Eco Rentals for Zero-Waste Living: A Student’s Guide to Saving Money and the Planet
By Ingrid Azeredo – 5 minute read
Embracing the planet, the future, and your savings.
Did you know that last September 5th, 2024, was Plastic Overshoot Day? According to Packaging Insights, this marked the point in the year when the world’s plastic waste exceeded the planet’s capacity to manage it. From that date onward, every additional piece of plastic waste produced contributed directly to pollution in our natural environment.
In 2024 alone, an estimated 220 million tons of plastic waste were generated—equivalent to an average of 28 kilograms per person worldwide. Alarmingly, one-third of this waste (69.5 million tons) was mismanaged and ended up polluting the natural environment.
As global populations and economies continue to grow, so does the production of materials like plastics, paper, and aluminum. Unfortunately, without robust waste management systems in place, this increased consumption results in a staggering rise in mismanaged waste. The consequences? Devastating pollution of our ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and oceans.
What Can We Do About It?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by these statistics, but small, actionable changes in our daily lives can make a significant difference. By embracing zero-waste habits and prioritizing sustainable living, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier planet.
Here’s how you can start today:
1. Follow the Five Principles of Zero Waste
- Refuse: Say no to single-use plastics and items you don’t need.
- Reduce: Minimize your consumption by buying only what’s necessary.
- Reuse: Opt for reusable items like water bottles, shopping bags, and containers.
- Recycle: Properly sort and dispose of recyclables to keep them out of landfills.
- Rot: Compost organic waste to reduce your environmental footprint.
2. Support the Circular Economy
Choose platforms and services that promote reuse and sustainability.
Like ivault empowers responsible consumption and helps extend the life of items through sharing or renting.
3. Be a Conscious Consumer
Think before you buy: Do I need this item? How was this product made? Can it be reused or recycled? Is there an eco-friendly alternative? Every purchase is an opportunity to vote for a better future.
The Time to Act is Now
Plastic Overshoot Day was a powerful reminder of the urgent need to tackle the global waste crisis. Although months have passed, the challenge remains just as critical. The good news is that it’s never too late to make a difference.
By adopting eco-friendly alternatives, integrating sustainable habits into our daily routines, and supporting initiatives like the circular economy, we can reduce waste and protect the environment. Let’s start 2025 by taking meaningful steps toward a cleaner, healthier planet—every action counts.
Together, let’s take small steps toward big change.
References:
• SAFE (Safe Food Advocacy Europe): Plastic Overshoot Day 2024: Global Waste Crisis Surpasses Management Capacity
• Our World in Data: Waste Management
• MindfulBnB: How to Transform Your Vacation Rental into a Zero Waste Haven