Going Green

The rate at which we are killing our planet with single use plastic is alarming. Sickening. FRIGHTENING. We as consumers are not taking enough responsibility and the companies producing the single use products are not taking enough responsibility. We are equally at fault.

I’ve written about my disgust with plastic in a past post that included information about a movie I highly recommend you watch. If you didn’t dislike plastic before or hadn't thought about the consequences of using it – you will after you watch this.

I continue to feel overwhelmed by what is happening. But I have control over my actions. And even if I’m one extremely small piece of the bigger picture, so be it. My hope is that there are millions of others out there like me that realize what is going on and are doing what they can to help. No matter how small.

Here are just a few simple things I’m doing to reduce plastic consumption, including some products I like that help with this:
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• Recycle or Repurpose: In our garage, we have three large bins for recycling – Plastic, Metal, Pop/Beer Bottles/Cans. We also have a box for glass and a reusable bag for magazines. We literally recycle as much as possible. From food containers to shampoo bottles to candle jars to the lids/straws on fast food cups. When you recycle, your eyes are truly opened to how much of what you use on a daily basis comes in a plastic container. To be honest, it’s not fun washing out every container or taking in the recycling all the time, but it is rewarding. Another thing I like to do is repurpose items. A jar can help with organization or serve as a flower vase. A Febreeze spray bottle can be used as a seedling waterer. A to-go container comes in handy for sending leftovers home with someone. Get creative about what you are using before getting rid of it.
• Use Metal Cutlery and Drinking Straws: I’ve started by using only metal cutlery and straws at home and at work. I’d eventually love to branch out and bring them with me to restaurants and other establishments for use when needed. The cutlery part is easy. At home – avoid purchasing and/or using plastic cutlery. At work – pack a set from home in your lunch bag and/or leave a set at work. You’ll most likely need to purchase metal straws. Click here for the stainless steel ones I use.  Refuse using plastic straws when able, primarily at restaurants. You normally don't need one in the first place!
• Analyze Your Personal Hygiene and Cleaning Products: I thought our food came in an overwhelming amount of plastic containers. But goodness, personal hygiene and cleaning products are just as bad! Between make-up, face washes, shampoos – carpet cleaners, deodorizers, and bleach – and more – it is crazy! We’ve made a couple of small changes, like using bar shampoo and reusable razors versus disposable (I’m disgusted by the amount of disposable razors I’ve used in my lifetime). Other than that, we just recycle or repurpose what we can. My ultimate goal is to make as many of our personal hygiene and cleaning products as I can using reusable containers and natural ingredients.
• Bring Your Own Bag: We all have a million reusable bags tucked away in drawers and the trunk of our cars – the trick is to remember they are there! I most always bring my own bag, even into places like Dollar Tree or boutiques. If I forget to grab one from my car, I have a compact bag in the bottom of my purse. If I don’t have that and can carry everything in my hands, that’s what I do. I also have small cloth bags for my produce. It has gotten to the point where plastic bags give me the bad kind of goosebumps and I want nothing to do with them! I feel awful if I have to use one, like I let the Earth down a little bit.

I hope this is helpful to you in some way! If we each do our part to be mindful of what we are buying and how we are disposing of it, we can make a difference. Choose to refuse plastic straws, containers, etc. when you can. I truly believe in the cumulative effect of millions of small actions to make our world green again.

If you have some tips to share – please let me know in the comments. I’d love to find more simple ways to be more conscious about my consumption! 

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I recently ran across this graphic about ways to reduce ocean plastic and I think it is very helpful so wanted to share!