As we all know by now, there are a lot of people living on this planet and almost all of them are making lots and lots of waste. It can be overwhelming, but one way to do your part and gain a little control over the situation is to inventory the waste you create on a daily basis and find sustainable ways to minimize that waste. It sounds cliche, but there is something we can do – even if those small daily changes seem insignificant, they go a long way in saving our planet. Here are a few ideas for items that are easy enough to incorporate on the regular without too much fuss.
Reusable grocery bags
Reusable bags are pretty phenomenal if you get the right kind. A good reusable bag will stand tough through all kinds of abuse and tuck away nicely for easy accessibility. For each reusable bag you use, one fewer plastic bag is required to be used and as the practice catches on (you trendsetter, you) the idea is that fewer and fewer plastic bags will be required in general. One of the best bags I’ve come across is B.B. Begonia bags. They are sturdy and compact as well as attractive, coming in a variety of colors and patterns. These will easily fit in a handbag or glove box for optimal accessibility.
Reusable storage bags
If you are still using single-use plastic sandwich bags, it is time to level up to reusable silicone bags. Yes, I hear you, then you have to wash them… but alas, most are dishwasher safe! If you are making lunch for yourself and/or your family daily, just think of how many bags you are saving from an untimely fate. A quick Google search for a “reusable sandwich bag” will yield a multitude of results.
Reusable K-cups
While the Keurig is a welcome invention for those looking for a hot single-serve beverage, those disposable K-cups most certainly are not. While there are times it may be unavoidable (I understand a caffeine deficiency on the go as well as the next person), when circumstances are under your control (at home and at the office, for example), you can whip out your reusable K-cups. You add your own ground coffee to the pods and refill and reuse them time and time again, cutting down on waste each and every time.
Pouches
If not for the disposable nature of pouches, I would say they are a game-changer, but I can’t bring myself to purchase them because they head right to the trash post-consumption. But alas, the reusable pouch has been invented! The beauty of the reusable pouch is you can make your own smoothy creations, or simply fill them with items purchased in bulk (which likely also reduces your grocery bill). These are a great solution for feeding toddlers that also helps to set an example with the littles early on.
You don’t have to look too hard to find a few simple changes to start making your impact. While these products will cost a little bit of money upfront, they will ultimately be cheaper in the long run and will make strides toward helping our planet, which is priceless.