These mindful purchasing practices encourage us to reduce plastic consumption at the source, attacking the problem before plastic even enters our homes. While recycling and reusing are important, conscious purchasing decisions can help prevent plastic waste from being created in the first place, offering a long-term solution to a global issue.

THIS WEEKS HELPFUL HINTS

1 - NO STRAW PLEASE  It might seem trivial but we use millions of plastic straws each year. If you need or enjoy a straw in your drinks, there are many stainless steel, bamboo, and glass etc types of straws available. You can either carry one with you when you eat in restaurants or opt for no straw at all.

This is a personal action you can take, but to further the impact you are making, speak to the owner or manager of the restaurant and ask that they switch to paper straws and provide straws only upon request.  After a few weeks, either drinking without a straw , or carrying one with you will become a habit.  

2 - CARRY YOUR OWN UTENSILS - It is very handy to have your own eating utensils when you are out and about. There are bamboo sets in nice fabric pouches you can purchase that are easy to keep in your backpack, purse or car. Or you can make your own set. Just put a fork, spoon and knife, and chop sticks in a cloth napkin and keep it with you.

Think how many plastic utensils you have used for take out or in restaurants that use plastic instead of reusable silverware. Again, ask for no utensils when you are ordering your food.

To make a greater impact carry a set for a friend or for your family.

3 - REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE - So simple to do, yet over 500 BILLION plastic bottles of water are used each year. That is a staggering amount. Buy a filter pitcher or if you can afford it a filter system on your faucet if you want filtered water.  You will not only save money, but help the planet. And if you want to make a greater impact, talk with people about using pitchers of water and glasses at meetings, events etc instead of handing out plastic water bottles.  

4 - REUSABLE BAGS - We are probably all using reusable cloth shopping bags by now, but if not , why? One of the reasons I hear is that you but forget to take them to the store. Very solvable Put the bags on the door, or next to the door you use to exit your house. Put the bags on the front seat not in the trunk so they are in your view. After a few weeks it will become second nature to always have reusable bags with you. And don't forget to take them into all stores , not just the grocery store.

5- PRODUCE BAGS - When thinking about bags, go one step further and use produce bags instead of the plastic bags  offered in the produce dept. Even if the store you shop at offers compostable bags, the better alternative is no bag at all, especially if you cannot compost it. If you put it in the trash, it will be sent to the incinerator like all trash.

I hope some these hints have been helpful. Remember it is a journey. Keep advocating for less plastic use wherever you are. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]

Thanks for participating in the challenge.

Sustainably yours

Helene