Author Kathryn Kellogg, the founder of Going Zero Waste, shares her advice for everyday consumers on how to decrease consumption and become more environmentally conscious.
Recycling feels really complicated, and it’s hard to know what is recyclable and what isn’t. How can consumers be more conscious about what they buy to reduce the amount of unrecyclable waste they are producing?
Recycling is often presented as the solution to our waste problems, but the truth is we need to focus primarily on reducing consumption. The most sustainable item is the one you never buy in the first place. Adopting a “buy it once” mindset means investing in high-quality, repairable items that won’t need replacement, significantly reducing waste over time. Before making any purchase, ask yourself if you truly need it, if you can borrow it, repair what you have, or find it secondhand.
Another great way to reduce overall household waste is by implementing a composting system. According to the EPA, 30-50% of what we throw away could be composted instead. A lot of people think organic matter will break down in landfills, but landfills are designed for storage, not decomposition. Landfills are responsible for 16% of methane emissions in the United States, and that comes from organics unable to break down. This one swap will not only create a massive impact on household waste but also help combat climate change. For those items we do need to recycle, it’s crucial to follow local guidelines exactly to prevent contamination.
Many consumers are looking for eco-friendly cleaning products but aren’t sure where to start. What are some useful tips to help them navigate all of the options on the shelves?
The first step to a more sustainable cleaning routine is simply using less. Many of us have cabinets full of specialized cleaners when just a few multi-purpose products would suffice. I recommend starting with a cleaning audit to take inventory of what you already have, and use up existing products before purchasing anything new.
Personally, I like to make my own cleaning products, and you can check out goingzerowaste.com‘s cleaning archives for building an effective, minimal cleaning routine that significantly reduces your environmental footprint. If DIY isn’t your thing, look for cleaners with meaningful third-party certifications like EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, or EWG Verified that indicate lower environmental impact, and look for refill stations or businesses where you can fill your own containers with quality cleaning products.
Sustainability isn’t just about the planet’s health but also our own. How did you make the switch to more sustainable beauty products, and what are the health benefits people can expect when making the switch themselves?
When transitioning to more sustainable beauty products, I began by creating a makeup capsule collection — focusing only on items I genuinely love and use regularly. This approach eliminates impulse purchases and product waste while allowing me to invest in higher-quality, more sustainable options. By being intentional about my beauty routine, I’ve significantly reduced packaging waste and found that sustainable brands often offer refillable options, plastic-free packaging, or take-back programs.
One of the most overlooked benefits of a minimalist beauty approach is the reduced exposure to potentially harmful ingredients. The average person applies dozens of products containing hundreds of chemicals to their skin daily. By simply reducing the number of products you use, you naturally decrease chemical exposure. When selecting products, I pay attention to ingredient lists and look for third-party certifications like MADE SAFE, EWG Verified, or Leaping Bunny to ensure higher standards for both environmental impact and personal health. Many people who switch to more thoughtfully formulated products report reduced skin irritation and sensitivity. The goal isn’t perfection but thoughtful reduction — using fewer products with cleaner ingredients packaged more sustainably while still enjoying your beauty routine.
Sourcing and traceability are a big part of sustainability but aren’t as familiar to consumers. How can people take a more active role in understanding where their goods come from and why is this important?
With my brand, Kayaness, a women’s wellness company specializing in period underwear, we publish our third-party testing for PFAS to ensure safety and transparency. I like to look for published third-party tests and certifications like Fair Trade, B Corp, or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) that verify ethical practices through independent assessment. Companies truly committed to transparency will provide specific information about their materials and manufacturing — not just vague claims about being “eco-friendly.”
More importantly, question whether you need to purchase new items at all. Organize community swap events to exchange usable items with neighbors, establish local repair cafes, and develop skills to maintain what you already own. When purchases are necessary, buy secondhand first. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and “Buy Nothing” groups offer nearly anything you might need without requiring new resource extraction. Remember that the most ethical product is one that already exists and is given extended life through reuse and repair.
What are your plans for Earth Day this year, and how do you recommend people get involved?
While planting trees and attending clean-ups on Earth Day are valuable, the planet needs deeper, systemic action. One of the most powerful steps you can take is plugging into a local advocacy group that can help with organizing efforts around contacting legislators, community divestment campaigns, and educational outreach. These established networks provide structure and amplify individual actions for greater impact.
I’ve been enjoying using the 5 Calls app to streamline regular communication with representatives about environmental legislation. The most meaningful Earth Day commitment is deciding to use your voice, vote, and financial power consistently throughout the year to demand the large-scale changes our planet urgently needs. Focus on permanent lifestyle shifts rather than symbolic one-day actions — the environment needs sustained commitment, not just annual attention.
