Intro to Zero Waste Living

A Beginner's Framework for Cutting Household Waste

This short course organizes zero waste living around the well-known 5 Rs — refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot — giving structure to a topic that can otherwise feel overwhelming or vague.

Who It's For

Anyone starting to think about reducing their trash and simplifying their consumption habits, with no prior knowledge of sustainability practices assumed.

Key Takeaways

• The 5 Rs framework as a practical decision-making order, not just a slogan
• How to refuse and reduce before reaching for recycling as a solution
• The basics of composting organic waste at home

What's worth appreciating is the honesty around access: the course also addresses the real barriers — money, time, health, location, community, and education — that can make zero waste harder for some people than others, rather than presenting it as a simple lifestyle choice.