Feeling Helpless but not Hopeless<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nI know I can't be alone in feeling like the problem is so massive that it can\u2019t be undone by a single individual. We can begin to practice the mentality of a \u201clittle goes a long way\u201d especially if that mentality holds and is passed on to others. I believe my generation will turn this throw-away mentality into a thing of the past. It\u2019s beyond time to look onward to a greener future because we desperately need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becoming aware<\/strong> of your habits is the first step. I realized how much waste I alone was contributing to the issue at hand and I needed to make a change. Let me state that by no means am I living a zero-waste lifestyle but there are steps each and every one of us can take to be closer to that. With that said, let me share some things that I personally take part in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Kitchen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nI'll get straight to the point. Swapping out items for eco-friendly items is actually incredibly easy and requires very little effort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paper Towel Alternative<\/strong> \/\/ One of the easiest things to stop purchasing is paper towels. Drying your hands, cleaning up messes, etc. can all be done without<\/strong> a paper towel. Instead, try a reusable 100% cotton towel<\/a> that can be thrown in the wash over and over.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDrinking-Water<\/strong> \/\/ If you're buying large quantities of bottled water, that\u2019s massive use of plastic. Instead, check out something like the Berkey which filters water straight from the tap. The waterborne contamination removal is top-notch. I know the water filtration stuff can be pricey upfront..but hey, it can last up to 10 years! Additionally, most grocery stores have water services for you to refill your various-sized jugs. If you\u2019re on the go, another obvious alternative is to purchase a stainless steel water bottle to refill endlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlastic Wrap Alternative<\/strong> \/\/ This another great and easy change to bring into your routine. Stop buying a plastic wrap to cover your leftovers and use something like Bee's Wrap<\/a> to be put to work time and time again. Nope, it doesn\u2019t make alter the taste of your food and it's compostable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFood on the Table<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nGrocery Shopping<\/strong> \/\/ Have you ever gathered fruits and veggies at the store and begin searching for those single-use green\/clear plastic bags to hold everything? Well, these reusable cotton produce bags<\/a> are yet another glorious alternative. Of course, when you're checking out at the grocery store, be sure to use a large reusable shopping bag there too (Trader Joe\u2019s sells them right by the checkout lanes). Reusable bags within reusable bags! Double win.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFarmers Markets<\/strong> \/\/ There are so many benefits from shopping local. One of those benefits is, you guessed it, reducing your plastic usage. Most of the fruits and vegetables are just waiting to be bought as is \u2014 you can pick them up and place them within your reusable cotton bags. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing two bell peppers sitting on a plastic plate that is then wrapped in saran wrap...I'm looking at you Trader Joe\u2019s!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/youbringfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/throwaway-living.gif\")
Scan from the June 2018 National Geographic Plastic Issue which contains the above image from the 1955 Life Magazine. Isn\u2019t this insane to see now?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Bathroom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBody Soap<\/strong> \/\/ I think this one might be pretty obvious but I\u2019ll mention it just in case. Instead of purchasing that bottle of liquid body wash, how about a solid bar of soap? Depending on where it\u2019s bought, they're generally made of quality ingredients and contain no packaging when purchased from the store.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDeodorant<\/strong> \/\/ Many people have a tough time with this one, myself included. I\u2019ve tried endless \u201cnatural\u201d deodorants only for them to leave you stinkin\u2019 up the place. I am currently using Myro<\/a> \u2014 they sell refillable pods made from #2 plastic, making them easy to recycle. Check it out for yourself! Hard to pass up on those natural ingredients too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCleaning Supplies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHousehold Cleaning<\/strong> \/\/ Most cleaning supplies contain an insane<\/strong> amount of toxic chemicals. Have you ever cleaned your bathroom using these products and felt light-headed afterward? Making your own cleaner<\/a> will save you from the harsh chemicals and of course, save more plastic as those cleaner containers can almost never be recycled.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDishwashing<\/strong> \/\/ In the past, I typically washed dishes with a plastic brush or the Scotch-Brite sponges that are wrapped in plastic upon purchasing. This wooden dish brush<\/a> is a great alternative because you can purchase replaceable heads<\/a> if it gets worn out. Highly recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know I can't be alone in feeling like the problem is so massive that it can\u2019t be undone by a single individual. We can begin to practice the mentality of a \u201clittle goes a long way\u201d especially if that mentality holds and is passed on to others. I believe my generation will turn this throw-away mentality into a thing of the past. It\u2019s beyond time to look onward to a greener future because we desperately need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becoming aware<\/strong> of your habits is the first step. I realized how much waste I alone was contributing to the issue at hand and I needed to make a change. Let me state that by no means am I living a zero-waste lifestyle but there are steps each and every one of us can take to be closer to that. With that said, let me share some things that I personally take part in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I'll get straight to the point. Swapping out items for eco-friendly items is actually incredibly easy and requires very little effort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Paper Towel Alternative<\/strong> \/\/ One of the easiest things to stop purchasing is paper towels. Drying your hands, cleaning up messes, etc. can all be done without<\/strong> a paper towel. Instead, try a reusable 100% cotton towel<\/a> that can be thrown in the wash over and over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drinking-Water<\/strong> \/\/ If you're buying large quantities of bottled water, that\u2019s massive use of plastic. Instead, check out something like the Berkey which filters water straight from the tap. The waterborne contamination removal is top-notch. I know the water filtration stuff can be pricey upfront..but hey, it can last up to 10 years! Additionally, most grocery stores have water services for you to refill your various-sized jugs. If you\u2019re on the go, another obvious alternative is to purchase a stainless steel water bottle to refill endlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plastic Wrap Alternative<\/strong> \/\/ This another great and easy change to bring into your routine. Stop buying a plastic wrap to cover your leftovers and use something like Bee's Wrap<\/a> to be put to work time and time again. Nope, it doesn\u2019t make alter the taste of your food and it's compostable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grocery Shopping<\/strong> \/\/ Have you ever gathered fruits and veggies at the store and begin searching for those single-use green\/clear plastic bags to hold everything? Well, these reusable cotton produce bags<\/a> are yet another glorious alternative. Of course, when you're checking out at the grocery store, be sure to use a large reusable shopping bag there too (Trader Joe\u2019s sells them right by the checkout lanes). Reusable bags within reusable bags! Double win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Farmers Markets<\/strong> \/\/ There are so many benefits from shopping local. One of those benefits is, you guessed it, reducing your plastic usage. Most of the fruits and vegetables are just waiting to be bought as is \u2014 you can pick them up and place them within your reusable cotton bags. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing two bell peppers sitting on a plastic plate that is then wrapped in saran wrap...I'm looking at you Trader Joe\u2019s!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Body Soap<\/strong> \/\/ I think this one might be pretty obvious but I\u2019ll mention it just in case. Instead of purchasing that bottle of liquid body wash, how about a solid bar of soap? Depending on where it\u2019s bought, they're generally made of quality ingredients and contain no packaging when purchased from the store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deodorant<\/strong> \/\/ Many people have a tough time with this one, myself included. I\u2019ve tried endless \u201cnatural\u201d deodorants only for them to leave you stinkin\u2019 up the place. I am currently using Myro<\/a> \u2014 they sell refillable pods made from #2 plastic, making them easy to recycle. Check it out for yourself! Hard to pass up on those natural ingredients too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Household Cleaning<\/strong> \/\/ Most cleaning supplies contain an insane<\/strong> amount of toxic chemicals. Have you ever cleaned your bathroom using these products and felt light-headed afterward? Making your own cleaner<\/a> will save you from the harsh chemicals and of course, save more plastic as those cleaner containers can almost never be recycled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dishwashing<\/strong> \/\/ In the past, I typically washed dishes with a plastic brush or the Scotch-Brite sponges that are wrapped in plastic upon purchasing. This wooden dish brush<\/a> is a great alternative because you can purchase replaceable heads<\/a> if it gets worn out. Highly recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Kitchen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Food on the Table<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Bathroom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cleaning Supplies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n