SKILL.md
442 lines · 2,711 words
Zero Waste Living Guide
When to Use
Use this skill when:
User asks about zero waste guide
User needs guidance on zero waste guide topics
User wants a structured approach to zero waste guide
Search the docs, videos, blog, apps, teams, skills and release notes.
At a glance
What it is
Practical guide to reducing household waste using the 5R framework (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot), including waste audit methodology, room-by-room product swaps, composting setup options, bulk shopping strategies, DIY alternatives for common products, meal planning to reduce food waste, and zero-waste approaches for bathroom and kitchen.
A skill is a written procedure a bot loads when a job calls for it. This one is a single file, SKILL.md, and the whole file is on this page.
The whole file, exactly as it downloads. Read it before you rely on it.
SKILL.md
442 lines · 2,711 words
Use this skill when:
User asks about zero waste guide
User needs guidance on zero waste guide topics
User wants a structured approach to zero waste guide
Practical guide to reducing household waste using the 5R framework (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot), including waste audit methodology, room-by-room product swaps, composting setup options, bulk shopping strategies, DIY alternatives for common products, meal planning to reduce food waste, and zero-waste approaches for bathroom and kitchen.
Nothing. It ships with Murage, which is open source. Your bots run on the AI plan you already have.
Yes. Open it in Settings → Skills to read, edit or duplicate it. Skill Guard scans it again after every edit.
Download the app, connect the AI you already pay for, and tell your Chief of Staff what needs doing. Plan on about ten minutes from install to a working team.
No account needed · Runs on the AI plan you already pay for
Paste it into your agent's instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or a custom GPT), or add it to a bot in Murage.
Ask Ember for the bot, then switch the skill on in its settings.
Step 1
Send your Chief of Staff this message. It proposes the bot and its role first, and creates it when you say go.
Send this to Ember
“Create a bot that uses the Zero Waste Living Guide skill, and show me the plan first.”
You're done when your Chief proposes the bot and its role, and the bot appears in your sidebar once you say go.
Step 2
You're done when you see the bot’s skills and the library.
Step 3
You're done when the skill shows as on for that bot.
Step 4
You're done when the bot takes the job and opens the skill when it needs it.
Prefer to do it yourself? Choose + in the sidebar, then New Bot.Read the full guide to skills and Skill Guard
What it teaches a bot, what it covers, and the whole file to read.
What it covers
When to Use
Questions to Ask First
Phase 1: The 5R Framework
Phase 2: Waste Audit
Phase 3: Room-by-Room Swaps
Phase 4: Composting Setup
Phase 5: Bulk Shopping and Reducing Packaging
Phase 6: DIY Alternatives
Phase 7: Meal Planning to Reduce Food Waste
Phase 8: Getting Started Without Getting Overwhelmed
Impact Tracking
Output Format
Example
Edge Cases
Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
User needs emergency assistance
What is your current waste situation (how many bags of trash per week)?
Have you tried any waste reduction strategies before?
What is your primary motivation (environmental, financial, simplicity, health)?
Do you live alone, with a partner, or with a family (including ages of children)?
Do you have access to curbside recycling and composting services?
What is your budget for making switches (some swaps cost more upfront)?
Are there bulk stores, farmers markets, or refill shops in your area?
What areas generate the most waste in your home (kitchen, bathroom, packaging)?
Are there any lifestyle constraints (medical needs, dietary restrictions, time limitations)?
Are you looking for a gradual transition or a significant immediate change?
1. REFUSE -- Say no to what you don't need
2. REDUCE -- Minimize what you do need
3. REUSE -- Repurpose what you consume
4. RECYCLE -- Send materials back into the system
5. ROT -- Compost what remainsWhy this order matters: Refusing and reducing prevent waste from being created. Reusing extends the life of existing items. Recycling and composting are last resorts -- they are better than landfill but still require energy and resources.
REFUSE:
Decline plastic bags (bring your own)
Say no to free promotional items and swag
Unsubscribe from junk mail (DMAchoice.org, CatalogChoice.org)
Decline receipts (opt for email receipts)
Refuse single-use items at restaurants (straws, plastic utensils, styrofoam)
Skip freebies you do not actually need
REDUCE:
Buy only what you will use (especially food)
Choose products with less packaging
Buy concentrated products (cleaning supplies, soap)
Reduce subscriptions and deliveries
Downsize your belongings (less stuff = less future waste)
Choose quality over quantity (longer-lasting items)
REUSE:
Use cloth napkins, towels, and handkerchiefs
Bring reusable bags, bottles, cups, and containers
Repurpose glass jars for storage
Use rechargeable batteries
Repair clothing and items instead of replacing
Buy secondhand when possible
Donate or sell items you no longer need
RECYCLE (Correctly):
Know your local recycling rules (they vary significantly)
Clean and dry recyclables before placing in the bin
Do not "wish-cycle" (putting non-recyclable items in hoping they will be recycled)
Flatten cardboard boxes
Remove caps and lids as instructed by your municipality
Keep plastic bags out of curbside recycling (return to store drop-offs)
ROT (Compost):
Compost food scraps (fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells)
Compost yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, small branches)
Use compostable products when disposables are unavoidable
Set up a composting system that fits your living situation
Step 1: Collect one week of waste (trash and recycling, separately).
Step 2: Sort into categories:
WASTE AUDIT RESULTS
====================
Week of: _______________
Category | Trash (lbs/count) | Recycling (lbs/count) | Notes
----------------------+-------------------+----------------------+------
Food waste | ____________ | N/A |
Plastic packaging | ____________ | ____________ |
Paper/cardboard | ____________ | ____________ |
Glass | ____________ | ____________ |
Metal/cans | ____________ | ____________ |
Styrofoam | ____________ | N/A |
Textiles/clothing | ____________ | N/A |
Hygiene products | ____________ | N/A |
Other | ____________ | ____________ |
Total Trash: ____________
Total Recycling: ____________Step 3: Identify the top 3-5 waste categories. These are your priority areas.
Step 4: For each priority, brainstorm alternatives using the room-by-room swaps below.
| Disposable Item | Zero-Waste Alternative | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Paper towels | Cloth towels and rags (cut old t-shirts) | $0-$15 |
| Plastic wrap | Beeswax wraps or silicone lids | $10-$20 |
| Plastic bags (zip-lock) | Silicone reusable bags or containers | $10-$25 |
| Paper napkins | Cloth napkins | $10-$20 for a set |
| Sponges | Compostable sponges, dish brushes with replaceable heads | $5-$15 |
| Plastic bottles (cleaning) | Concentrated refill tablets or DIY solutions | $5-$15 |
| Aluminum foil | Reusable silicone mats or stainless steel sheets | $10-$20 |
| Disposable cups/plates | Reusable dishes for all occasions | $0 (use what you have) |
| Tea bags | Loose leaf tea with reusable infuser | $10-$15 (infuser) |
| Coffee pods | French press, pour-over, or moka pot | $15-$40 |
| Plastic produce bags | Reusable mesh produce bags | $5-$10 |
| Disposable Item | Zero-Waste Alternative | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic toothbrush | Bamboo toothbrush | $3-$5 each |
| Bottled shampoo | Shampoo bar or refill station | $8-$15 per bar |
| Bottled conditioner | Conditioner bar | $8-$15 per bar |
| Body wash in plastic | Bar soap | $3-$8 per bar |
| Disposable razors | Safety razor (stainless steel) | $20-$40 (razor), $0.10/blade |
| Cotton rounds | Reusable cotton rounds | $8-$15 for a set |
| Cotton swabs | Reusable silicone swabs or bamboo swabs | $5-$12 |
| Plastic floss containers | Silk or bamboo floss in refillable container | $5-$10 |
| Menstrual products | Menstrual cup, period underwear, or cloth pads | $15-$40 |
| Tissues | Handkerchiefs | $5-$15 for a set |
| Disposable Item | Zero-Waste Alternative | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic laundry bottles | Laundry strips or powder in cardboard | $10-$15 |
| Dryer sheets | Wool dryer balls | $10-$15 for a set |
| Spray bottle cleaners | DIY cleaners or concentrate refills | $5-$15 |
| Trash bags | Compostable bags, or line bin with newspaper | $5-$10 |
| Disposable mop pads | Washable mop pads or traditional mop | $10-$20 |
Reusable water bottle (stainless steel or glass)
Reusable coffee cup or thermos
Cloth shopping bags (keep in car or by door)
Reusable utensil set (bamboo or stainless steel)
Cloth produce bags
Reusable straw (stainless steel, glass, or bamboo)
Reusable food containers for leftovers and takeout
| Method | Space Needed | Best For | Effort Level | Time to Compost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard bin | Outdoor space | Houses with yards | Medium | 2-6 months |
| Tumbler composter | Small outdoor space | Suburban homes | Medium | 1-3 months |
| Worm bin (vermicomposting) | Indoor or outdoor | Apartments, small spaces | Medium | 2-4 months |
| Bokashi | Indoor countertop | Apartments, all climates | Low-Medium | 2-4 weeks (fermentation) + burial |
| Municipal composting | None | Where curbside service exists | Very Low | N/A (city handles) |
| Community garden compost | None at home | Urban areas | Low | Drop off |
| Electric composter | Kitchen counter | Any living situation | Very Low | 24-48 hours |
Compostable (Green/Nitrogen):
Fruit and vegetable scraps
Coffee grounds and paper filters
Tea leaves
Fresh grass clippings
Plant trimmings
Compostable (Brown/Carbon):
Dry leaves
Shredded newspaper and cardboard
Straw and hay
Wood chips and sawdust (untreated)
Dryer lint (from natural fiber clothing)
Eggshells (crushed)
Do NOT Compost (standard home composting):
Meat and fish scraps (attracts pests; Bokashi can handle these)
Dairy products (attracts pests)
Oils and fats
Pet waste (dog, cat)
Diseased plants
Treated or painted wood
Plastic, even "compostable" plastic (in home systems)
Aim for approximately 3 parts brown (carbon) to 1 part green (nitrogen) by volume. Keep the pile moist like a wrung-out sponge. Turn regularly for faster decomposition.
What to buy in bulk:
Grains (rice, oats, quinoa, pasta)
Beans and legumes (dried)
Nuts and seeds
Flour and baking supplies
Spices and herbs
Oils and vinegars (refill stations)
Coffee and tea
Dried fruit
Cleaning products (refill stations)
Personal care products (refill stations)
Bulk shopping tips:
Bring your own containers (weigh empty at checkout first -- called "tare weight")
Use cloth bags for dry goods
Start with a few staples you use regularly
Compare per-unit prices to packaged alternatives
Store bulk purchases in glass jars at home
Label everything with contents and purchase date
Choose products in glass, metal, or cardboard over plastic
Buy the largest size you will use (less packaging per unit)
Choose concentrated products
Shop at farmers markets (bring your own bags)
Subscribe to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for produce
Shop at refill stores for cleaning and personal care products
Choose bars over liquids when possible (soap, shampoo, lotion)
All-Purpose Cleaner:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
10-15 drops essential oil (optional -- lemon, tea tree, or lavender)
Mix in a spray bottle. Do not use on marble or stone (vinegar is acidic).Dish Soap (Simple):
1 cup liquid castile soap
1 tablespoon white vinegar
5 drops essential oil (optional)
Mix gently. Use a small amount per load of dishes.Laundry Powder:
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda
1 bar castile soap (grated finely)
Mix thoroughly. Use 2 tablespoons per load.Body Scrub:
1/2 cup sugar or salt
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Mix and store in a glass jar. Use within 2-3 months.Beeswax Wraps:
Cotton fabric (cut to desired sizes)
Beeswax pellets
Parchment paper, iron or oven
Sprinkle beeswax on fabric between parchment, iron until melted
and absorbed, or bake at 200F for a few minutes. Hang to dry.The average household wastes 30-40% of purchased food.
Step 1: Shop with a plan
Inventory what you already have before shopping
Plan meals for the week using what needs to be used first
Make a list and stick to it
Buy only what you will realistically eat
Step 2: Store food properly
| Food | Best Storage | Extends Life By |
|---|---|---|
| Herbs | Glass of water in fridge (like flowers) | 1-2 weeks |
| Bread | Freezer (toast from frozen) | Weeks vs. days |
| Bananas | Separate from other fruit, wrap stems | 2-3 extra days |
| Leafy greens | Damp cloth in container in fridge | 3-5 days |
| Berries | Unwashed, lined container, paper towel | 2-3 days |
| Avocados | Ripen on counter, then refrigerate | 2-3 days ripe |
| Cheese | Wax paper, then loose container (not plastic wrap) | 1-2 weeks |
| Apples | Refrigerator (separate from other produce) | Weeks |
Step 3: Use what you have
FIFO system (First In, First Out -- use oldest items first)
"Eat the fridge" meals once per week (use up leftovers and odds and ends)
Freeze items before they go bad (bread, fruit, vegetables, cooked meals)
Learn to use "scraps" (vegetable scraps for broth, stale bread for croutons)
Understand date labels ("best by" is quality, "use by" is safety -- "sell by" is for stores)
Step 4: Compost what remains After refusing waste, reducing consumption, and reusing/repurposing, compost any remaining food scraps.
| Week | Focus Area | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Assessment | Conduct waste audit, identify top 3 waste categories |
| Week 2 | Kitchen | Switch to reusable bags, start composting food scraps, reduce food waste |
| Week 3 | Bathroom | Try a bar soap or shampoo bar, switch one disposable item |
| Week 4 | On-the-go | Carry reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and bags consistently |
Progress, not perfection. Zero waste is a direction, not a destination.
Start with the easiest swaps. Build momentum before tackling harder changes.
One swap at a time. Finish what you have before buying alternatives.
Do not throw away existing disposable items to buy reusable ones. Use what you have first.
It is not all or nothing. Even reducing your waste by 50% makes a significant impact.
Avoid zero-waste consumerism. You do not need to buy a bunch of new things to be zero waste.
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| "It takes too much time" | Start with 2-3 swaps that fit your routine; it becomes habitual |
| "It costs too much" | Most swaps save money long-term; start with free changes |
| "My family won't participate" | Lead by example; make it easy (put bins where they are needed) |
| "I can't find bulk/refill stores" | Online refill services exist; focus on reducing packaging, not eliminating it |
| "Medical/health needs require disposables" | That is completely valid -- reduce where you can, do not feel guilt |
| "Recycling is confusing" | Call your local waste management for a clear guide |
MONTHLY WASTE TRACKER
======================
Month: _______________
Trash bags to curb this month: _____ (compare to baseline)
Recycling bags to curb: _____
Food composted (estimated lbs): _____
Swaps made this month:
1. _________________________________ (estimated waste saved: _______)
2. _________________________________ (estimated waste saved: _______)
3. _________________________________ (estimated waste saved: _______)
Money saved this month from reusable switches: $_______
Next month's focus area: _________________________________Every small change adds up. A family that reduces waste by even one bag per week keeps 52 bags out of the landfill each year. Start where you are and keep going.
ZERO WASTE GUIDE OUTPUT
=======================
Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations
Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable
Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next stepsInput: "Help me get started with zero waste guide"
Output: A structured zero waste guide plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.
Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
SKILL.md
442 lines · 2,711 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
Your new bot
Zero Waste Living Guide bot
Waiting in your sidebar once you say go.
No account needed · Runs on the AI plan you already pay for