Ze ro W as te

27 a rt
a ps To K ick s t
Sw a s te
Y ou r z er o W
J o ur n e y

INCLUDING:
-PRODUCTS YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY-
-FREE ZERO WASTE SWAPS-
-5 STEPS TO START YOUR JOURNEY-
- ZERO WASTE CHALLENGE -
COPYRIGHT © 2019 BY ALMOST ZERO WASTE

This is a short guide in electronic format. All rights

reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced or used
for the purpose of personal gain through profiting, re-
selling, or any means by which money is exchanged for the
use or ownership of this e-book.

The author holds all monetary rights to this guide.

As for distribution, this guide is a public online resource that
can be used with no need for written permission as long as it
is not altered, changed, modified in any way.

Title: 27 Zero Waste Swaps To Kickstart Your Low Waste

Journey
Page Count: 46
Last Revised: 2019-11-15
Publisher: Almost Zero Waste
Editor: Merilin Vrachovska
Graphics: Personal, Unsplash, Amazon Affiliate
Printing History: None
Email: info.almostzerowaste@gmail.com
Website: http://www.almostzerowaste.com 

This short PDF is a collection of explanation and tips that

will help you to understand what is zero waste and how to
start a low-waste lifestyle!
My name is Meri and I am glad to have
you here. :)

I'm the person behind Almost Zero Waste, and as a way

to say "Thank you," for subscribing to my email list, I
created this e-book. 

It includes everything you need to know when starting

your zero waste journey.

The truth is that - 

Zero waste can be overwhelming.

Trust me, I know!

That's why I created this e-book - I want to share the
easiest way to start your low waste journey.

I will try to share the most available swaps, ideas, and

explanations that you can implement quickly and easy,
without feeling confused.

Without further ado, let's jump right into it!

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

1 WHAT IS CONSIDERED
ZERO WASTE?

2 27 ZERO-WASTE PRODUCTS
TO KICKSTART YOUR ZERO
WASTE JOURNEY

3 ZERO WASTE PRODUCTS

THAT YOU PROBABLY
DON'T NEED

4 FREE ZERO WASTE

SWAPS

5 5 ESSENTIAL STEPS TO
START YOUR ZERO WASTE
JOURNEY NOW

6 ZERO WASTE CHALLENGE

FOR BEGINNERS
 CHAPTER 1
WHAT IS CONSIDERED
ZERO WASTE?

www.almostzerowaste.com ALMOST
ZERO WASTE
"THE AIM OF LIVING A ZERO-
WASTE LIFESTYLE IS TO
SEND NOTHING TO
LANDFILL, INCINERATORS,
OR THE OCEAN."

SO, HOW TO ACHIEVE IT?

.
1) BY RETHINKING WHAT WE
NEED AND THE WAY WE BUY

Lowering the number of things we buy and

focusing on long-lasting & quality products.
2) BY REFUSING AND NOT
TAKING WHAT WE DON’T NEED

Saying "NO" to the things that don’t align

with our values, and that will create waste,
soon after we use them.
3) BY REDUCING THE THINGS WE
USE

Reduce and stop the over-consumption of

food, clothes, and other products, such as
laundry detergent, toothpaste, etc.
4) BY REUSING WHAT WE HAVE

Whatever we can, even if that means a jar

from pickles.
5) BY REPAIRING WHAT WE CAN

FIX if something gets broken, before

throwing it away.
6) BY COMPOSTING OUR FOOD
WASTE

Or just collecting it, and finding "Drop-off"

locations, where they accept food scraps.
7) BY RECREATING SIMPLE
THINGS

Such as multipurpose detergent, toothpaste,

body cream, face masks, etc.
8) BY RECYCLING, ANYTHING
THAT CAN'T BE REUSED OR
REPAIRED

Remember that just in the end - it comes to

recycling.
 CHAPTER 2
27 ESSENTIAL ZERO-
WASTE SWAPS TO KICK-
START YOUR ZERO WASTE
JOURNEY

www.almostzerowaste.com ALMOST
ZERO WASTE
ZERO WASTE IS ABOUT FOCUSING
ON HIGH-QUALITY, LONG-LASTING,
ETHICAL, LOCAL, PACKAGE-FREE,
OR BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS.

With that said, keep in mind that you probably won't

need all of the products that we will go through.
Remember that it will depend on your lifestyle.

Also, for some of the swaps, I included more than

one option, so that you can see more available
alternatives.
It is essential to do the following, before
purchasing any of the zero waste swaps:

STEP 1: See what you already have

Take a look at your home.Maybe you will find that
you already have similar items (even if they are
plastic, use them!)
Don't buy anything, just for the sake of buying it and
having this new, shiny "zero waste" item.

STEP 2: Check your local second hand-stores

Try to find some of the items second hand - you will
save money, and you will "save" an item from going
to a landfill

STEP 3: Find the things online

Lastly, start looking for ethical, sustainable
local/online stores, that you can trust
 A LIST WITH 27 ZERO WASTE
SWAPS TO KICKSTART YOUR
ZERO WASTE JOURNEY
By clicking on the name of any item, you will be redirected to my
website, where you can find the product (including a link).

TOILETRIES / PERSONAL

1) SHAMPOO  

Plaine Products

vegan, hypoallergenic, palm oil free

suitable for all hair types
16 oz aluminum bottle
refill program

Ethique Beauty

vegan, free from palm oil,

petrochemicals and parabens
equals ~ 3 bottles (350ml) of
liquid shampoo

2) CONDITIONER  

Plaine Products Ethique Beauty

3) DEODORANT CREAM 

Ethique Deodorant Bar

without baking soda or aluminum
certified by B corporation
made in New Zealand
vegan

MEOW MEOW TWEET

free from baking soda and palm oil

biodegradable, zero-waste packaging
vegan, with certified organic and fair
trade ingredients

4) FACE MOISTURIZER/OIL

Ethique Solid Face Cream

for dry & mature skin

use as a night or day cream
cruelty-free, compostable
packaging

PureChimp: Natural face cream

suitable for sensitive skin

vegan & alcohol free
high in vitamin E
5) FACIAL CLEANSER

Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil

free from parabens, synthetic fragrance & SLS

BPA-free, fully recyclable airless pumps
cruelty free

Natural soap

moisturizing natural soap

use to stop dry itchy skin
vegan  & alcohol free
wrapped in recyclable paper

Natural face cleanser

vegan, alcohol free & palm oil free

suitable for sensitive skin
packaged in recyclable glass

6) SUNSCREEN

Raw Elements - Face and body

SPF 30 - active ingredient: Zinc Oxide

certified organic ingredients
plastic free tin
BATHROOM

7) STAINLESS STEEL RAZOR

Rockwell Double Edge Safety Razor

fully adjustable safety razor

for any skin type
eliminates shaving irritation and
in-grown hairs

Double edge safety razor #option 2

long handle
reduces razor burn
cost effective

Standard Safety Razor #option 3

non-adjustable
made of chrome-plated steel
made in Germany

Shaving Blades

a pack of 100
will fit all double edge razors
made from the highest quality steel
8) BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH

Bamboo toothbrush (set of 4)

charcoal infused soft bristles

recycled paper packaging
including a travel case

9) PLASTIC-FREE TOOTHPASTE

Davids Natural Toothpaste

free from fluoride, SLS, sulfate

Vegan
includes xylitol
recyclable metal tube
made in USA

Vegan Fluoride Free Toothpowder

Organic, vegan, fluoride free

paper packaging
plastic free shipping
100 grams will last around 6 months

Chewtab Toothpaste Tablets

60 tablets
reusable glass bottle
SLS free and fluoride free
10) BAMBOO EAR PICK

Oriculi eco-friendly bamboo ear pick

replaces conventional ear swab

protects the eardrum
made from bamboo
vegan

11) SOAP BAR

Vegan Soap Bars, A Pack Of 6

vegan, cold process soap

includes essential oils
no fragrances
no synthetic chemicals

Ethique Eco-Friendly Bodywash Bar

handmade
cruelty free, palm oil free
eco-friendly
suitable for all skin types

12) BAMBOO/RECYCLED TOILET PAPER

Seventh Generation Seventh Generation

(80 rolls) (60 rolls)
13) PERIOD PRODUCTS

Menstrual cup OrganicCup

100% soft medical-grade silicone

certified vegan, hypoallergenic and
toxin-free
holds 3 tampons worth
made in Copenhagen

Menstrual cup Lena

medical grade silicone

stay active and comfortable
12h protection & no leaks
made in USA

Hesta Organic Cotton Reusable Pads

100% certificated organic cotton

6 layers of absorption
breathable, soft, long-lasting

Hesta Organic Cotton Period Panties

made of 95% organic cotton

soft & safe on sensitive skin
use together with menstrual
cups/pads for extra protection
KITCHEN

14) REUSABLE TOWELS

Reusable Organic Cotton Towels 

reusable & multi purpose -

household cleaning & kitchen
100% organic cotton
pack of 10 or 20

15) REUSABLE BAKING MAT

Silicone Baking Mat

non-stick, easy to clean

dishwasher safe
food-grade silicone
oven safe to 480 degrees F

16) REUSABLE CUPCAKE LINERS

Silicone baking cups

non-stick
100 % food grade silicone
dishwasher safe

17) ZERO WASTE COFFEE

Moka pot Reusable K cup

18) PLASTIC-FREE SPONGE

Biodegradable loofah

plant-based fibers
comes with brown paper packaging
long lasting

Eco-friendly Sponge Scrubbers

for cleaning tableware, cookware,

countertops, tables, windows,
mirrors etc.
soft in water, no odor, compostable

19) DISH WASHING SOAP

Dishwashing block soap 

multiple uses
vegan & biodegradable ingredients
palm oil free, fragrance free
handmade in California

20) REUSABLE RECYCLING BINS

Recycle Sorter Bag

aluminum handles
triple recycle sorter for metal,
paper, plastic
21) COMPOSTER

Stainless Steel Compost Bin

controls odors, comes with charcoal filter

1.3 gallon size, ideal for counter-tops
durable stainless steel

Worm Farm Composter

year-round indoor or outdoor use

moisture control
double walled lid (excellent insulation)
recycled polyethylene

Bokashi Compost Kit

5 gal bucket made from recycled plastic

2.2lbs (1 kg) of Bokashi bran
air-tight lid ensures anaerobic
fermentation process

22) LAUNDRY POWDER

Meliora Laundry Powder

cost effective & concentrated: 1/2 tbsp

per load
for sensitive skin
Free from dye, preservative, fragrance
made in Chicago
23) GROCERY

Organic Cotton Produce Bags

a pack of 5
lightweithg
durable

Reusable silicone baggies

3 convenient sizes
leak proof
freezer safe

Vegan Wax Wrap

reusable food wraps

vegan & alternative to beeswax
pack of 2
compostable & toxic-free

Reusable Mesh Produce Bags

organic cotton
set of 6, three different sizes
washable
lightweight
TRAVELING / ON-THE-GO

24) REUSABLE TRAVEL SET

lightweight travel kit

from natural bamboo
the set includes a fork, knife, 2
spoons, chopsticks, straw (+ cleaning
brush), toothbrush (+ a case)

25) REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

durable & lightweight

single wall
lifetime warranty
leak proof bamboo cap

26) REUSABLE MUG

travel mug, great for water or coffee

works great for ice drink or hot beverage
2 layers of insulation

27) REUSABLE CONTAINERS

leak-proof lid - it seals tight with a

durable silicone seal
food grade stainless steel
6 cup/1400 ml capacity
CHAPTER 3
ZERO WASTE PRODUCTS
THAT YOU PROBABLY
DON'T NEED TO BUY
Plastic-free straws 
- I'm not a big fan of straws, so I just wanted to
mention that if you didn't use straws until now,
probably you won't suddenly start needing one.

 Jars 
- You can get plenty of "free" jars. When you buy things
from the supermarket, such as pickles, olives, tomato
sauces, etc., you can wash and reuse the jars
afterward.

Napkins/reusable rounds 
- You can do them by yourself! More about it - in the
next section.

Cutlery set
 - maybe it will come handy. But in reality, you can
create a small "cutlery set" from your kitchen, with
things that you already have.

Single-wall and double water

bottle 
- Reusable water bottles are an essential item! But be
careful when picking one. If you aim to get a bottle that
will keep the liquid inside cold/hot for longer - get a
double wall water bottle. The single-wall won't keep the
temperature cold/warm for longer.
Multiple reusable bags,
containers, mugs
- Don't buy too many reusable items. The point of a
reusable product is to REUSE IT! For example, if you
think you will need a few reusable containers, that's
completely fine. But you probably won't need 15 of
them.
 CHAPTER 4
FREE ZERO WASTE SWAPS
DIY Reusable cotton pads 
- Take an old cotton shirt or a towel, and make reusable
cotton pads, by cutting it into smaller pieces.

Jars
- Reuse the jars you buy from the supermarket, to store
your dried goods, spices, etc.

Cutlery set
 - Wrap a spoon, a fork, and a knife in a small reusable
napkin, and carry it with you, whenever needed.

Boycott fast fashion

- Arrange a clothing swap and invite your friends and
tell them to invite their friends. Also, buy second-hand!

Make food & coffee at home 

- Meal prep food for work/school/trips. Make your
coffee in your reusable mug (a simple jar will be fine,
too), instead of spending money out.

Line dry your clothes

- Clothes dryers use plenty of electricity, so that's a
simple & free zero waste change you can do right now.
Also, wash your clothes in cold water!

Say no to freebies / junk mail 

- It is also a great way to lower your overall waste.
Lower the consumption of
animal products
Animal agriculture leaves one of the most significant
impacts on our planet. Try to look at plant-based
alternatives.

Avoid food waste

It is beneficial for you and for the environment, since it
will result in:
- saving money
- saving resources, such as energy and water
- reducing the greenhouse gasses
- lowering your carbon footprint

Go paperless
- Switch to digital files at work, and refuse receipts,
and other paper items, whenever possible

Walk more
A car-free lifestyle is still better, even than low-
emission vehicles, because it reduces:
- traffic jam and petroleum demand
- avoids the environmental toxicity issues surrounding
electric vehicle production
 CHAPTER 4
5 ESSENTIAL TIPS TO
START YOUR ZERO WASTE
JOURNEY NOW!
1) FORGET SOME OF YOUR OLD
HABITS:

Forget shopping impulsively, buying more

than you need, forgetting your reusables,
buying things that you want
IMMEDIATELY, and not trying to find
better alternatives.

The truth is that you have to create new habits, that

include:
planning more (perhaps making shopping lists)
probably shopping from more than one place
mindful shopping 
not forgetting and using your reusables
looking for better alternatives
being patient

It might sound harsh or too hard, but believe me; it is

not. You need a bit of adjustment, and getting used to
your new habits :)

And REMEMBER that

It won't happen overnight.

2) DO NOT OVERTHINK:

Choose to live zero waste, but not to be

the “perfect” zero waster.

Do it because you want to:

use fewer resources from our precious planet 
lower your waste
be a conscious consumer
save money
buy better, high quality and long-lasting products

Think about the pre and post-life of the products you

buy. Try to avoid the things that you cannot reuse, and
that will end up as waste.
3) DO NOT FEEL GUILTY, IF:

You buy something in plastic packaging.

And you feel guilty. Stop.Right.Now.

It can be hard, I know the feeling. But don’t be harsh to

yourself and most certainly – don’t think you made a
mistake. Becoming *almost* zero waste it's a process.
The best thing you can do is:

Try to find the thing you need package-free. If you

can’t, rethink if this thing is something that you can't
live without. If it is, then find the item in the most
eco-friendly packaging - paper, glass or aluminum.

Find out if you can DIY. Then, decide and get the best
option that you can find (even if it contains
packaging or plastic).Don’t forget that the point is to
do what it’s accessible and available to you.
4) TRY THE 80-20 RULE:

I heard this idea somewhere, and I loved

it, so let me share it with you!

The purpose of it is to try to buy 80% of your

groceries, package-free (or at least plastic-free).
Then, the last 20% can contain packaging.

It just gives you this mental piece that you are ALMOST
zero waste, which is still pretty good!

In the beginning, it can be even 70-30 (70% package-

free and 30% with packaging). Just start! With time,
you will become better and better! 
5) DON’T COMPARE YOUR
JOURNEY WITH OTHERS:
Remember that we all have different
needs, resources, and OPTIONS.

For example:
Maybe you are on a vegan diet, and you certainly
need a B12 supplement that comes in (possibly
plastic) packaging.

Or you live in a smaller city, with no access to bulk

stores, so you need to buy packaged grains or other
legumes. Try to find the best available option +
consider reusing some of the packagings.

Maybe you need particular medications (in

packaging) that are important for your health.
CHAPTER 6
SIMPLE ZERO WASTE
CHALLENGE FOR
BEGINNERS
Now, it comes the exciting part!
You will be able to use some of the
tips from the e-book, for the next
30 days.

Some of the challenges are very easy, while others

might be more "new" to you. But that's how you should
start - slowly and gradually.

Note: Do each of these activities for the next 30 days, in

whichever order you want.
 15 SIMPLE ZERO WASTE
CHALLENGES
Get a reusable water bottle and bring it with you.
1
2

Bring your reusable bags to the grocery store.

Get a bamboo toothbrush.

3

Get a reusable container and some small produce

4

bags.
5

Pick up trash from the ground - 3 times!

Make "zero waste" coffee - and avoid getting

6

coffee "to-go", from outside.

Make a DIY multipurpose cleaner. You will need a

7

few ingredients that you might already have!

 Do you have a favorite snack that is packaged in
8

plastic? Find a recipe online and try to recreate it!

Say NO to a straw, freebie, or any other single

9

use-item that is offered for you.

10

Cook something with food that is going bad soon!

Repair something - a whole in a sock, or other

clothing, broken electronic, or even something
11

small around your house.

12

Put a note on your mailbox, "NO JUNK MAIL."

Eat vegetarian (or even vegan!) throughout the

13

whole day.

Visit a farmers market (or/and a bulk store, if you

14

have one) and get your reusables!

Research for a composting service around you, or

15

even better, find out how to start composting.

 Thanks for
reaching
til the end!

If you have
any questions,
feel free to send
me a message at:
info.almostzerowaste@gmail.com