Green EV Life – Sustainable Living Tips

Category: Going Zero Waste

Discover tips for going zero waste with Green EV Life. Reduce, reuse, and recycle to live sustainably and minimize your environmental impact.

  • 7 Surprising ‘Recyclable’ Items That Actually End Up In Landfills

    7 Surprising ‘Recyclable’ Items That Actually End Up In Landfills

    You rinse, sort, and recycle—doing your part for the planet. But shockingly, many ‘recyclable’ items still end up in landfills. Why? Hidden rules and tiny mistakes. Here are 7 everyday items you’re recycling wrong, and how to fix them in 2025.

    1. Pizza Boxes: The Greasy Trap

    The Problem:
    Grease soaks into cardboard fibers. Even a small stain can ruin a whole batch of paper recycling. Most facilities toss contaminated loads straight to landfills.

    How to Recycle Right:

    • Tear off the clean top half (recycle this).
    • Compost the greasy bottom. No compost bin? Try:

    Did You Know?
    A single greasy pizza box can contaminate 10 lbs of clean paper recycling.

    2. Coffee Pods: Tiny but Deadly

    Aluminum and plastic coffee pods side-by-side with green check (recyclable) and red X (landfill) labels

    The Problem:
    Most recycling plants can’t process items smaller than a credit card. Pods jam machinery, causing costly shutdowns. Even ‘green’ pods often end up trashed.

    2025 Solutions:

    1. Switch to reusable pods (saves money too!).
    2. For disposable pods:

    Pro Tip:
    Aluminum pods? These can be recycled—but only if completely clean.

    3. Bubble Wrap: The Silent Killer

    Why It Fails:
    This sticky material wraps around sorting equipment. Workers must stop machines to cut it away—then throw it in the trash.

    Better Options:

    • Reuse it 10+ times for shipping.
    • Find specialty drop-offs via Earth911.
    • Try alternatives like crumpled paper or air pillows.

    4. “Compostable” Plastics: The Deceptive Label

    The Problem:
    Most “compostable” plastics only break down in industrial facilities (not your backyard). Tossed in home compost or recycling? They contaminate both streams.

    2025 Fixes:

    • Look for BPI-certified labels (industrial compostable).
    • Never mix with regular recycling—check local compost drop-offs.
    • Better yet: Opt for truly zero-waste alternatives (e.g., beeswax wraps, silicone lids).

    Shocker Stat:
    Less than 15% of U.S. composting facilities accept “compostable” plastics.

    5. Toothpaste Tubes: The Squeeze on Recycling

    Why They’re Trashed:
    Multi-layered materials (plastic + aluminum) can’t be separated at standard plants. Even “recyclable” tubes often lack local processing.

    How to Recycle Right:

    • Colgate’s TerraCycle program: Free mail-in for any brand.
    • Switch to: Toothpaste tablets or metal tubes.

    Pro Tip:
    Cut open and rinse tubes thoroughly—leftover paste contaminates batches.

    6. Receipts: The Thermal Paper Trap

    The Hidden Issue:
    Most receipts contain BPA/BPS (toxic chemicals) and coat recycling pulp with slippery residue. Many cities ban them from paper bins.

    Smart Solutions:

    • Opt for digital receipts (stores like CVS and Target offer this).
    • If you must keep paper: Store separately (don’t recycle)—or use for scratch notes.

    Did You Know?
    A single thermal receipt can contaminate a ton of clean paper recycling.

    7. “Recyclable” Coffee Cups: The Plastic Lining Lie

    The Reality:
    The paper shell seems eco-friendly, but the plastic lining (for heat resistance) requires specialty processing. Less than 1% of U.S. facilities can handle them.

    What to Do Instead:

    • Reuse: Bring your own tumbler (many cafes offer discounts!).
    • Terracycle’s Coffee Cup Brigade: Paid mail-in program for hard-to-recycle cups.

    Final Tip:
    Peel the cup’s sleeve? That part is recyclable (if clean and dry).

    Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact

    Recycling rules change fast—what was “green” in 2020 may now be landfill-bound. Stay ahead in 2025:
    🤷‍♂️When in doubt, throw it out (contamination hurts more than landfill waste).
    📓Follow local guidelines (check Earth911’s updated database).
    ✅Reduce first: The only “perfect” recyclable is the one you don’t need.

  • 7 Simple Swaps for a Zero-Waste Home

    Starting a zero-waste lifestyle may seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, manageable changes can lead to significant progress over time. By swapping everyday items for eco-friendly alternatives, you can reduce your environmental footprint and embrace a more sustainable way of living. Here are seven simple swaps to kick-start your journey toward a zero-waste home.

    1. Ditch Plastic Wrap for Beeswax Wraps

    Beeswax Wraps for Zero-Waste Home

    Plastic wrap is convenient but contributes heavily to plastic pollution. Beeswax wraps offer a sustainable, reusable alternative for covering bowls, wrapping sandwiches, or storing produce. Simply wash them with cold water and mild soap, and they’re ready to use again. Over time, this one small swap can eliminate hundreds of single-use plastics from your kitchen.

    2. Replace Paper Towels with Cloth Towels

    Instead of buying roll after roll of paper towels, switch to reusable cloth towels. Old t-shirts, flannel scraps, or specially designed “unpaper” towels work perfectly. They are absorbent, easy to wash, and dramatically reduce paper waste. Keeping a basket of clean cloths handy makes it easy to grab one whenever needed.

    3. Opt for Bulk Shopping with Reusable Bags and Containers

    Buying dry goods, spices, and even liquids like oils in bulk reduces packaging waste. Bring your own cloth bags and glass jars to the store to cut down on unnecessary plastic. Many zero-waste stores and co-ops encourage this practice. Even partial bulk shopping can make a noticeable difference in the amount of trash your household generates.

    4. Switch to Refillable Cleaning Products

    Traditional cleaning products come in single-use plastic bottles, but more brands now offer refills or concentrate pods. Better yet, make your own natural cleaners with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also limits your exposure to harsh chemicals.

    5. Upgrade Your Personal Care Routine for Zero-Waste Home

    Bathroom waste adds up quickly, from shampoo bottles to disposable razors. Consider solid shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, reusable razors, and homemade skincare products. Many sustainable brands offer packaging-free or compostable alternatives that work just as effectively as conventional options.

    6. Say Goodbye to Disposable Coffee Pods

    Single-use coffee pods are notoriously wasteful. Instead, use a French press, pour-over coffee maker, or reusable coffee pods. Not only are these methods better for the planet, but they also enhance the flavor and experience of your daily coffee ritual.

    7. Compost Food Scraps and Biodegradable Materials help achieve Zero-Waste Home

    Compost Food Scraps and Biodegradable Materials

    Food waste is a significant environmental issue. Composting transforms kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil for gardens or houseplants. Whether you have a backyard or live in an apartment, options like vermicomposting bins or community compost drop-offs make it easy to participate. Composting reduces landfill waste and closes the loop by returning nutrients to the earth.

    Final Thoughts for Zero-Waste Home

    Transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight, but every small swap contributes to a larger impact. Choosing reusable, compostable, and sustainable alternatives not only reduces the waste you produce but also encourages mindful consumption. Start with one or two swaps today, and gradually add more as you build confidence. Remember, progress—not perfection—is the goal on the path to a greener future.

  • 10 Easy Eco-Friendly Habits That Make a Big Difference

    Small changes in our daily routines can lead to a big impact on the planet. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the climate crisis or unsure where to begin your sustainability journey, this list is for you. These 10 eco-friendly habits are not only easy to adopt but also make a real difference when practiced consistently.

    1. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle and Coffee Cup

    Single-use plastics are a massive contributor to pollution. By switching to reusable bottles and cups, you reduce waste and send a clear signal to businesses about consumer demand for sustainable alternatives.

    eco-friendly-habits-reusable-coffee-cup

    2. Reduce Food Waste at Home

    Nearly one-third of all food produced is wasted. Start small by planning meals, storing food properly, and composting scraps. Apps like Too Good To Go can help rescue surplus food from going to waste.

    3. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

    Swap out old bulbs for LED lights, which use up to 80% less energy and last much longer. It’s a low-cost upgrade with long-term environmental and financial benefits.

    4. Shop Secondhand and Donate Unused Items

    Fast fashion and overconsumption strain natural resources. Thrift shops, swap events, and online marketplaces help you save money while keeping items in circulation.

    5. Walk, Bike, or Use Public Transit

    Transportation is a leading source of carbon emissions. Opting for greener modes of transport helps lower your footprint—and can improve your health, too.

    6. Unplug Devices When Not in Use

    Even when off, electronics consume standby power. Unplugging devices or using a power strip can cut your household energy use significantly over time.

    7. Switch to Natural Cleaning Products

    Conventional cleaning supplies often contain harmful chemicals. Eco-friendly cleaners made from vinegar, baking soda, or plant-based ingredients are safer for you and the environment.

    eco-friendly-habits-natural-homemade-cleaning-products

    8. Say No to Plastic Bags

    Keep a few reusable shopping bags in your car or by your front door. They’re sturdier, more stylish, and significantly cut down on plastic waste.

    9. Support Local and Sustainable Brands

    Choose products from ethical, eco-conscious companies that prioritize sustainability. Local purchases also reduce transportation emissions and support your community.

    10. Grow Your Own Herbs or Vegetables

    You don’t need a full garden—just a windowsill or balcony. Growing herbs or greens at home reduces packaging waste, transportation emissions, and offers fresher, healthier food.

    Final Thoughts

    You don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. Starting with one or two eco-friendly habits can create a ripple effect. As you build momentum, your actions influence those around you, multiplying the positive impact. Sustainability starts with intention—and it starts with you. Comment on what are your eco friendly habits to share with our readers!