We hear constantly from environmental advocates about the amount of waste produced by modern society, and about the negative effects that waste has on the environment. Most people want to make a difference, but it is easy to feel as though that is impossible. With modern conveniences like plastic food packaging and bottled water, we often create waste without even thinking about it.
The modern lifestyle has made participating in the creation of waste almost mindless; it is more difficult to avoid participating. Still, you can build habits that will help you to reduce the amount of waste you produce. You may need to be more mindful, and spend a little bit more time on certain things than you are used to spending. However, you may also find that you will save some time and money in the long run.
In this article you will find a few suggestions of methods for re-using things. When you re-use things, you create less waste, and save money, too!
Re-use containers. Oftentimes you cannot avoid plastic containers, because no other option is provided. Almost anything purchased from a deli is going to come in one of these containers. The same goes for food-delivery orders. However, although you may not be able to avoid these containers, you can re-use them. Many of them are sturdy enough that you can use them for food storage, and therefore avoid buying Tupperware, foil, and bags that you would otherwise buy.
Re-use your plastic bags. Whether they are sandwich/ storage bags such as Ziploc makes, or grocery bags, you can save them and use them over again. Ziploc bags (or any other brand) can be simply cleaned and used again for their same purpose (as long as they didn't contain raw meat or anything else that might breed bacteria). Plastic grocery bags make excellent garbage bags for small trash cans, and can also be used as shower caps!
Do not buy snack foods that are packaged individually. They create more trash, and they also cost more money. You can buy things in bulk instead, and then divide them on your own. Buy a full sized package of tissues, for instance, and put them in sandwich bags you have saved, so that you can carry them in a purse or pocket. The same goes for chips, crackers, and other snacks.
Try to avoid buying too many single-serving drinks in plastic bottles, too. When you do buy them, save the bottles. Then, next time you want to take water or iced tea or some other beverage with you, re-use a bottle you already have rather than purchasing a new single serving.
The bottles that you do not re-use should be recycled, as all of your containers should be eventually. Instead of putting it in the trash, recycle it. That way, instead of taking up space in a landfill, it will be melted down and used to create something else, reducing the overall amount of waste.
No one person or one family can completely end the problem of excess trash we as a society produce. However, the more people who commit to making a change, the more likely it is that the change will have results. At the very least, you will save a few dollars and feel better about your own habits.
The modern lifestyle has made participating in the creation of waste almost mindless; it is more difficult to avoid participating. Still, you can build habits that will help you to reduce the amount of waste you produce. You may need to be more mindful, and spend a little bit more time on certain things than you are used to spending. However, you may also find that you will save some time and money in the long run.
In this article you will find a few suggestions of methods for re-using things. When you re-use things, you create less waste, and save money, too!
Re-use containers. Oftentimes you cannot avoid plastic containers, because no other option is provided. Almost anything purchased from a deli is going to come in one of these containers. The same goes for food-delivery orders. However, although you may not be able to avoid these containers, you can re-use them. Many of them are sturdy enough that you can use them for food storage, and therefore avoid buying Tupperware, foil, and bags that you would otherwise buy.
Re-use your plastic bags. Whether they are sandwich/ storage bags such as Ziploc makes, or grocery bags, you can save them and use them over again. Ziploc bags (or any other brand) can be simply cleaned and used again for their same purpose (as long as they didn't contain raw meat or anything else that might breed bacteria). Plastic grocery bags make excellent garbage bags for small trash cans, and can also be used as shower caps!
Do not buy snack foods that are packaged individually. They create more trash, and they also cost more money. You can buy things in bulk instead, and then divide them on your own. Buy a full sized package of tissues, for instance, and put them in sandwich bags you have saved, so that you can carry them in a purse or pocket. The same goes for chips, crackers, and other snacks.
Try to avoid buying too many single-serving drinks in plastic bottles, too. When you do buy them, save the bottles. Then, next time you want to take water or iced tea or some other beverage with you, re-use a bottle you already have rather than purchasing a new single serving.
The bottles that you do not re-use should be recycled, as all of your containers should be eventually. Instead of putting it in the trash, recycle it. That way, instead of taking up space in a landfill, it will be melted down and used to create something else, reducing the overall amount of waste.
No one person or one family can completely end the problem of excess trash we as a society produce. However, the more people who commit to making a change, the more likely it is that the change will have results. At the very least, you will save a few dollars and feel better about your own habits.
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