Ditch Disposables

Summary: Reducing plastic use through using reusable items and buying food in bulk

Description

Did you know that the average American throws away approximately 185 pounds of plastic per year (EcoWatch)? Or that more than 40% of plastic is used just once before it becomes trash (Clean Water Action)? 

Challenge yourself to use as little plastic as you can. You can avoid using plastic bags and many other plastics as well. Keep reusable bags near your door or in your car trunk. Take a refillable water bottle. Bring your mug or thermos if you buy a drink. Many places such as Starbucks give you a discount for that! Ditch the plastic straws by bringing a reusable one (Target has a pack with 4 for less than $3). Besides being more eco-friendly, it will also save you money in the long run. So, ditch disposables by finding a more sustainable way to celebrate parties, eat outside or have a picnic!

Deep Dive

In 2019, Medfield enacted a plastic bag ban thanks to the efforts of the Medfield Plastic Reduction Initiative, local merchants, and town residents.

There are many substitutes for plastic bags in sizes, colors, and styles to suit everyone.    

You can make your own tote bag from an old or unused t-shirt. Upcycling clothing is a great and sustainable way to decrease your plastic consumption impact on the environment, as well as create one-of-a-kind pieces. 

Check out these resources to create your unique tote bag from a t-shirt, with no sewing!

https://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/how-to-make-tote-bag-from-t-shirt-no-sewing/

https://thethingswellmake.com/recycled-t-shirt-bags-review-of-7-ways/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgpaM3u2zng

Steps to Take

1. BYO: Bring your own!

Adopt the habit to bring your own reusable… everything! From plastic bottles and straws to disposable cutlery and paper napkins, everything can be substituted for a greener alternative. Invest in a reusable and durable water bottle with good capacity, an insulated mug, some metal straws, and some cloth napkins. Carry them around in your purse, bag, glove box, or backpack, and avoid unnecessary plastic consumption.

If you take your lunch to school or work get a sealable salad bowl or sandwich container. Some have reusable ice packs built in to keep your food fresh all day. 

2. Shopping = Ecobag

When you shop, remember to take a reusable bag. The first few times you may have to go back to your car to get it, but quickly it will become your habit. Or just carry everything in your arms!  It’s a short walk and will save the world a bag. 

Furthermore, did you know you can make a reusable bag from an old or unused t-shirt? Check out the Deep Dive on this action to create your unique cloth bag from a t-shirt! There are also small mesh bags for fruit and vegetables that can go in the washing machine when you do your normal laundry.

3. Choose Bulk/large sizes and refillable options

Single-use plastics are all over supermarkets for almost every product, from cleaning products to snacks. This creates a tremendous amount of waste for something used once. When you can, choose a refillable product or choose a large item and split it up at home rather than in single-serve packages. Did you know more and more establishments are offering the possibility to buy in bulk? Check out this amazing ZERO WASTE GROCERY GUIDE on where to shop in bulk in Massachusetts. Furthermore, companies, such as Cleancult, are recycling milk cartons and reinventing them to be used as detergent, liquid hand and dish soap containers.  You can also decant them into a reusable container if desired.