Christina Heyne
4/08/2024 7:15 AM
It has been quite an eye opener to realize where we as people introduce plastic into our environment without even knowing it. Even where we can see it, it is hard to NOT add more plastic to your trash bin. It seems that literally just about EVERYTHING nowadays is wrapped or packaged in plastic and a trip to the grocery store can leave you with 20 or more bags (in the US) because your groceries are bagged for you and sometimes one bag is used for 1 (!) item, or even "double bagged". Add to that, containers, wrappers, and even things we need for our jobs, pens, staplers, folders and backpacks - all made of plastic materials that at some point will end up in a landfill. Through the challenge, I have definitely become more aware of all the plastic around me and realized that I cannot escape the use of plastic. I can only minimize and discard consciously. Here a few things I started to do. Phasing out plastic, re-usable containers for leftovers and replacing them with glass containers. Buy products wrapped in either carton or glass, such as milk or juice. Look for cosmetics and hair products that do not include synthetic polymers. Bring and use produce nets for the grocery store instead of using the supplied plastic wraps. Use compostable zip lock bags. Purchase wood or bamboo home products such as dishwashing brushes, cutting boards, brooms, kitchen supplies such as spoons, or whisks. NEVER use one-way anything or straws. Avoid takeout places that use plastic containers. Always bring your own shopping bags or ask for paper. I use the paper bags later as trash bags and to clean out my kitty litter boxes. My kids are grown but I have noticed the tremendous amount of plastic in toys, I would look for wood toys, things that can be used for a long time and passed down to someone else. DONATE, don't throw away. Buy used items, especially clothing and avoid Poly-anything in your clothes - almost impossible nowadays thanks to the spandex craze!! I am planning to install a laundry micro plastics filter for my washer. Finally, I pick up trash and especially plastic wherever I see it on the street or by the trail, dispose of it properly. Oh and off course, keep that metal, reusable water bottle wherever I go :)
