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As the temperature starts to cool down outdoors, it is also that time of year we start to turn up the heat inside our homes. To offset the increased energy use, taking steps towards a zero-waste lifestyle is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint on the home front. 

We've got you covered with our top three tips from Lindsay Ross of The Apothecary in Inglewood, who will be featuring sustainable solutions at the new Calgary Fall Home Show feature Small Space - Maximum Style, designed by WW Design Studio.

1. Work with what you have

It's likely that you already own a lot of zero-waste supplies such as jars, cloths, cutlery, reusable bags, and water bottles. Instead of throwing out items such as glass jars or bottles, try reusing them instead. Get creative by reusing packaging to organize your space, and to lighten the load on your wallet. 

2. Go one by one

Choose one area to start with, such as your kitchen, bathroom, or office. Do an audit of each area one at a time to figure out what elements of the space are creating the most waste. Going zero-waste all at once can be overwhelming so by starting small, it will allow you to feel confident and master each area one-by-one. As an added bonus it may also mean you're more likely to see the project through and get closer to a zero-waste lifestyle.

3. Find the joy in reducing waste

Living a lower-waste lifestyle is not only good for the environment, but it's good for you! Perhaps you'll find peace in minimalism with less clutter around. Also, if you find reusable items that you love and that bring you joy (perhaps because of their fun designs such as this waxed bowl cover or this reusable beeswax wrap), you may find yourself getting excited to use these items that you'll grow to love.

Those are just a couple of ways which can help your household work towards a zero-waste lifestyle and find joy in reducing the waste. For more inspiration, visit Small Space - Maximum Style designed by WW Design Studio at the Calgary Fall Home Show taking place from September 19 - 22 at the BMO Centre. Showgoers can explore the 800 square foot compact space and learn to maximize the use of any small space while finding some fun new sustainable products for the home.