As more and more of our cities, towns, and communities ban Styrofoam and plastic bags, Americans are realizing that it’s really not that hard to live without these environmentally harmful items. And our growing disenchantment with plastic is occurring simultaneously with an entrepreneurial wave of new businesses that eschew conventional packaging—or even any kind of packaging—for their products. While reducing their own waste streams, they’re also showing consumers and competing businesses a new way forward, growing the market for zero-waste lifestyles and (one hopes) spawning plenty of imitators.
Tackling waste starts with prevention. Here are a few resources to help us achieve more sustainable lifestyle.