Zero Waste Tips

When it comes to protecting our planet -- and all the magical creatures who live on it -- reducing the level of human waste is critical. Even if we can’t see it, our actions have a ripple effect; leaving a plastic bottle on a bench may seem inconsequential at the time, but as groundbreaking programs such as Blue Planet II showed us, what we do matters. 

On that note, Protego decided to think about some zero waste life lessons that we could take from the Wizarding World, and found that there are quite a few! From reusable hip flasks and secondhand gifts to Transfiguration charms and repurposed Portkeys, here is our Muggle-worthy 7-step strategy for sustainable living (now try saying that 394 times fast)!

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1. Upcycle Unwanted Items

Portus Repurposus! While we may not be able to charm a “manky old boot” into a magical (and fume-free) mode of transportation, giving old items a new lease on life is a very positive step toward a zero waste lifestyle. Have you just finished a jar of nut butter? Don’t throw it away; instead, use it to store small toiletries, bulk food items, or even as a mini flower vase. If you’re a crafter, containers are brilliant for storing pins, needles, threads, and even craft eyes. When In doubt, ask: what would Luna do? Whenever you are about to throw something away, pause and think about how you could Transfigure it into something magical!

2. Freeze Leftover Food

Immobulus! While we may not have a freezing spell on hand, we do have an invention that Mr. Weasley might call the “refridge-eater” -- three guesses what we’re talking about! A refrigerator truly is zero waste’s best friend. 17% of food is wasted globally each year, with approximately two thirds of that occurring in households. The most wasted item is bread (approximately 240 million slices), yet this can easily be frozen. What’s more, while another common culprit -- milk -- usually refers to dairy, even plant-based milk has a limited life once open. If you find you still have plant-based milk left a few days after opening, try freezing it in an ice cube tray and dropping the cubes into cups of tea or coffee later! ​

3. Get Creative in the Kitchen

Teeth-breaking rock cakes and earwax flavored beans may be a bit too adventurous for our liking, but that doesn’t mean we need to eat the same soy meat sandwich everyday. If you only see ingredients in one context, it can be easy to grow bored of them and therefore buy different ones. This doesn’t have to be the case! The wizards of Google are a very good source of inspiration: for example, here are 20 hearty Eggplant dishes and 26 tasty tofu recipes. Moreover, ensure that the food goes as far as possible, such as using chickpea water (aquafaba) to make a delicious vegan mousse or meringue! ​

4. Repair Your Clothes

Reparo! If your Christmas jumper has a hole in it, we urge you not to throw it away. Channel your inner magical Mrs. Molly Weasley and patch it up! A simple bit of thread can easily close that hole. Alternatively, if you have a hole in a cotton blouse or shirt, one option could be to add a panel or two. Beyond clothes, a piece of Spellotape or a dash of glue can go a long way. While wrapping a wad of Spellotape around your glasses may not exactly scream “Chosen One,” other objects could easily be repaired! Before Obliviating your broken shoe out of existence, a line of superglue along the sole can easily reattach it. ​

5. Transform your Clothes

Our working title is Transfiguring with Tuney. Yes, you read correctly, for we are taking eco-advice from none other than Mrs. Dursley! While this may come as a “bit of a nasty shock,” and while Petunia’s reason for DIY-ing Harry’s Stonewall High uniform weren’t exactly altruistic, it is a concept that greatly aids a zero-waste lifestyle. Do you have a dress or skirt that is a bit tight around the waist? Transform the fabric into a drawstring bag, a headband, or even use it to add a patchwork effect to existing clothes. However, patience is a virtue here. We solemnly swear that if Ron had spent more than seven seconds researching “tailoring spells” prior to the Yule Ball, he could have siriusly reduced his resemblance to Great Aunt Tessie… ​

6. Invest in a Reusable Bottle or Cup

Mad-Eye was a trailblazer in many respects, but one that isn’t often celebrated is his respect for the zero waste movement! While the contents of imposter-Moody’s hip flask may have been less-than-innocent, Dumbledore does say that Moody is “well known” to drink from nothing else. At one point, even Harry admits that Moody might have the right idea. Perhaps there is a Hogwarts student out there who, like Hermione, hopes to do some good in the world and can create The Society for the Use of Reusable Flasks (S.U.R.F.).  ​

7. Avoid Plastic Packaging

While a reusable cup will go some way to reducing your plastic consumption, we like to think that Hermione had the right idea with her infamous beaded handbag, which could comfortably carry a supermarket shop for a family as large as the Weasleys! Whenever you go out to the supermarket, take a reusable tote or two with you, and opt for fruit and vegetables that are loose rather than pre-packaged. Alternatively, pick up these items from a local farmer’s market, which will often cost significantly fewer Sickles! Consider taking empty containers to refill or bulk shops for grains, nuts, and cleaning products. Growing your own produce (Digirible Plums and Gurdyroots will soon be in season!) is yet another way you can eliminate plastic packaging. We like to imagine that Molly is a loyal customer to her local farmer’s market in addition to having her own vegetable garden at The Burrow.
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​It is worth remembering that, in the long term, these seven steps are not just sustainable for our planet -- it can keep our bank vaults more full too! Patching up your clothes so that they last longer, freezing food so that it goes further, and investing in a reusable cup for your beloved coffee are all small choices that truly make a huge difference.

So repeat after us: We solemnly swear that waste is no good! Magic managed.




Written by Sophie Harrison

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