If you are anything like me, you know that you can do more to reduce your environmental footprint, but you're not entirely sure how to other than recycling some soda cans.
As the new year rolled around, I started to think about how I could cut back on waste. I began to notice how many unnecessary products I used every day, such as lids, straws, paper handouts, etc. I realized that I did not have to make any drastic life changes to drastically reduce the waste that I created every day.
So, in 2018, I am going to do these 10 things to lessen my waste and protect our earth in any small way I can.
1. Don't use lids and straws
Straws, although handy, are completely unnecessary. The U.S. alone uses 500 million straws every day! Imagine how much waste we could cut back on if we just asked for no straws with our meals. While you're at it, plastic lids are also an extra plastic that we do not need. if you are dining in at a restaurant, simply request no lid.
2. Bring reusable bags to the store
Many of us have gotten into the habit of bringing reusable bags grocery shopping with us, but we forget all about them when we shop elsewhere. Just leave the bags in your car and they will be ready to use wherever you shop. Let's leave plastic bags in 2017.
3. Actually eat your leftovers
This tip is not only good for the earth but good for your wallet, as well. Think about how much food you let sit in a Tupperware container before it ultimately ends up in the trash. The average American household tosses 1,160 pounds of food every year, wasting almost $3,000 annually. We can cut back on this number by not over-buying and making sure to actually eat what we do buy.
4. Bring your own containers to the grocery store
It may seem kind of odd, but bringing your own containers to grocery stores that sell nuts and mixes in bulk can eliminate the need for the wasteful containers that stores usually provide. Plus, you do not have to transfer your goods to another jar when you get home!
5. Keep from using disposable utensils
I am definitely guilty of bringing plastic forks and spoons in my lunch box. However, it does not take much effort to switch out the plastic for the metal utensils that I already have in my kitchen. Remembering to bring reusable utensils is an easy way to reduce everyday waste.
7. Limit the amount of paper you use
As a dedicated book lover and collector, this one can be a bit hard, but it has a massive impact. Books and other paper products, like mail and magazines, all use lots of paper and most of them end up in the trash. When you can, pay your bills online or read on a tablet. Think of the trees you'll save!
8. Eat less processed food
It's is no secret that processed food is not good for you. They're also terrible for the environment. Not only do they need to be made in a factory, but they require a great deal of unnecessary transportation and packaging. Opting for an apple instead of a cookies or granola bar is a great way to stay away from packaging and processed food.
9. Bring a reusable bottle everywhere
Your cute Hydroflask or Camelback isn't just for H20. Bring it to restaurants, ask your barista to use your bottle rather than a cup, and use it at home. You will be amazed by how many cups you don't need.
10. Donate before throwing out
During your spring cleaning, separate anything that can be used again from trash. Donating clothes, furniture, and other home goods is a smart way to reduce your waste and making sure that helping others reuse before buying new.
Our planet is the only thing that every person on Earth shares. Let's do our part and keep her beautiful and safe for generations to come.