will continue using this for a while, plus it’s eco friendly! Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
I started making my own popcorn on the stovetop and I'm never buying the bagged stuff again?It takes just a few minutes to complete and I have a nice big bowl of fresh tasting plastic free popcorn ??
Easy Zero Waste Swap #8 I started making my own popcorn on the stovetop and I’m never buying the bagged stuff again?It takes just a few minutes to complete and I have a nice big bowl of fresh tasting plastic free popcorn ?? Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
I originally bought solid shampoo bars because I wanted to find ways to reduce plastic waste (shampoo bottles are NOT recyclable) but now I love it all around. This not only does that ,but leaves my hair looking healthy! A win-win!
Easy Zero Waste Swap #9 I originally bought solid shampoo bars because I wanted to find ways to reduce plastic waste (shampoo bottles are NOT recyclable) but now I love it all around. This not only does that ,but leaves my hair looking healthy! A win-win! Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
I wanted to save money on disposable razors & cut back on plastic waste while getting a close shave? I use safety razor on my legs & underarms now. I am happy I made the switch now. It does a better job than my disposable blades and it makes me feel better knowing that I'm not tossing more plastic into landfills?
Easy Zero Waste Swap #10 I wanted to save money on disposable razors & cut back on plastic waste while getting a close shave? I use safety razor on my legs & underarms now. I am happy I made the switch now. It does a better job than my disposable blades and it makes me feel better knowing that I’m not tossing more plastic into landfills? Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
I pack my lunches every day. I have been using plastic Tupperware-like containers for years. I am also frustrated by using plastics so much as there are a lot of studies linking leached chemicals from plastics into our food. So, I LOVE the Japanese traditional wooden Bento boxes - environmental reasons no plastic! Very happy with this and glad to be off plastics and disposables. 
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Easy Zero Waste Swap #11 I pack my lunches every day. I have been using plastic Tupperware-like containers for years. I am also frustrated by using plastics so much as there are a lot of studies linking leached chemicals from plastics into our food. So, I LOVE the Japanese traditional wooden Bento boxes – environmental reasons no plastic! Very happy with this and glad to be off plastics and disposables.
. Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Eyeglasses create less waste than disposables contacts? Disposable contacts are thrown away every time they're used. ( they are not recycled in Japan ) I used to put 60 (30 days, two eyes) small plastic into the trash each month. Plus the blister packs and boxes (at least some of the packaging can be recycled). Although eyeglasses are still plastic, they are more environmentally friendly since I do not need to throw away them every time they’re used?
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Easy Zero Waste Swap #12 Eyeglasses create less waste than disposables contacts? Disposable contacts are thrown away every time they’re used. ( they are not recycled in Japan ) I used to put 60 (30 days, two eyes) small plastic into the trash each month. Plus the blister packs and boxes (at least some of the packaging can be recycled). Although eyeglasses are still plastic, they are more environmentally friendly since I do not need to throw away them every time they’re used?
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. Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Switched from plastic container store bought lipstick to paper tube one , and it's been great! The lip balm paper tubes were far more durable than I had dared hope?( Before one is my teenage daughter’s ?)
Easy Zero Waste Swap #13 Switched from plastic container store bought lipstick to paper tube one , and it’s been great! The lip balm paper tubes were far more durable than I had dared hope?( Before one is my teenage daughter’s ?) Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
I've been using a Japanese traditional wooden comb for a few years and nothing has broken...amazing! My plastic brushes always have teeth chipping off?It’s better than any plastic comb because it eliminates static electricity and distributes my hair’s natural oils evenly?‍♀️
Easy Zero Waste Swap #14 I’ve been using a Japanese traditional wooden comb for a few years and nothing has broken…amazing! My plastic brushes always have teeth chipping off?It’s better than any plastic comb because it eliminates static electricity and distributes my hair’s natural oils evenly?‍♀️ Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Reusable straws are one small step among many needed to curtail my plastic use? These straws are great and I wish I'd found them a long time ago. Not only are they indestructible, easy to clean, and reusable, they save immensely on the environment?
Easy Zero Waste Swap #15 Reusable straws are one small step among many needed to curtail my plastic use? These straws are great and I wish I’d found them a long time ago. Not only are they indestructible, easy to clean, and reusable, they save immensely on the environment? Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
I was looking for a plastic free alternative for my mouthwash and came upon DIY Baking Soda Mouthwash. I decided to give it a try, and I’m really happy I did!! I love how refreshed it makes my mouth feel when I’m done☺️ Baking soda mouthwash -- add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of water -- Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth. 
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Easy Zero Waste Swap #16 I was looking for a plastic free alternative for my mouthwash and came upon DIY Baking Soda Mouthwash. I decided to give it a try, and I’m really happy I did!! I love how refreshed it makes my mouth feel when I’m done☺️ Baking soda mouthwash — add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of water — Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth.
. Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
I bought @pelacase compostable phone case! It’s an excellent plastic phone case alternative?I love this because there isn’t any plastic, not even the packaging?( I have $10 off code on my Instagram story. Check it ☺️)
Easy Zero Waste Swap #17 I bought @pelacase compostable phone case! It’s an excellent plastic phone case alternative?I love this because there isn’t any plastic, not even the packaging?( I have $10 off code on my Instagram story. Check it ☺️) Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Was looking for a less disposable way to brew my tea and the tea strainer is lovely! I don't make extra waste with disposable tea bags anymore?
Easy Zero Waste Swap #18 Was looking for a less disposable way to brew my tea and the tea strainer is lovely! I don’t make extra waste with disposable tea bags anymore? Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
I like @stashed bag_jp reusable silicone bags rather than disposable ziplock bags?
I've used them for everything from holding snacks and small items while backpacking to storing frozen food and leftovers?
Easy Zero Waste Swap #19 I like @stashed bag_jp reusable silicone bags rather than disposable ziplock bags?
I’ve used them for everything from holding snacks and small items while backpacking to storing frozen food and leftovers? Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
Metal hangers will outlast me?Strong and sturdy!! Unless lost or stolen, should last a lifetime!It performs much better than those cheap plastic hangers?
Easy Zero Waste Swap #20 Metal hangers will outlast me?Strong and sturdy!! Unless lost or stolen, should last a lifetime!It performs much better than those cheap plastic hangers? Source: Facebook/ZeroWasteJapan
My zero waste friend @lesswasteforwhales gave me @georganicsuk dental floss? I am very impressed with this floss? Start from paper package, through the small glass jar, ending at the floss itself, everything is just how I wanted!! I am no longer throwing away strips of plastic thread every time I floss??
Easy Zero Waste Swap #21 My zero waste friend @lesswasteforwhales gave me @georganicsuk dental floss? I am very impressed with this floss? Start from paper package, through the small glass jar, ending at the floss itself, everything is just how I wanted!! I am no longer throwing away strips of plastic thread every time I floss?? Source: ZeroWasteJapan
Make an Impact

ZERO WASTE: FROM A BLOG TO A MOVEMENT

Think waste-free living is depriving, time consuming, costly, or simply reserved for hermits living in the boondocks? Think again! With a blog turned bestselling book and talks throughout the world, Bea Johnson and her family have debunked those misconceptions and inspired a global movement. Join them and hundreds of thousands of others in enjoying a richer life based on experiences instead of stuff.