Time and time again I come to the terrible reality that we live in based on the decisions we have been making as the human race. Specifically this summer where in many places the heat is surpassing past records and the ice caps are basically nonexistent. I have come to terms that we need to change or else the next generation will not have the joy of experiencing everything that we have. In order for a change to happen we have to be aware that there are steps we can take to reduce the amount of waste we go through everyday.
1. Reusable Bags
GiphyI think this one we have all heard but fail to do. We may think that they’re to expensive or inconvenient, but really it’s a small price to pay for a bigger cause. If anything they’re are alternatives other than buying them at the grocery store like amazon or even on eBay. Imagine how much less plastic you would waste.
2. Reusable Straws
GiphyBy now everyone has seen that video going around about the turtle with the plastic straw in its nose. Every day we go through millions of straws and it’s as easy as buying a reusable straw. They even have straws that can be attached to your key chain! Spend the extra 5 dollars and have a straw that you can use whenever needed.
3. Buy in Bulk
GiphyGet yourself that Costco membership. Not only will you not regret it, but you will also be a little more eco friendly. If you buy in bulk the less likely you are to have excess plastic wrapping on your grocery purchases.
4. Reusable Cups
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Living in the northwest my whole life I can say coffee is a big thing. I love my Starbucks just like the next girl but I decided to invest a little more cash and buy myself reusable cups. Now everywhere I go I can just ask them to put it in my cup for me.
5. Razors
GiphyI don’t realize how many razors I would go through until of recent. Most of us use disposable razors that are a couple uses and then are thrown out, in order to solve this problem a reusable razor is a great option. This way you would not have to replace the whole component, but just the blade.
6. Lighters
GiphySomething that I notice especially in the Northwest is the use of lighters. Most lighters that you can buy at the convenience store are PLASTIC! For all you smokers out there please use metal lighters and/or matches.
7. Beverages
GiphyI previously mentioned the use of reusable cups for you coffee, but one other thing to note here is the packaging in which most beverages come from. Most of the time juices and sodas that we buy and every other drink out there come in plastic bottles. There are alternatives to that like juices in a can and sodas in can. If you look hard enough you can buy almost any drink in a non plastic container.
8. No plastic on your face
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It’s important to know that toothpaste and face washes can contain micro plastics that pollute the ocean waters. When you wash your face or even brush your teeth it all just goes down the drain. Be aware of what you are using and with what you can potentially replace it with or simply make your own.
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