Waste is a huge problem in our modern world and each of us should take responsibility for the role we play in worsening that problem. Even when we recycle what we can, most of us forget that recycling is only a small part of the puzzle. Reducing the quantity of waste we create in the first place by reducing our consumption is far more important, and we should also all remember that we should also all try and reuse whatever we can.
Trying to work towards a zero waste lifestyle is not always easy. A polytunnel can help, by making it easier to grow your own food. Growing your own food in a polytunnel will help to reduce the amount of food packaging you have to contend with. Those working towards a zero waste lifestyle will also buy what they do need, wherever possible, with minimal, eco-friendly packaging. They will also be sure only to buy enough food, never excessive amounts that will go to waste.
What is more, polytunnel gardening goes hand in hand with composting, which also helps to keep food waste and cardboard from landfill. Though many of us will have a cardboard collection from our door, what is not often considered is that it takes a lot of energy to transport, sort and recycle materials and only a portion of what is left for council collectors will actually be fully recycled. Instead of relying on what can often be an imprecise and wasteful system for recycling, it is always better to reuse or recycle whatever you can at home, either in the compost heap or in other ways.
Plastic is usually one of the biggest problems for those trying to reduce the amount of waste they produce from their households. The most import thing is to try to reduce, wherever possible, the amount of plastic packaging and other plastic items that come into your home in the first place. However, sometimes it is very difficult to avoid bringing plastic packaging home with you from the shops. You may be able to recycle some of it through your kerbside collection.
There are other ways, however, to make use of what we might usually throw away. Again, polytunnel gardening goes hand in hand with living a zero waste lifestyle. Plastic drinks bottles, food trays and other items can be pressed into service in a polytunnel as cloches, for vertical gardens and in a range of other ways.
Polytunnel gardening and trying to move closer to a zero waste lifestyle are both great ways to make the move towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly way of life.
