Buying groceries in supermarkets means lots of single-use plastic on our fruits and vegetables. And this is on top of the packaging that other groceries come in. But, did you know that even when single-use plastic is at the landfill, it can still harm us? Plastic waste can be blown away and end up in oceans. It’s time to stop and think about the waste we create and start to refuse and reduce it. The zero waste movement aims to reduce the amount of trash we produce to zero. It sounds impossible, but with effort, you can drastically cut the amount of garbage that pollutes the environment. Here are a few tips on how to live a zero waste lifestyle in Macau.
Estimate and plan
The average person in Macau produces about 2.16 kilos of solid waste per day, the highest compared to other nearby cities. The geometrically increasing tons of garbage is a titanic problem. So incineration may sound like a good idea. However, the emissions from this practice include heavy metals and dioxins, which directly affect our health. Thus, the best way to tackle this problem is by minimizing the amount of waste.
To take on a zero waste lifestyle, you need to realize your wasteful habits and adjust. Firstly, look at your bin and point out what unnecessary waste you’ve created. Is it full of single-use plastics from the supermarket? Is it mostly things like plastic straws, cups, and plastic takeaway boxes? Next, list down all the non-organic trash you see in your bin. Then draw up a battle plan.
Say no to single-use plastic and encourage others
Pack your bag keeping the zero waste concept in mind. Get yourself a reusable straw, handkerchief, utensils, reusable bottle, an eco shopper to put in your bag and carry around at all times. Most likely, you already have the majority of these items at home, so no need to spend money.
When you’re out and about eating and shopping, say no to plastic straws and disposable cups. If you order a drink, bring reusable straws, especially at bars. Don’t forget to ask waiters and bartenders not to put straws in your cocktail or soda. At restaurants, ask the staff to put the leftovers in your takeaway containers.
Consider investing in a decent filter to enjoy fresh water at home and fill up your bottle when going out. That will eliminate the temptation to buy bottled water every time you are thirsty.
Where to get reusable containers, shoppers, straws, cups:
EcoMode Hong Kung Night Market, Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Macau, www.facebook.com/EcoModeMacau
Ho Ho Market Macau Rua de Nossa Senhora do Amparo, 28, Macau, www.facebook.com/HoHoMarketMacau
StuffBox Natural Friendly Store +853 6560 2296, www.facebook.com/SBmacau
Adjust your grocery shopping routine
Change the way you shop because supermarkets tend to wrap fruits and vegetables in single-use plastic. Instead, go back to your roots and check out the nearest wet market. Bring cotton totes and reusable bags while haggling for fresh fruits and vegetables. When shopping for grains, condiments, legumes, buy in bulk and choose zero waste shops where you can buy loose produce. If possible, opt for local. To reduce organic waste, plan your meals to avoid random groceries rotting in your fridge.
It can get lonely adapting to the new habits, so encourage your friends and family to join you on the crusade. Make it a social thing while practicing the zero waste lifestyle with your loved ones! Be vocal about your adjustments to involve others. The zero waste lifestyle encourages you to pay attention to the disposable items at home and helps to free up space as well. Hence, this could help you lead a more minimalist life too.
Where to shop for groceries sustainably:
Mofy Zero Waste Store 67 Patio da Papaia, Macau, www.facebook.com/mofyzerowastestore
Less is More Rua Nova a Guia, 269, Macau, www.facebook.com/lessismoremacau
Concept H Rua de Henrique de Macedo 10A, www.facebook.com/ConceptHMacau
Also read: Sustainable Shopping in Macau
Less is More Store
Zero waste at home
Personal hygiene products are notorious for plastic packaging, but there’s no need to go total punk and stop showering. Instead, opt for soap, shampoo, and conditioner bars, bamboo toothbrushes that can be composted. To exfoliate, use loofah sponges. For ladies, washable cloth pads or menstrual cups can significantly reduce waste in the form of tampons and pads. To go even further, you can also make your zero waste toothpaste.
In the kitchen, choose beeswax wraps instead of plastic cling wrap. These reusable and washable wraps only need the warmth of your hands to mold them to whatever you intend to wrap. Opt for loose leaf tea instead of teabags. Even better, because loose leaf tea tastes better too! Loofahs can also be used to do the dishes, and you can compost them when it’s time to retire them. Ditch plastic bin liners and learn about alternatives; substitute paper towels for cotton ones. Last but not least, just look around and see how you can give stuff at home a second life.
Where to buy zero-waste home supplies and beauty products:
Lush Macau www.facebook.com/LushMacau
Mofy Zero Waste Store 67 Patio da Papaia, Macau, www.facebook.com/mofyzerowastestore
The Moss Natural Life Rua Do Padre Antonio Roliz, 43, Industrial Si Toi Floor 3, Room 8, Macau, www.facebook.com/TheMoss.co
Ho Ho Market Macau Rua de Nossa Senhora do Amparo, 28, Macau, www.facebook.com/HoHoMarketMacau
Less is More Rua Nova a Guia, 269, Macau, www.facebook.com/lessismoremacau
Recycle
Remember always to refuse, reduce, reuse and, lastly, recycle. In Macau, plastic bottles, metal, paper, glasses, batteries, and electronics are widely collected and transported outside the city for recycling. To reduce the burden on the collectors, please make sure all the recycling items are well-sorted and clean. Please check out the DSPA website on what to recycle and where to put recycling items for more information.
Rather than trashing your old clothes, shoes, furniture, or any other things you no longer need, donate or sell them online. Luckily, in Macau it is easy and straightforward–check Facebook groups such as Bye Bye Zaia.
Make a difference by saying “No, thanks!” to disposable items. Take the next step and carefully consider if you really need something before buying it. Imagine if everyone did the same, Macau would be a green haven that we can all be proud of.
Where to buy recycling containers:
IKEA Macau 1/F, Shop 101 & 2/F, Shop 201, NOVA Mall, Avenida de Kwong Tung, Taipa, +853 0800 347, www.ikea.com.hk
This article was originally written by Macau Lifestyle in February 2019 and updated by Ksenia Kuzmina in June 2021.
