Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Three quick ways to start using less plastic today

As I said in Transformation Green we are starting off slow and simple for my friends that aren't yet green.

Tip #1- Three quick ways to start using less plastic today.

1. Reusable shopping bags:
Stock-pile a collection of reusable bags to take with you to the store.  I leave them in my car.  Stores like Stop and Shop take $.05 off your bill for every bag you use.  If you use 5 bags per week that is $1/month and $12 a year, over time that adds up.   Reusable bags are better for the environment and you'll have a little extra money in your pocket.  Who doesn't like that?

2. Reusable water bottles:
Plastic bottles contain a chemical called "Bisphenol A".  It clings to the plastic and is harmful to your health.  If you choose to invest in a reusable plastic water bottle make sure it is BPA free.  However, the best choice is using one that is stainless steel.  If we all used reusable water bottles there would be a lot less plastic in the world.

3. Glass containers for storing food:
Hubby and I are big on packing lunch and storing left overs.  It's another way for us to save money.  We always try storing our food in glass containers, rather than plastic ones.  It also makes it easier to reheat things, since you should never heat anything up in a plastic container. Investing in some glass containers for food storage is another simple way to be more green.  

If you don't feel like lugging a glass container back and forth to work or while traveling then invest in some reusable sandwich bags.  They may be easier to fold up and stuff away once you are finished.  Either choice you can't go wrong, it's better for you and our planet in the long run.

Remember that something is better than nothing.
If we all tried to change something little each week, it would make a big difference over time.  

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post.  Stop and Shop is my local grocery store that I shop in regularly.

2 comments:

  1. I like your reminders to start small. You don't have to change the world all at once, but small changes really do make a difference!

    We have been using glass food storage containers for a few years now, and it's so much cheaper. I use ziplocs for some things or just for emergencies, but I wash them out and reuse them as much as I can before I toss them. I don't spend nearly as much money on food storage as I used to!

    ReplyDelete
  2. We use glass containers and even used glass bottles for the kids. I like the reminder that bringing your own bag has the added benefit of saving money. Another way to save on plastic is to bring your own mug if getting coffee/tea to go. Those lids are overflowing in our landfills. Often you get a discount for bringing your own too.
    Sounds like you are really making impactful changes.

    ReplyDelete

Feel free to share your thoughts. I love to hear from you. Thanks for reading!