Reusable
1) Learn to say “No” to plastic bags
I know people that sit on a pile of plastic bags at home and when I ask them what they will do with them they do not know. To avoid this situation and also at the same time to do something for the environment you have to say “No plastic bags!” at the register before the clerk starts putting your items into the bags. Even if you have to say it multiple times, be persistent. This is particularly a problem in the US because your items are packed automatically into plastic bags without being asked beforehand if you want the plastic bags. I had the same problem as I moved here, because I was just simply overwhelmed and it was new to me. I ended up with a big pile of plastic bags until I started being consistent and persistent in saying no to them.
It seems to be also the case that people seem to not know what to do with their groceries without plastic bags. First, keep reusable bags always with you, e.g. in your car. If you forget them in the car just put the groceries back into the cart and put the groceries into the reusable bags at your car. A good alternative is foldable baskets instead of reusable bags.
There is also an advantage when you use reusable bags: Most of the stores offer discounts (Safeway, Lucky) or winning tickets for a bag full of groceries (Trader Joe’s).
I was particularly proud of being a good role model as the woman behind me at the register saw that I was putting my items in reusable bags and she then got reusable bags for herself. You could have the same effect on others!
2) Use reusable tumblers instead of paper cups and plastic bottles
As with the reusable bags carry your tumbler with you wherever you go, which is especially easy when you have a car. There are three main categories:
- Tumblers for hot beverages for your visit to the coffee shop: e.g. the Contigo Double Stainless Steal/Plastic Wall Tumbler with Autoseal Lid
- Tumblers for cold beverages when you stop by the next smoothie restaurants: e.g. the Copco Cold Beverage Mug
- Tumblers for water for your all day water supply: e.g. the Contigo BPA Free Water Bottle with Autoseal Lid
There is also an advantage of having your own tumbler with you: Some restaurants like Starbucks give you a discount. So the next time you bring your tumbler be sure to get your discount!
If you are at a restaurant that offers both a mug or a paper cup, like Panera Bread, choose the mug when you know that you are not going to leave with your drink. If you want to keep the option open, use your tumbler! I have seen people with throw away cups sitting in the restaurant to just throw them away before they are leaving.
3) Use actual “silverware” instead of plastic eating utensils
A lot of fast food restaurants as well as other restaurants that provide take out food offer plastic eating utensils. In this case you simply tell the employee that you do not need them. When you are eating on-the-go I can recommend the Zelco Mangia Set
4) If you do end up with a plastic cup and you have pets, you can reuse the cups!
These plastic cups are really good for scooping! You can use one cup to
scoop kibbles into the feeder, and if you have litter boxes you can scoop the sand into the litter box. I even use one plastic cup as a funnel. Works like a charm! I even reuse the straws because my cats like them as a toy! :-)
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