Avoiding Plastic | Less Consumption | Waste Free
Being a good steward to the environment involves an awareness of lifestyle choices that can be damaging to the environment. One industry that exploded in the past century was plastics. The cheap, disposable convenience of these products led to them becoming ubiquitous. It is only fairly recently that we have begun learning about the negative drawbacks plastics have on human health, as well as on the health of the entire planetary ecosystem. Seeing the devastating toll that plastic is taking on the oceans and all the life within them is inspiring many to change their ways.
Here are some helpful articles and resources for minimizing environmental impact.
Say no to single use plastics.
Exchange plastic products for things that are made of glass, metal, cardboard, bamboo, and wood to name a few. Please find a resources list for household items here.
Change out your toiletries for items that are in glass, aluminum, or biodegradable cardboard. For ideas click here.
Make the simple switch to only purchasing condiments in glass.
Grow your own food if possible.
Support Farmers Markets - remember to bring your own bags and containers (mason jars work great for many things).
Choose a plant-based diet.
Celebrate leftovers: quick, easy, little cleanup, and good for the environment - link to food waste.
For produce avoid produce packaged in plastic - bring your own reusable cotton produce bags.
Buy bulk - save money and get back to the basics.
Bring your own containers with their tear weight. Support greener stores like Whole Foods that encourage consumers to bring their own supplies for transporting.
Always shop with reusable bags.
Back to basics - make your own cleaning products: Vinegar, Baking Soda, and lemons work like a charm. Click here for plastic free household supplies.
Use a reusable water bottle.
Bring your own coffee cup to the coffee shop.
When eating out bring a dining out kit.
Refuse plastic, disposable cups & lids, take out trays, and straws. Pack your own kit so you have a solution in hand.
For children go natural - avoid plastic toys - invest in a small collection of curated toys made of natural materials like wood and organic cotton. Find great ideas here.
Feeling ambitious? Read more about the Zero-Waste trend here.
ARTICLES | BLOGS
7 Things You Didn’t Know About Plastic (and Recycling) | National Geographic | April 4th, 2018
7 Zero Waste Blogs To Start Your Plastic-Free Journey | Audrey Stanton | The Good Trade
10 Zero Waste Bloggers You Should Know | Katherine Martinko | TreeHugger | March 2nd, 2017
18 Ways to Create a Waste Free Kitchen | Abigail Hopkins | The Clean Life
20 Ways to Give Up Plastic (and the Toxins in it) | Small Footprint Family
Action Nan: Retired teacher’s war on plastic waste | AXA | July 31st. 2019
For Animals, Plastic Is Turning the Ocean Into a Minefield | National Geographic | June 2018
Treading My Own Path | Lindsay Miles
BOOKS - WASTE FREE | PLASTIC REDUCTION
All You Need Is Less | Madeleine Somerville
Plastic Purge | Michael SanClements
Sustainable Home | Christine Liu
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Zero Waste Organizations in California
SHOPPING RESOURCES
5 Gyres - Plastic Free Shopping Guide
Amazon - Love them or not they now feature a Zero Waste Section.
Chewy - For those with animals I love this company, their shipping is fast, there is never an excess in their packing and their customer service is unparalleled.
Etsy - Countless venders and a great way to support small businesses and craftsman. Great source for soap dishes, gifts, or specialized needs.
Life Without Plastic - Plastic free, zero-waste essentials.
Mighty Nest - A healthy, green shopping subscription.
Package Free Shop - Zero Waste Items.
Wild Minimalist - Zero Waste Packing & Plastic Free Shipping Materials.
The Zero Market - No packaging shopping website.
SITES
VIDEOS & CLIPS
California’s Plastic Revolution | The Story of Stuff Project
Going plastic-free with kids | BBC | August 14th, 2018
How Plastic Production Pollutes Small Towns | The Story of Stuff Project
Inside the Garbage of the World
The Arctic farmer trying to make his town more sustainable | BBC News | May 15th, 2019
The Story of Cosmetics | The Story of Stuff Project
The Story of Microbeads | The Story of Stuff Project
The Story of Microfiber | The Story of Stuff Project
Where Your Plastic Ends Up- The Story of Plastics | The Story of Stuff Project
Track your trash for a week to see where you might be able to lessen your impact.