Tips to start a low-waste lifestyle and make Earth Day habit stick year round

 For those thinking about starting a low-waste lifestyle, or who just want to reduce their waste in general, the thought of making the change can be intimidating.

But it doesn't have to be. 

Starting out small and making adjustments along the way are the key to helping the low-waste lifestyle last, say Tara McKenna of Guelph, Ont., and founder of the Zero Waste Collective blog, and Ellin Park, owner of Zero Waste Bulk in Waterloo, Ont.

Both say they've been able to make the low-waste lifestyle stick all year round. 

McKenna and Park said they made the change five years ago and it wasn't a habit that happened overnight. There will be days where people may forget to do certain things — and that's OK.

"I had to build a lot of habits that took time," Park explained.

"For example, when I got started, it was just remembering to bring my own reusable bags to the grocery store." 

McKenna is also the author of Don't Be Trashy: A Practical Guide to Living with Less Waste and More Joy. She said a good jumping off point can be getting to know your city's waste management system, have a recycling sorting list handy and take advantage of things like composting if you can.

McKenna said a trash audit might also help people see what kind of waste they are creating and where they can make adjustments.

"You might realize, 'Oh, maybe I can get less take out' or support some cool companies that allow you to use take out containers that you can then return later on," she said.