In order to go zero waste, I have made a habit of keeping certain things on my person at all times:
1. A cloth napkin
Good for use as a napkin, a small hand towel, even a handkerchief when the nose starts running (after which it is washed and replaced!) You can find these on sale or used (especially if you don't care about color!), I recommend 100% cotton if possible!
2. A fork/Spork
It's nice when I have all the utensils on me (fork, knife, and spoon), but at least a fork or a spork tends to stay in my purse/backpack at all times
3. Stainless Steel Straw
These are obviously good to replace plastic straws in drinks and smoothies. But they are also awesome for stirring cream/honey into coffee or tea instead to those terrible plastic stirrers!
4. Reusable Coffee Cup / Water bottle
I generally have both of these, but minimally one! I have tea throughout the whole day, and need to hydrate as well! My Klean Kanteen Insulated Tumbler also makes a great pint glass at bars or BBQs!
5. Food Canister
So I don't always have a food canister on me, but I make an effort to bring one whenever I'm going to go out to eat so I can put leftovers in it! Minimizes food waste and packaging all in one!
I'll admit, I haven't perfected the art of remembering these every time I leave the house. I feel as though a huge part of this process is reshaping your habits. So I'm working on it. Whether it's bringing bags to the grocery store, learning to buy in bulk, or carrying my reusable spork around, I'm working on improving my habits to truly go zero waste.