Reducing Waste
5 actionable steps to implement today!
Let me start out by saying that I am in no way a perfect example of someone who always refuses single use plastic, that recycles consistently, that never uses straws, or that always brings my own bag to the grocery store. But what I can say, and want to share with you all, is that I believe we all do so much better in our day to day lives to reduce our own individual consumption of plastic and single use items.
And this starts by taking responsibility for the items we are consuming, what we are throwing away, and our own personal impact we have on the environment. I want to encourage you and support you in finding easy and actionable ways that you can start making a difference right NOW, and leave you feeling empowered that every little change makes a huge difference.
5 Tips to Reducing Waste:
Invest in a reusable water bottle
Keep a coffee mug in your car
Bring reusable bags/produce bags grocery shopping
Say no to straws (bring your own)
Recycle
1. Invest in a reusable water bottle
I really enjoy having a water bottle with me at all times, and I make a little challenge for myself each day to to see how often I need to refill it, keeping me hydrated and healthy. Most of us are aware that drinking bottled water is not the best choice for environmental reasons, but you may not know that bottled water can be more toxic than drinking tap. Not only is buying plastic water bottles costly, but 1/4 of the water in those plastic bottles is just tap water!! The FDA, which regulates plastic water bottles, does not require bottled water companies to disclose the testing of their water quality. However our city water, which is regulated by the EPA, is required to disclose the quality of the tap water. Depending on where you live, your tap water may or may not be safe to drink. Click here for more information.
At home, I use a Brita water filter. I am currently in the process of researching and exploring different options for an at home water filtration system that filters a majority, if not all, of the chemicals found in our tap water. There are many different companies out there, but right now I am just using my Brita.
Everyday to work, yoga, the beach, and on errands, I carry with me either a Swell Water Bottle or a Hydroflask.
2. Keep a coffee mug in your car
I know it can seem silly, or even annoying, to bring your own coffee mug with you every day, especially if you are buying your coffee out. Consider this: If you added up in a year how many coffee cups you used, what would that number be? 100… 200? And that’s just coffee cups. What about the smoothies, the juices, the quick take away lunch, or even the straws in your drink when you go out to eat. These single use items don’t just magically disappear when you throw them away, they will be hanging out in a landfill or in the ocean for long after we are gone.
Recently, I’ve made it a goal, (that I am putting into action), to bring a coffee mug and a mason jar with me every day. I just think about what my day looks like in the morning, and if I plan on stopping for a coffee, smoothie. or if I am needing to buy some food while I’m out. It seriously takes 2 extra seconds in the morning to grab my mason jar and coffee cup. And most of the time, cafes give discounts when you bring your own container or cup, so double win! Try it out this week and see how it goes for you. Make it a goal and see how easily it becomes a part of your routine!
3. Bring reusable bags/produce bags grocery shopping
Did you know that in America, less than 10% of recycled plastic is actually recycled? That 500 million plastic straws are used every day?' And that by 2050, it is estimated that there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans? Living by the ocean in Maui, I feel even more aware of where our plastic is ending up, and the severity of the plastic issue we are currently facing. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, and helpless thinking that there is nothing I can do to help. We have to remember that every small change seriously makes a huge difference, even when we are just looking at the waste we as an individual can be preventing. If you can share this knowledge with one other person, the ripple effect will continue and create even greater change.
Grocery shopping and not using plastic can be tricky. I totally get wanting to keep your fresh veggies and fruit clean and organized, but there is a greener way that doesn’t involve plastic! These reusable produce bags (listed below) are awesome, and you can keep them in your car with your reusable grocery bag. After unloading my groceries at home, I put my reusable bags right by the door so in the morning I remember to grab them and put them back in my car. I often keep my produce in the produce bags, and when I eat up whatever was in them, I put those little bags right in my purse to later put in my car. Like I said earlier, this will become a habit if you just make it a goal and stick with it, and soon you won’t even notice the extra 5 seconds it takes to make this all happen.
4. Say no to straws (bring your own)
Straws are definitely a plastic item we can easily say no to, and I am excited that some places are banning their use. If you’re like me and like using a straw, no worries, you can just get some reusable ones! I keep a straw in my car or purse, and love having it handy when grabbing a smoothie. I also carry some reusable silverware with me as well. If you are not wanting to buy bamboo utensils, make a little bag with a fork, spoon, kife, and straw that you have at home. Remember, creating a habit takes time and a little practice, so don’t beat yourself up if you forget your reusable items every once in a while.
5. Recycle
If you do happen to find yourself out and about with no reusable items on hand, make it a point to recycle that item. Even if you have to take it home and place it in your own recycle bin, do it! Take a little extra effort to try and dispose of your item the best way you can. If you don’t have a recycle bin at home or at your apartment, buy a basket for your household, and make a trip every week or so to the local dump. It feels really good to make this a part of your routine, knowing that you are doing the best you can to take care of our planet. A little extra effort goes a long way (:
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and feel inspired to take action on a couple of these tips! Please let me know any questions you have or any support you need in creating and implementing these new habits. Don’t beat yourself up if things don’t always go according to plan, but remember we each have a responsibility to take care of our beautiful planet we get to call home.
Talk soon!
LaurenMarie