Mumbai woman has not used a dustbin for over five years. How did she keep her home waste-free without overspending?

A woman from Mumbai has lived five years without a single dustbin. And no, she hasn’t experienced rising electricity bills for her environment-friendly lifestyle. In an interview with The Better India,

Sonika Bhasin, a media professional, revealed how she transformed her home, making it waste-free.

Home-Made Compost System

She turned waste from kitchen into manure for her plants. In a large container, she stored peels, leftovers which in turn became food for her kitchen garden.

Dry Waste Disposal

Dry waste such as plastic, glass, cardboard etc are collected and given to a recycling service.

Minimising Disposable Usage

Instead of tissues, she uses clothe napkins. When her son was young, she used reusable clothe diapers.

Mindful Shopping

Instead of plastic bags, she uses clothe bags for carrying grocery. She also uses a lot of second-hand clothes both for recycling purpose and to cut down costs.

Home-Made Cleaners

Instead of relying on chemical-based floor cleaners, she created an organic floor cleaner from jaggery, water and fruit peels. She also uses this concoction for her plants as it acts as a natural pesticide and fertiliser. “In my experience, it keeps pests at bay and works well for cleaning surfaces — from glass tables to kitchen counters, even silver jewellery,” she explained.

Fruit peels can add a refreshing and natural fragrance to homemade cleaning solutions. Citrus peels, such as those from oranges and lemons, are especially popular because they release a bright, fresh scent that leaves spaces smelling clean and inviting. Pineapple peels can also be used to produce a sweet, tropical aroma, turning everyday cleaning tasks into a more pleasant experience. During the summer months, mango peels offer another fragrant option, infusing cleaning mixtures with a rich, fruity scent. By repurposing these kitchen scraps, it is possible to enhance the cleaning experience while making use of materials that might otherwise be discarded.

Waste-Free Parties

For parties, she uses reusable plates and decor.