‘Zero-Waste’, ‘Single-Use’, ‘Plastic-Free’, ‘Eco-Friendly’: phrases we are getting increasingly used to hearing as we try to bring our ‘throw-away’ culture to an end. I wouldn’t be surprised if, like us, you’re struggling to keep up with all the new terms. So what exactly do they all mean? Well, ‘Zero-Waste’ is pretty much exactly that: nothing is wasted or thrown away. This sounds like a big challenge, especially if you’re anything like me and partial to the occasional online shopping binge….

But reducing your environmental footprint doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy. Here at Quarter, we implement green initiatives across the company, and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from all of our sites. If you want to learn how to do your bit, here are some of our top tips to get you started.

1. ‘Keep’ your Coffee Habit

Coffee lovers rejoice - you don’t have to break that caffeine addiction after all! You do, however, need to say goodbye to those single-use take-away cups you’ve grown so accustomed to. Instead, invest in a re-usable one, like these from ‘KeepCup’. They come in a range of styles and colours, so you can enjoy your coffee on-the-go guilt-free. Many coffee shops and cafes will offer reduced prices if you bring your own cup, so you might even earn your money back!

2. ‘Bagging’ a Bargain

It’s time to upgrade that trusty ‘bag for life’ that’s been sitting in your corner cupboard for countless months. Go glam with a statement tote bag that you’ll actually want to show off, like these from ‘ethical.market’, guaranteed to make all your fellow Tesco-shoppers jealous.

If you’re feeling really fancy, try out an organic cotton ‘produce bag’ like these, perfect for bagging-up loose items such as fruit, bread, and bakery goods, instead of those pesky plastic ones.

3. Mind your Beeswax

If you’re already saving leftovers instead of throwing them in the bin, great! Just as long as you step away from the Clingfilm - it’s fiddly, frustrating, and worst of all non-biodegradable. Plus, it can release all sorts of nasty chemicals into your food when heated. To keep life safe and simple, cover your leftovers with re-usable beeswax food wraps like these. They are plastic-free and fully compostable, so there’s no reason to stress over that clingy film of doom any longer.

4. Lunching in Style

We’re all guilty of grabbing a quick pre-packaged sandwich and bringing it back to the office with us. Yes, it’s convenient, but just consider all of that plastic waste! Make your ‘al-desko’ lunch more exciting than a soggy shop-bought tuna sandwich, and bring your own in re-usable containers. They will allow you to reduce your plastic waste, and save yourself money in the mean-time! Why not try a planet-friendly cool bag, like these from Eco Chic

5. Change your Bathroom Habits

No, we’re not suggesting anything as extreme as showering in harvested rainwater or squatting outdoors…. but have you ever considered the sustainability of your toiletries? Go on, have a look in your bathroom cupboard and you’ll be sure to find hoards of useless plastic packaging. Instead, cut down on waste and opt for more natural alternatives. Your skin will probably thank you for it!

-          Switch bottled shower gel to bars of soap

-          Consider shampoo and deodorant bars in replace of bottles and aerosols

-          Swap single-use cotton pads/wool with kind-to-skin cotton face cloths

-          Replace plastic with bamboo toothbrushes and silk floss alternatives

Feeling inspired? Why not head to Smaller Footprints in Clifton Village – the independent shop has eliminated unnecessary waste and offers a guilt-free shopping experience with its sustainable solutions. Read their philosophy here

You can also check out some of our other favourite sites, like the ‘Plastic Free Shop’ and ‘No Plastic Shop’, offering wide selections of ethically sourced and plastic-free products for everyday living.

So it just takes is just a few simple swaps - add them together and get ‘Zero’. Join us in our mission to eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging, and get started on your own waste-free journey. The best news is, you can carry on online shopping to your heart’s content, with no need to feel guilty!