<p>Thrive Market has been on a <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/journey-to-zero-waste-thrive-markets-on-a-mission-to-reduce-our-environmental-impact"target="_blank">journey to zero waste</a> since the beginning. But first: here’s a quick primer on what “zero waste” really means, because the phrase is actually a bit misleading. According to the EPA’s definition, for a company to be zero waste, it means 90 or 91 percent of material that comes into a facility must leave it in a sustainable way. The other nine or 10 percent can head to a landfill. At our HQ and fulfillment centers, Thrive Market diverts more than 90 percent of waste into a recycling stream, and we recently announced that our brand is now <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/thrive-market-is-proud-to-be-carbon-neutral-learn-about-our-carbon-offset-programs"target="_blank">carbon neutral</a>, thanks to a combination of renewable energy, efficiency improvements, and carbon credits. If becoming a zero-waste family sounds daunting, stick with us—you can make a lot of progress with just small changes to your daily routine. </p>
<h2>What Is Low Waste?</h2>

<p>We already tackled zero waste (which leaves room for some items to be thrown away), so here’s the scoop on low waste. If you choose a reusable form of something that’s traditionally single-use, such as straws, water bottles, and plastic bags, it’s considered low waste. By opting for stainless steel straws and glass food storage, you’re on your way to embracing a more low-waste lifestyle. </p>
<h2>Benefits of Going Low-Waste</h2>

<p>Going low waste has positive repercussions for both you and the environment. In your home, you can save money by purchasing fewer single-use items. Although it takes an initial investment to stock the kitchen with containers or get each family member a reusable water bottle, you can have confidence knowing these items will be used (and reused) for quite a while. On the environmental front, packaging alone represents about <a href="https://www.usi.edu/recycle/solid-waste-landfill-facts/"target="_blank">65 percent</a> of household trash, and reports suggest upwards of <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/news-plastic-drinking-straw-history-ban"target="_blank">500 million</a> plastic straws are used every day. When you eliminate plastic straws, you help prevent this plastic from flowing into our oceans and waterways. </p>
<h2>Tips for Low-Waste Living</h2>

<p>There are a few easy swaps you can make now to help make low-waste living a daily habit. </p><br><ul>

<li><strong>BYOS:</strong> Bring your own straw whenever you can—to the coffee shop, bar, or anywhere else that might offer a plastic straw in your drink. Alternatively, you can simply decline a straw if it’s offered.</li><br>
<li><strong>Buy in bulk:</strong> To avoid extra plastic, aim to buy some items in bulk. You can provide your own reusable bags, and will skip having to throw away a plastic tub or bag.</li><br>
<li><strong>Compost:</strong> Composting is a great way to help ensure your scraps are put to good use. Get started with a <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/natural-home-compost-bin-1-3-gallons"target="_blank">countertop bin</a>, and check out our guide below for more tips. </li></ul>
<h2>Top Low-Waste Brands</h2>

<p>Get to know some of the most sustainable brands on ThriveMarket.com, plus their most-loved products.</p>
<h2>Bee’s Wrap</h2>

<p>Founded in 2012, Bee’s Wrap offers an innovative alternative to plastic. Each washable wrap is handmade made from organic cotton, beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil, and serves as eco-friendly food storage. </p>
<h3>Assorted Sandwich Wrap</h3>

<p>Get a taste of what Bee’s Wrap has to offer with this <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/bees-wrap-assorted-sandwich-wrap-3-pack"target="_blank">convenient 3-pack</a>. The set features a variety of sizes so you can wrap up snacks, sandwiches, cut lemons, cheese, and more.</p>
<h2>Stasher</h2>

<p>Stasher started in 2005 as a way to encourage consumers to drop traditional single-use plastic bags and reach for reusable options instead. The brand’s signature silicone bags help keep plastic out of landfills, and they are 100% BPA-free, recyclable, and odorless. </p>

<h3>Reusable Silicone Bag</h3>

<p>Goodbye, single-use plastic bags. Hello, washable silicone. Stasher’s <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/stasher-clear-storage-bag"target="_blank">clear storage bags</a> are a customer favorite and truly versatile. You can use this nontoxic bag to store travel gear, snacks, sandwiches, and yes, even cook in it! (Try it the next time you sous-vide, boil, or microwave veggies.) </p>
<h2>To-Go Ware</h2>

<p>To-Go Ware is all about convenience—especially when it comes to meals on the go. Whether you’re packing for school, work, or a long travel day, this brand has a stainless steel container that’s just right. Each tin is dishwasher safe for easy clean up, and helps reduce your plastic use. </p>
<h3>2 Tier Stainless Steel Food Carrier</h3>

<p>This stackable tiffin two-pack makes for a reusable lunchbox system you’ll love. (Bonus: the lid doubles as a plate if you need it).</p>
<h2>Low-Waste Ideas for Your Home</h2>

<p>Our blog is full of ideas for lowering your environmental impact at home.</p>
<h3>Tips for Going Zero Waste at Home</h3>

<p>Looking to live more sustainably? <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/how-to-go-zero-waste-at-home"target="_blank">This blog post</a> has tips for making your home more eco-friendly. </p>
<h3>Composting Tips From Thrive Market</h3>

<p>Don’t let being a composting newbie stop you from getting started. <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/how-to-compost"target="_blank">Our guide</a> walks you through the benefits of composting, how to set up your pile, and what food items to add (and avoid) when you’re building it. </p>
<h3>All About Recycling Numbers?</h3>

<p>Confused about what recycling numbers mean? You’re not alone. Before you toss something, <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/is-it-recyclable-how-to-find-out-what-those-numbers-really-mean"target="_blank">consult our article</a> about what each number stands for, and some of the items typically included in each category. </p>


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Low-waste living is good for both you and the environment. Make it a daily habit with easy reusable swaps.

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