Have you heard the news? Our planet is in trouble. Our overconsumption of plastic bags and containers are wreaking havoc on our natural habitat, destroying marine life, and causing excessive waste buildup that is piling up at a faster rate than we can handle. Unfortunately, with the massive amounts of plastic waste that is being generated, only a mere 4.4% of it was recycled in 2018.
So, what can you do to help curtail this growing problem? Reducing your consumption of SUP (single use plastics) is a great way to start. Here are our 5 favorite ways to make a difference in the environment by bringing consciousness into your lifestyle choices:
1. Using multi-use bags instead of plastic bags
A single-use plastic bag can take up to 1000 years to disintegrate! Luckily, portable tote bags that are super lightweight and easy to carry aren’t hard to come by. The most important thing is to always make sure you have one available so you won’t have to use a plastic bag as a last resort for a last- minute food shopping trip. Buying items in bulk is always a good idea as it lessens the amount of packaging being used. You can even bring your own re-usable bags to the supermarket to carry your produce and so you’re not at the mercy of the store’s packaging.
2. Making your own cleaning supplies
Most detergents and household cleaning supplies are sold in plastic containers, making It difficult to purchase them without creating plastic waste. Today, many recipes are now available for concocting household cleaning supplies that are not only eco-friendly, but also more cost-effective! Making your own cleaning supplies is not only cheaper, but also limits the amount of harmful toxins you are exposed to in your home.
3. Re-using containers
Heard of BYOB? We challenge you to BYOC! If you want to order a take-out meal or buy a cup of coffee on the go, why not bring your own re-usable container? Most of them aren’t very heavy to carry around in a tote bag, and some food establishments will even give you a discount for bringing your own. Plastic straws are one of the top enemies, so if you must sip from a straw, bring your own stainless steel or biodegradable straw.
4. Use hygiene products that are eco-friendly
Deodorants, wipes, and soaps that are not eco-friendly can also cause significant harm to our earth. Two ways to tackle this challenge are: to make your own hygiene products at home, and to use products that are biodegradable. When going into nature you might not always have a trash readily available, creating a dilemma on how to best dispose of your personal care items such as wet wipes. COMBAT WIPES is a brand of outdoor hygiene wipes that are 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Using COMBAT WIPES is not only convenient, but allows you to rest assured that you are not damaging the beautiful nature you set out to enjoy.
5. Use cloth diapers
It is estimated that about 7.6 billion pounds of disposable diapers are discarded in the US each year. By using cloth diapers, you can not only save money, but protect the environment. Although it might seem like a hassle at first, think of the amount of waste you can reduce just by this small act. And hey, it’s only temporary!
The most important thing is to be CONSCIOUS. These lifestyle choices may take time, but small efforts can go a long way in preserving our beautiful planet.
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