“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it” – Robert Swan
I’ll admit this health habit has more of a trickle down effect on our health than a direct effect, but it’s still super important. (That said, eliminating single use and even recycle-able plastic from the things we eat and drink is definitely a direct health benefit). We have to start thinking larger than ourselves if we want to leave future generations any kind of planet that is safe to inhabit.
Recycling is great. We love recycling! All those blue bins filled with things that aren’t going to the landfill. {Go us!!} We feel like we are really doing something good for the environment. And we are…but not as good as we could be. Most of us forget about the other two concepts in the Reduce/Reuse/Recycle campaign. It’s not just that it flows off the tongue better to say it that way. The principle of good/better/best is in play…in reverse, since the EPA started with reduce (the best) first. We have focused mainly on recycling (the good) because it’s more convenient to throw something in the bin, pull it to the curb, give ourselves a pat on the back and never thinking of it again.
In case you didn’t know, China has put stricter regulations on what they will accept from foreign countries. They have basically stopped accepting buying our recyclables, especially if they consider the items contaminated. {Hello, greasy pizza box}. We have become Aspirational Recyclers. We put something in the bin we hope can be recycled, then when it can’t be and has potentially contaminated everything it’s been in contact with, it all becomes trash. (For a list of things you may be incorrectly recycling click here. Sadly, I know I’m guilty of several of these).
So what’s an environmentally conscious person to do? Easy. Start looking at ways you are using convenience items at the expense of the environment. Here are some ideas to start:
First step, REDUCE:
- Stop buying single use items like disposable plates, water bottles, ziploc® baggies, etc.
- Don’t upgrade your phone just because your contract says you can or a new phone is released.
- Cancel unnecessary mail.
- Don’t take extra napkins, condiments or straws when you don’t need them (always make sure when you place a to-go or delivery order you tell them “just the food, please” so they don’t give you any of these extras.
- Be mindful of what you’re bringing into your home and remember that at some point these items will have to be disposed of.
- Change your Amazon Prime shipping options to the “delivery in fewest possible packages”. This option isn’t always two days, but it will take less resources and packaging.
Next, REUSE:
- Bring your own shopping bags when you shop.
- If you forget them {I’m guilty of this} and need to use the store’s bags make sure to recycle them in the store (most stores have the boxes to recycle at the front by the carts) next time OR use them in other ways…we like to use them on our dog walks for doody bags.
- Reusable water bottles. If you do anything please, please stop using single use water bottles. These, while admittedly super convenient, are massively polluting the environment. Read more here if you need some motivation.
- Reusable coffee/tea mugs. Tip: Starbucks will fill your personal mug for you. (They just can’t touch your lid). They will also give you 10 cents off your purchase for doing this. {score!}
- When you need to purchase something check your local Facebook groups, Craigslist, Freecycle or thrift stores to see if someone is trying to find a home for theirs.
Finally, RECYCLE (responsibly).
There are tons of creative ways to save plastic, paper and other unnecessary from our landfills and recycle centers. It takes a little pre-planning on our part, but I promise in the long run it will be worth it. As Annie Leonard reminds us, “There is no such thing as away. When you throw something away, it must go somewhere.” Truth.
Light and Love,
♥k