Do you know that the Balearic Islands are the highest waste generating province of Spain? Per person, we generate an average of 573kg per year! That’s quite shocking, right? Especially if you consider living on an island where waste can’t go anywhere, and where maybe 20% of the total waste is recycled. It’s time to act and to change our habits. Small and easy changes can already make the necessary and lasting difference!

We’ll lay out a few for you:

1. Simply stop buying!

It sounds so cliché, but it’s so true. By buying, we create demand and bring more waste into the world. There’s a reason why more and more people and companies call to reduce, reuse and recycle. And exactly in that order! First reduce your total consumption – only buy what is strictly necessary. Then check what you can reuse. And if that’s not possible, recycling is still much better than the landfill!

2. Recycle responsibly

Make sure though that when you’re recycling, you do it the correct way. Clean out the food containers before throwing them in the recycling bin, otherwise they will be rejected and will still end up on the landfill. There go your good intentions…

3. Bring your own reusable water bottle or cup

Instead of buying – often expensive – single-use drinking containers, bring your own bottle and fill it up at home. It’s not just better for the planet, but it will also save you a few bucks! Even though the majority of the cans and bottles can be recycled these days, it still takes a lot of energy to produce and ship them for just 1 consumption.

🡪 Get your reusable stainless steel water bottle now from the local initiative Cleanwave.org and fill it for free at one of their water refilling stations spread over the island!

4. Bring your own bag

And not just to go the supermarket, but for any of your shopping! Make sure to put some cloth or netted vegetable bags in your bag to avoid using the single-use bags provided by the grocery store. Even though they may be biodegradable, if you ever do the test and burry them for a year, you will understand why to stay away from them.

5. Buy in bulk

Bring your own containers and fill them with the exact quantities you need at one of the zero-waste grocery stores on the island or at your local market. We can highly recommend to visit both NU Market and ES20 de Bonaire in Palma. Or select them as a pick-up point when ordering your meal plan with us and finish your weekly shopping while picking up your bag!

6. Compost your waste and grow your own food!

Did you know that 25% of your trash could actually be composted in your back yard, or used to grow some veggies on your rooftop? Vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee ground etc. are a fantastic natural fertilizer, making your plants and veggies grow like crazy!

7. Meal prep for the week!

Starting your week prepared and organised, will actually reduce your waste significantly. By planning your meals and creating a shopping list, you only buy what you actually need. It maybe takes 15 minutes of your time every week, but it’s worth it!

8. Don’t throw away any food

There’s no reason to throw out food. Any leftovers from your meal can be stored in a reusable container in your fridge and when it’s about to go off, move it to the freezer. You can easily extend the shelf-life by months! Another great way to avoid throwing out food is to hold an empty-your-fridge and pantry challenge. Do some freestyle-cooking with your leftover items and continue until all shelves are empty!

9. Shop local and avoid food wrapped in plastic

By visiting the local market before heading to the supermarket, you don’t just drive the local economy, but you most likely reduce your amount of waste as they often use a lot less plastic to wrap their foods. When possible, try to avoid buying food wrapped in plastic and look for alternatives.

10. Install a water filter at your house

If you don’t have it already: install it today!! It’s the best invention in the world. No carrying around with plastic water bottles anymore. No unnecessarily high amounts of plastic waste. No risk to run out of water. It’s simply the best!