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I saw this headline last week, and while I read quite a bit about environmental initiatives and how I can make more of an impact on conservation through my daily choices, this gave me a little bit of pause. I have been uber-focused recently on my health and how my small healthy steps can make a huge impact on my life. But, there are also small, simple swaps I could be making to make a big difference for the planet! After reading that article and thinking through it, I realized I have been pretty lax recently with my routines surrounding single-use plastic, and I’m re-committing to getting back to avoiding plastic items that will immediately go right to the landfill.
What to use instead of Single-Use Plastics?
I have some go-to items that make it much, much easier for me to avoid using single-use plastics like disposable utensils, straws, grocery bags and containers. Here are some easy and affordable ways to decrease your use of plastic and help move us towards a cleaner, more sustainable environmental culture.
Quit using single-use utensils!
Plastic forks, spoons and straws are simply unnecessary. Keep a handy travel set of utensils with you in a bag or desk and all you need is a quick rinse to keep from defiling the earth.
This set of utensils in particular kinda comes with it all! Utensils for your meal and your beverage, as well as a handy cleaning tool. Find it at Amazon.
I also really love this set, it’s super cute and ready to go for your next campout….or lunch in your cubicle! This is another Amazon find, I’m addicted to Prime free shipping.
And this is my newest acquisition, it’s so simple and pretty. Get it here.
Easy-Snacking Food Storage
The single-use plastic I’m the guiltiest of keeping in my routine are plastic baggies. I started out my meal prep life keeping baggies of carrots, celeries and peppers constantly prepped and ready to go in the fridge. It’s been the most difficult habit to break for me! But these products have made it much easier and are quick to get into your rotation.
These are my favorite go-to re-usable sandwich and snack storage bags! They make it super easy to pack stuff away, and the flat-bottom design makes your fridge look more organized too! Get them here.
I’ve been checking these out lately too! I think these would be perfect for packing a little one’s lunch – or just your own, grown-ups can have fun too ;). Find them here.
Meal-Prep Storage
I know I’m already boring you with my meal-prepping ways, but I just can’t stop! This is my favorite meal prep container, it’s the perfect blend of container and separation, and I’ll just plug it one more time while I’m on the subject. Get it on Amazon here.
No more plastic grocery bags
When I first made the switch away from the plastic bags at the grocery store, my grocery bags were mostly the kind that were given away at events or company get-togethers, and they tended to fall apart pretty quickly. Upgrading to bags that cost a little bit more ended making things way easier, and at least these have never left me chasing oranges across the Hy-Vee parking lot! Find them here.
To-Go Cups
Stopping by the coffee shop is one of my favorite activities! I always try to keep a mug on hand so I’m not picking up a non-recyclable paper cup while I’m there.
This 14 oz. Yeti is probably my favorite thing I own. I can’t explain it, but it probably has something to do with being my favorite color and being a container for the elixir of life. Get it here.
This taller, peachier version is just as nice, and holds just a little bit more. Find it here.
What can you commit to?
With local and national-level governments all over the world making the commitment to reduce single-use plastics, it has a huge impact on the Earth and the flow of plastic from factory to ocean. Let me know if you’re making similar swaps as I am to help this cause and keep our bodies and our world a cleaner, healthier place!