Get beyond the Mason jar and learn how to dramatically reduce the waste you produce over the course of a year—one sanity-saving step at a time—in this super-practical guide from the creator of The Zero Waste Collective.

Say goodbye to your bursting toiletries bag, fast fashion, and all the plastic crowding your pantry. It's time to build less trashy habits for a more sustainable and ethical life. With relatable stories, compassion, and a realistic perspective, Tara McKenna will show you how in this ultimate guide to going zero waste(ish).

We're all trapped in a wasteful convenience-based cycle, but Don’t Be Trashy offers an alternative: an approach to reducing waste that emphasizes progress over perfection. McKenna guides you month by month through a year of reducing consumption, covering:

Decluttering and turning off the flow of stuff into your home

Breaking up with fast fashion and developing a capsule wardrobe

Cutting off your supply of single-use plastic in your kitchen, cleaning supplies, and bathroom

Investing in home goods that'll last for decades without breaking the bank

And more!

Ultimately, it's about changing your mindset to one of minimalism and conscious consumption—a mindset that’s as good for your wallet and your well-being as it is for the planet. Don't Be Trashy will guide you to your best life—one with less waste and more joy!

Tara McKenna's profile page

TARA McKENNA is passionate about sustainability and created The Zero Waste Collective lifestyle blog and community to inspire people from all walks of life to live with less waste and more joy. With her global community reaching thousands of readers monthly, Tara offers simple strategies to live more sustainably at thezerowastecollective.com. Tara has partnered with brands such as A&W Canada, Converse, and Corona Canada. She has a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and now works full time as an entrepreneur. Having lived and studied abroad, she has seen the global environmental crisis firsthand, which is why she’s motivated to ensure a sustainable future for people and the planet. She lives with her husband and black lab in Guelph, Canada.

Praise for Don't Be Trashy:

“No matter where you are on your zero-waste journey, you’ll feel inspired by McKenna’s thorough and accessible approach to understanding the why and how of reducing waste. From paring down possessions to consuming consciously, Don’t be Trashy provides concrete tips for changing ones mindset and lifestyle in a way that feels sustainable for the earth and sustainable for (real) people. I’ve been on this journey for several years now but feel reenergized and encouraged after reading her personal experience and practical advice.”
—Julia Watkins, author of Simply Living Well

“A must-read manual for anyone committed to being more intentional with reducing their waste to benefit the environment (and themselves!).”
—Christine Platt, author of The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less

“Tara McKenna has crammed her new book, Don’t Be Trashy, with practical, achievable, down-to-earth guidance on living more sustainably. From decluttering and minimalism, to 'Less But Better' conscious consumerism, to step-by-step measures for reducing waste in every area of our lives, and more, Tara's book provides a blueprint for cutting through the literal clutter to a more joy-filled, less-trashy life.”
—Anne-Marie Bonneau, author of The Zero-Waste Chef: Plant-Forward Recipes and Tips for a Sustainable Kitchen and Planet

“If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the state of the planet and want to do your part by trying low-waste living, you need to read this book. Don’t Be Trashy breaks it all down with a frank, funny, approachable, no-BS style, helping you make lower-waste choices that should free you up to enjoy what really matters in your life.”
—Adria Vasil, environmental journalist and bestselling author of the Ecoholic book series
“When a book can inspire you to change your habits, I would say that book is a success!”
—Torontonicity