I have written on all the things that have tripped me up in this plastic free process, instead of celebrating all the easy ways we can replace plastic.
Today I'd like to give the basics for beginners
How to start replacing plastic today in 10 easy ways.
1) Stainless steel mug. Get a stainless steel travel mug for your coffee. Some of them have a plastic lid, but some don't. This means you can avoid Styrofoam at the coffee shop or gas station. Sometimes I keep a couple ceramic mugs in my car too. They could break and you could spill, and coffee gets cold faster, but maybe we should just sit and have a cup of coffee without always being on the go, anyway.
2) Stainless steel water bottle. Ditto. Don't use bottled water any more-- switch to tap water. We have great tap water here, unlike many places in the world where I have been where you can't drink what comes out of the faucet without getting very sick. Keep a few glass jars like peanut butter jars or mason jars nearby and fill up, or carry a stainless steel bottle around with you.
3) Paper or plastic? The best idea at the grocery store is to bring your own tote to take groceries home. Try keeping a few totes in your car so you don't forget them. If you only are buying one or two things, you don't need a bag at all. If you do get stuck, ask for paper. Sometimes you have to act FAST or else the clerks use plastic automatically, so practice asking first thing.
4) Buy bulk food in paper. Ask your grocery store to stock paper bags in the bulk section instead of plastic. (Whole Foods does, and I bet many co-ops and health food stores could too). If they don't, bring your own.
5) Dishclothes instead of sponges: switch to dish clothes like your grandma used to make. So easy, they work just as well, and they last longer. If you don't knit, hit up a church fair in the fall or summer craft fair and you'll be sure to find some.
Today I'd like to give the basics for beginners
How to start replacing plastic today in 10 easy ways.
1) Stainless steel mug. Get a stainless steel travel mug for your coffee. Some of them have a plastic lid, but some don't. This means you can avoid Styrofoam at the coffee shop or gas station. Sometimes I keep a couple ceramic mugs in my car too. They could break and you could spill, and coffee gets cold faster, but maybe we should just sit and have a cup of coffee without always being on the go, anyway.
2) Stainless steel water bottle. Ditto. Don't use bottled water any more-- switch to tap water. We have great tap water here, unlike many places in the world where I have been where you can't drink what comes out of the faucet without getting very sick. Keep a few glass jars like peanut butter jars or mason jars nearby and fill up, or carry a stainless steel bottle around with you.
3) Paper or plastic? The best idea at the grocery store is to bring your own tote to take groceries home. Try keeping a few totes in your car so you don't forget them. If you only are buying one or two things, you don't need a bag at all. If you do get stuck, ask for paper. Sometimes you have to act FAST or else the clerks use plastic automatically, so practice asking first thing.
4) Buy bulk food in paper. Ask your grocery store to stock paper bags in the bulk section instead of plastic. (Whole Foods does, and I bet many co-ops and health food stores could too). If they don't, bring your own.
5) Dishclothes instead of sponges: switch to dish clothes like your grandma used to make. So easy, they work just as well, and they last longer. If you don't knit, hit up a church fair in the fall or summer craft fair and you'll be sure to find some.
6) Buy glass when possible. Often times in the grocery store you can find glass bottles instead of plastic. Pick glass instead. Think: ketchup, vinegar, juice, etc. They usually come in both glass and plastic.
7) Washcloth: Anyone using a plastic scrubby thing in the shower can easily switch to a cloth washcloth.
8) Wooden spoons: Something about plastic on hot food sketches me out. I am a huge advocate of wooden spoons, spatulas, and kitchen supplies. Hit up yard sales, or buy new when you have to replace something.
9) B.Y.O.S.: Silverware. Bring your own fork and spoon in your bag with you when you go places. Avoid plastic cutlery that gets used once and then into a landfill it goes.
10) Wax paper and tinfoil: If you have to wrap something, put down the Saran Wrap and use wax paper or tinfoil instead.
So when I feel stuck on something plastic free like buying cheese (sneak preview of tomorrow's post) I'll try not to be frustrated and instead think about all the little easy ways we can use less plastic.
7) Washcloth: Anyone using a plastic scrubby thing in the shower can easily switch to a cloth washcloth.
8) Wooden spoons: Something about plastic on hot food sketches me out. I am a huge advocate of wooden spoons, spatulas, and kitchen supplies. Hit up yard sales, or buy new when you have to replace something.
9) B.Y.O.S.: Silverware. Bring your own fork and spoon in your bag with you when you go places. Avoid plastic cutlery that gets used once and then into a landfill it goes.
10) Wax paper and tinfoil: If you have to wrap something, put down the Saran Wrap and use wax paper or tinfoil instead.
So when I feel stuck on something plastic free like buying cheese (sneak preview of tomorrow's post) I'll try not to be frustrated and instead think about all the little easy ways we can use less plastic.
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