It may sound simple, but there’s a small task we can all do every day to live a more sustainable lifestyle: “The biggest thing you can do to be more zero waste in food, items, clothing, home goods, etc. is to think about if you really need something… or is it a craving that can pass,” reveals sustainability activist Stevie Van Horn , whose home —decorated with only existing or secondhand items—we recently toured.

Van Horn explains that she’s had moments where she’s purchased items to fill a temporary hole—like in your decor, your pantry, or wardrobe—but then regretted the unnecessary purchase afterwards. “Take a breath, think if you really need it, and move forward,” she recommends.

Don’t buy fancy eco-friendly container upgrades

Van Horn says one of the biggest “don’ts” when it comes to zero-waste living is needlessly swapping things out that you already have for something that might be better looking or aesthetically appealing. “If you already have plastic storage containers or Tupperware and mason jars that are just fine, you do not need to buy the bamboo storage kits and the stainless steel ones… the whole point is to make over-consumption a thing of the past and to make do with what you have!” she says.

Use up what you have first

Really one of the first steps for anyone starting off in their zero waste journey is to just use up everything you already own first, before going out and buying anything else, Van Horn explains. “Our planet has finite resources and it’s best to think about every single item as a precious resource from the earth—that way we can really think about if we need the item or not!”

Avoid single-use when possible

The next step along a zero-waste journey is to start bringing your own totes, reusable jars/mugs, produce bags, and other containers when you run errands. “One person can avoid thousands upon thousands of single-use items just by bringing their own things out for the day,” claims Van Horn.

Try making your own products

Van Horn encourages people to try creating their own cleaning products. “We don’t need to rely on chemical cleaners, lotions, and sprays when there are so many natural alternatives. A favorite all-purpose cleaner is saving your citrus rinds like lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange peels and immersing them in white vinegar for two to four weeks. You can then strain it, cut it with water, and add essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and lemon essence to create the perfect spray for tough stains, countertops, and general cleaning,” she describes.

Remember to think positive

“Make mistakes, do better next time, and always think positive! Self-love is the best way to take on zero-waste living,” stresses Van Horn. “Loving yourself first will allow you to take on challenges, questions, and items with more ease. It will keep you positive, spread the message in a great light, and people will follow suit! This lifestyle should be fun, eye-opening, and bring presence and gratitude everyday!”

See all of Stevie’s house tour: A Warm, Organic Brooklyn Apartment Was Designed With Zero Waste in Mind