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5 tips for a zero-waste lifestyle in Shanghai

Even if it doesn't feel like it, every small step counts. Zero Waste Shanghai gives pointers on reducing your footprint

Posted: Thursday February 15 2018

Photograph: courtesy ZeroWasteHome.com
Try as you might, changing your lifestyle is not an easy thing to do (as we've probably all experienced when making overly optimistic New Year’s resolutions), especially when you’ve got a family and in a place like Shanghai where plastic delivery containers rule.

However, every small step counts, say the organisers behind local group Zero Waste Shanghai (WeChat ID: zerowasteshanghai). Here are five basic places they suggest starting from.
Start using reusable bottles

Start using reusable bottles

Getting your family reusable water bottles that you can bring everywhere is a great first step. You might think that it’s ‘just one plastic bottle’, but with seven billion people on this planet, if even a fraction drop the mind-set that it’s only ‘one plastic bottle’ and won’t change anything, plastic use could be reduced greatly. Reusable bottles can be refilled at water coolers – or with coffee, juice or tea – at school, the office and home.

Start using reusable bags

Start using reusable bags

Plastic bags are used everywhere in Shanghai, and often discarded without a second thought. You can easily use reusable, cloth bags when you go out to get food or groceries. If you already have some at home, then make a conscious effort to keep your bags in a place where you won’t forget them when you go out. You can even make them from old sheets with a piece of rope or string.  

Put an end to plastic straws

Put an end to plastic straws

Plastic straws are one of humanity’s stranger inventions. Think of all the energy used to manufacture plastic, turn it into straws, wrap them again in plastic and export them across the world – all of this for a single-use straw. By requesting no straws when out at restaurants or bars, you’ll be helping to reduce the amount of plastic filling up the ocean.   

Still, since kids love straws you can adopt metal straws as an alternative. Your children will be proud to show them to their friends and teachers, and tell them how they are helping to save the oceans from plastic pollution. 

Avoid plastic food containers and cups

Avoid plastic food containers and cups

Try alternatives to single-use takeaway containers where possible. Baking snacks and preparing meals at home over the weekend with your kids can make for some quality family time. You can store the snacks in reusable glass containers. It’s also easy to buy healthy nuts and dried fruits in bulk from places like wet markets, instead of pre-packaged, mass-produced treats.   

If you don’t have the time or inclination to cook at home, keep in mind that there are companies in China providing plastic-free options. Some companies on Taobao will pack and ship goods in paper on request. Moreover, Eleme and other food delivery companies have started a ‘no need for disposable cutlery’ option, so you can be on the lookout for that.  

Compost your organic waste

Compost your organic waste

Organic waste, especially for families, produces an enormous amount of garbage. Even if you live in an apartment, you can start composting. It’s a great way to teach your kid about food waste, and then spend some quality family time when using your finished compost to grow your very own plants, herbs or even vegetable at home. If you don’t know where to get started, Zero Waste Shanghai organises composting workshops regularly and can come by your house to help you maintain it.  

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