How to Be (Almost) Zero Waste With Shared Living
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Living with your parents (or roommates) while trying to go zero waste? It can feel like trying to swim upstream with a backpack full of plastic bottles.
You’re probably doing your best – refusing single-use plastics, choosing second-hand, bringing your own containers—and yet, someone else in the house is bringing home plastic-wrapped everything or tossing recyclables in the trash.
Frustrating? Yep.
Hopeless? Not at all.
The good news: even if you don’t have full control over your household, there’s still a lot you can do to reduce waste, lead by example, and maybe even inspire others along the way.
In this post, I’ll share 17 tips and low-effort strategies (plus a few more ambitious ones) that have helped me gently shift habits at home – without arguments or eye rolls. Hopefully, they help you too!
Let’s get into it.
17 Eco-Friendly Tips for Living with Parents Or Roommates
1. Reuse what you can
Even if your family still leans on single-use items, you can lead by example and find creative ways to reuse things.
- Save plastic grocery bags to use as bin liners or for storing items.
- Keep plastic cutlery for picnics or school lunches.
- Turn empty water bottles into planters, bird feeders, or even coin banks.
- Use old jars for snacks or as cute containers for your desk.
- Repurpose glass bottles as water bottles.
For more ideas, check my article on 24 things to do with plastic containers.
2. Don’t waste food
Food waste might be the easiest place to make a difference – even if you don’t control the grocery list.
- Try to eat leftovers or food that’s about to go bad first.
- Cook or snack based on what’s already in the fridge.
- Bring your container when eating out, so you can take leftovers home waste-free.
Get in the habit of doing a “fridge check” before each meal. And if something’s going soft or weird-looking – but still edible – get creative! Smoothies, soups, and stir-fries are your friends.
3. Say no to unnecessary presents
It’s tough to avoid the holiday gift avalanche, but you can steer it in a better direction.
- Be honest with your family. Tell them what you want or need (or don’t need at all).
- Suggest experience gifts instead of stuff, like concert tickets or a coffee date.
Instead, make a wishlist of low-waste or second-hand things you’d genuinely use, and share it ahead of time. That way, you’re helping others help you live more sustainably.
4. Give thoughtful, sustainable gifts
When it’s your turn to give, keep it simple and meaningful.
- DIY something useful – like a coffee scrub or homemade cookies in a jar.
- Gift reusables like wax wraps or a nice metal water bottle.
- Plan an experience – maybe a nature walk, workshop, or movie night.
Before buying anything, ask yourself: Will they use this, love this, or toss this? If it’s not a clear “yes,” consider something consumable or shared instead.
5. Talk about the benefits (not just the trash)
Telling people to “go zero waste” doesn’t always go over well – but talking about saving money? That usually works better.
- Explain how using reusables means buying less over time.
- Show how food waste is money wasted.
- Share examples of cheap or free DIY swaps.
Start casual conversations. “Hey, did you know we could save like $200 a year if we used these instead of disposables?” Keep it low-pressure, and plant those seeds.
6. Create fun activities together
Changing habits doesn’t have to be boring – it can actually be a bonding moment.
- Make DIY self-care products with your parents or roommates (like DIY Air freshener, mouthwash, dry shampoo, or deodorant).
- Cook a new plant-based recipe together for dinner.
- Go for a bike ride or a walk somewhere new instead of driving.
Just frame it as quality time. Say something like, “Wanna try making homemade body butter with me? Worst case, we smell amazing.”
7. Pack your own lunch
School or work lunches are an easy place to cut down on packaging – and save money while you’re at it.
- Prep meals or snacks at home in reusable containers.
- Skip individually wrapped snacks and make your own mix or sandwiches.
- Bring a reusable bottle, utensil set, and cloth napkin.
Treat it like a mini zero-waste kit you carry each day. It’s like a superhero utility belt but for lunch.
9. Walk or bike when you can
Transportation is a major source of emissions, but it’s one area you can often control.
- Walk or cycle to school, the store, or your friend’s house.
- Use public transport when it’s available.
- Carpool if you’re heading the same way as someone else.
No waiting for a ride, no car drama – just you and your playlist.
10. Watch documentaries together
Movies can say a lot more than lectures – and sometimes, they do all the convincing for you.
- Pick a film night and suggest an environmental doc that’s engaging and eye-opening.
- Start with something beautiful or emotional, like A Plastic Ocean or David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet.
- Don’t expect instant change – just let the message sink in.
For more ideas, check my list of 26 great environmental documentaries.
11. Rent (don’t buy) formal clothes
If I could go back in time, I would rent my prom dress and not buy it. It is not that I don’t like it anymore, however:
- I don’t see any occasion on which I will wear it
- I don’t think it will fit me anymore
It is widespread that people buy formal clothing, like prom dresses and suits. But honesty, it is a massive waste of money. Take a look at some renting options, such as:
- Rent The Runway – US-based. Allows you to rent unique pieces using its massive directory of brands and styles.
- Hurr Collective – UK-based. Offers a vast choice for clothing rental.
12. Set up a simple composting system
Food waste is a big deal – but you can do something about it, even in an apartment or shared home.
- Try countertop or freezer composting if you’re tight on space.
- If you have a yard, go for a compost tumbler or worm bin (vermicomposting).
- Some farmers’ markets or community gardens will take your food scraps!
Keep a little food scrap container in the freezer. When it’s full, find a local drop-off point. No smell, no mess, no drama.
There are a few different composting methods that you can choose from. Find 7 different methods and tips for composting at home here.
13. Get bins for recycling
My parents don’t recycle. So, to make them do it, I try to make it really easy for them.
You can do the same by setting up some bins and clearly labeling what goes where—paper, plastic, metal, glass. You can even print a quick cheat sheet and tape it nearby, so no one has to guess.
Recycling rules can be weird and different depending on where you live, so definitely look up what’s accepted in your area. Some places won’t take certain plastics or need things cleaned first.
If the recycling system in your area sucks (it’s okay, mine’s not great either), try finding a private service or drop-off location nearby. Sometimes, local waste centers offer monthly pickup or take special items like electronics or soft plastics.
14. Find an organization & get involved
Getting involved with a local environmental group is a great way to stay inspired – and learn more. You can meet like-minded people, volunteer for cleanups, or take part in cool projects like building community gardens or starting composting programs.
If there’s nothing nearby, don’t stress. You can still start small – organize a cleanup with friends, start a recycling awareness project at school, or even just create an Instagram page to share eco-friendly tips.
15. Offer to do the shopping (or tag along)
One sneaky way to reduce waste? Take charge of some of the shopping. If you can do the grocery run (or go with your parents), bring your own bags, containers, and buy in bulk where you can.
If they’re not into bulk stores or bring-your-own-container setups yet, just start small. Grab a couple of reusable produce bags or say no to plastic bags at checkout.
16. Cook for the fam
One of the easiest ways to introduce low-waste or plant-based habits? Cook.
When you’re in charge of dinner, you can pick plastic-free ingredients, skip the meat, and show your parents how tasty vegan & low waste meals can be. It also shows them that this lifestyle isn’t all sacrifice – it’s delicious too.
Start with one meal a week. Something simple and crowd-pleasing – like a veggie stir-fry or homemade pizza with leftover veggies.
17. Lead by example
Let’s be real: changing people is hard. Telling someone to change? Even harder.
That’s why the best thing you can do is just keep doing your thing. Bring your reusable water bottle. Say no to plastic bags. Fix stuff instead of tossing it. Your parents might not say anything at first, but they’ll notice.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is focus on your journey and on the things you can control.
Final tips
- Start small, stay consistent – You don’t need to overhaul your whole household overnight. Tiny shifts—like reusing containers or bringing your own bags—can make a bigger impact than you think.
- Pick your battles – If your parents love their plastic wrap, let that one go (for now). Focus on the things you can change without endless arguments.
- Adapt to your home – Every family is different. Some love DIY projects, others hate them. Find the low-waste habits that actually work for your situation.
- Keep talking – but gently – Share a fun fact, a documentary, or show them how you’re saving money. Keep the convo positive and avoid going full eco-warrior unless they’re into it.
Sum up
Living zero waste with your parents (or roommates) isn’t always easy – but it’s totally doable. You might not get everyone on board right away, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress.
Focus on what you can control. Lead by example, stay patient, and keep showing up for the planet in small ways. Over time, those little actions add up – and they might even rub off on the people around you.
Got your own tips or success stories? I’d love to hear how you’re going low waste at home – drop a comment and let’s chat!
