Did you know that literally EVERY piece of plastic you’ve ever touched or used still exists on earth?!! Yup, that fact alone is HORRIFYING…
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...but here’s some ways in which you can recycle, reduce, reuse….just like Captain Planet taught us so long ago!
Recently a friend asked me what she should give up for Lent. When you give up something for Lent it's usually something that you use everyday that makes your life more convenient. By giving it up, you are essentially trying to feel how it feels to make big sacrifices in your life.
This question really got me thinking about what we as people use everyday that make our lives easier and no sooner was I trying to figure that out, when I heard a podcast on NPR. The special guest was talking about climate changes (The Green New Deal) and specifically the history of NYC's trash and recycling. He went on to describe how in the past New York City used to send all their plastic to China but now China doesn't want it anymore.
So the United States has a really big problem they have to solve: trying to figure out ways to recycle and reuse our ever growing plastic consumption. Part of the issue is that there are some plastics that can't be recycled. These are called, single-use plastics. Single use plastics include: tops of fountain drink containers, straws, plastic bags that you get at the grocery store, trash bags, electronics packaging, and the list goes on.
So, what can you do about it? There are many different things that you can do to eliminate plastic from your life. Some of these are very extreme and just the thought of doing them myself would prove to be extremely difficult- but I am trying! I challenge you as I challenge myself to try and eliminate using as much plastic as you were before and also a call to action to recycle everything that can be recycled.
Replace plastic straws
* for cardboard ones (which is becoming very popular to use) The entire time that I was in Florida no matter if I was in Captiva Island or in Miami, every restaurant and store that served us drinks utilized cardboard straws. Starbucks is doing it and so should you!
* you can also buy metal straws at stores like Anthropology and even find them here.
Reusable Beverage Containers
* the recycle gurus would definitely steer you more towards using glass mason jars or a travel mug for your hot or cold beverages but my opinion is as long as you use a reusable container the choice is yours.
*I like to reuse glass jars from tomato sauces, artichoke hearts, jams etc. Anything that you buy that comes with a lid works!
Reusable Cloth Bags
* these are not only great for carrying all your purchases from the grocery store and mall but also they come in really cute sizes shapes and Designs. I really enjoy using this one because it folds down into a small bag and it's easy to carry everywhere. Because who doesn't make on-the-fly purchases?!
*Invest in some mesh bags (very similar to the mesh bags you use to wash your intimates in) to put your produce in.
Trash Bags
* this is one area that kind of really grosses me out and I'm not sure that I can replace at this moment. I have read that in order to stop using trash bags you can line all your garbage receptacles with newspapers. It is also recommended that you dump out all liquids before using this method.
Items For The Baby
* being a parent is a full-time job as it is, which is why you have to take this extra step in reducing plastic. My cousins and friends have babies and every time that I see them literally all the items that the child needs are made of plastic! From the plastic baby bottles to the toys all the way to strollers and baby seats. Everything is made out of plastic!
So how do you make replacements? Well it's going to be really hard to replace everything that your child needs but some suggestions are:
* using glass baby bottles, reusable dishes and these can be plastic but glass is definitely better.
*Trying to find toys that are made out of wood because these are actually better for the environment and they cut down on toxic smells that may be harmful to your baby's developing lungs.
* Instead of using foam mats for your child's playroom consider using plush area rugs or plush blankets instead.
Coffee Money Saver
*Instead of buying the coffee pods for your Keurig or instant coffee machines, invest in a reusable coffee pod! You will not only save money buying ground coffee, but you can adjust the strength of your brew by controlling how many grounds you use.
Food Swaps
* Wrap your sandwiches using washable cloth bags. Beeswax paper also works!
*Refillable beverage containers
*have a set of metal utensils or chopsticks
* glass, Tupperware, and/or thermoses to carry your lunch to work. Studies have actually shown that reheating food in glass container plastic containers is harmful for you because the plastic particles are transmitted to your food when heated. So it's better for your health to use glass containers to eat out of.
Cast Iron Cookware
*Yes, it super easy to cook the perfect omelette, pancake etc using those beautifully crafted non-sticks pots and pans but did you know that they are not only harmful to environment but also to your body?! Overtime the plastic Teflon coating disintegrates into your cooked food. Cast iron pans are made out of iron, which is a vitamin that is actually good for our bodies. Yes, they are a little more frustrating to use because they aren’t as nonstick as the others but what would you rather use? I’ll always opt for the healthier option…
Being A Diligent Recycler
* pick up a plastic container that you have right now and flip it over. Do you see the triangle shaped sign in with the arrows? That means that that container can be recycled. Here’s a helpful info-graph guide! .
Sharing is Caring
Did you know that sharing on your social media about how you recycle actually makes other people follow suit and want to recycle as well?! Yes, it's true! People are natural born followers and want to mimic what others do. Copying is the highest form of flattery and in this case you'd be doing yourself as well as improving your environment a great service if you recycle on a weekly basis. Some states like New York even compensate you $0.05 per bottle returned. So recycle and share it on your social media story or your news feed!
Your turn! How do you recycle, reduce, or reuse? Let me know in the comments below!
xx,
Mari
