We’ve made it! It is the last day of Plastic-Free July. This time it was more difficult than before, at least for us. Bulk bins where I could use jars and a funnel brought from home we live have been filled with pre-packaged bulk goods. Most produce has been wrapped in some form of plastic, and we quickly found that most things are no longer recyclable (i.e. mixed-materials packaging). So many aspects of life have changed, but you learn to adapt.
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Plastic-Free July: Day 30, Acceptance 😌
Tomorrow is the last day of our Plastic-Free July journey for 2020. Thank you so much for sticking with me! We explored plastic-free swaps, how to turn kitchen scraps into a mini garden, the impact of the current pandemic, and more. Now it is time to take stock of what we have accumulated and come to terms with the outcome. Given the current state of things, living plastic-free has not be easy by any means. More and more items, aside from the usual packaged products, are coming wrapped in plastic. Reusable bags and containers brought from home are not allowed in stores, which makes sense given these uncertain times, but can be frustrating.
Continue ReadingPlastic-Free July: Day 22, The Final Countdown
We are in the final days of Plastic-Free July, which is really exciting. Every year I learn something new. The state of plastic usage changes, and this year was so different from the times before. This pandemic has changed how bulk sections are treated, and most places won’t allow personal reusable cups, bags, etc. Can you bring your own cups and bags? Sometimes, but doing so increases the risk for employees and everyone else. Just because you see your item as being sanitized doesn’t mean that it is. There are also people who are asymptomatic who go out and unknowingly spread the virus. This issue is so multifaceted. Right now, if you can limit risk, do it. Also, don’t lie or say things to manipulate the situation in your favor (i.e. “But I was able to use my container last time.”). Employees aren’t stupid, and (whether or not you mean to) you’ll sound like an entitled jerk. This virus isn’t as straightforward as we want to think. Insert tangent:
Continue ReadingPlastic-Free July: Day 15, Regrowth 🌱
If you have a windowsill that gets some sun, you can save on plastic-packed produce by regrowing some items. I have found that celery and green onions are the easiest. A jar with a tiny it of water at the bottom is all you need. Place the veggies in, and you should see that roots have grown in about a week or two. If you are growing celery, you’ll want to cut a small amount off of the end to allow for the roots to grow. Green onions grow in no-time. Ginger, lemongrass, onions, potatoes, etc. can all be grown from scraps if you have a bit of space. The one thing that I’m not a fan of is lettuce. I have successfully grown lettuce, but it is very bitter in comparison to the original leaves. If anyone knows why, let me know in the comments.
Continue ReadingPlastic-Free July: Day 14, Swaps II
The first swaps post for Plastic-Free July 2020 included laundry detergent, gum, and suggestions for plasticware that is considered single-use. There are countless swaps for items we use every day. We can also repurpose those items once their initial purpose has been fulfilled. Here are some suggestions for more plastic-free swaps, some of which are included in the purchase of goods:
Continue ReadingPlastic-Free July: Day 12, Unavoidable Plastic
By now I probably sound like a broken record. At the current time, where I live, plastic is pretty much unavoidable. How do you reconcile with the increase in plastic waste? The biggest thing for me is to focus on the future. There will be a time when we won’t have to buy in plastic, but until that happens, we have to make do with what we have. I have bought less snack items and began to make more of my own. I have also looked for compostable packaging, and at the very least, plastic packaging that I can recycle or reuse. Tofu containers make great soap molds or mini planters. Plastic produce bags can be used for holding any trash you accumulate. The saying goes something like, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” Well, the same can be said for plastic.
What are you doing with the unavoidable plastic that has come in? Do you have any creative uses? Let us know!
Peace & Love, always!
Plastic-Free July: Day 11, All-Over Body Care 🦷🧼
Going plastic-free is challenging enough, especially with the current pandemic. Stores here are once again running out of products, and many people are on a tight budget. I love finding plastic-free options, but am also aware that they tend to cost quite a bit more. That shampoo bar is going to cost quite a bit more than the largest plastic bottle of shampoo at Target. Please know that I am aware that these suggestions may not fit everyone’s budget, hair type, skin type, etc. If there are cheaper alternatives, let me know in the comments.
Continue ReadingPlastic-Free July: Day 10, Medical Waste 🏥
I see time and time again that people with medical waste feel guilty when they choose to go low-waste or zero-waste. I cannot stress this enough: STOP FEELING GUILTY! Medical waste should never be counted. There are reasons for medication bottles, IV bags, tubes, etc. being single-use and being plastic. There are specific, sanitary reasons for this. If you are feeling guilty, ask yourself why you are feeling this way, because you shouldn’t. Can you imagine if bandages or ostomy bags were multi-use? Or if the tubing for your IV came from another patient? With changes in medicine came changes in hygiene practices, and with the invention of plastic, patients (at least where I live) no longer need to wonder if their medical waste was originally hooked up to another patient.
Continue ReadingPlastic-Free July: Day 9, Handling Judgment 🧐
Today’s post is going to be a short one. Those who are a part of a low-waste, zero-waste, and/or plastic-free lifestyle are all too familiar with the judgment that accompanies it. That odd look when you use washable produce bags, or the side-eye when you use your own jar in the bulk bin. While we can’t use them now, there will most likely, be a time when we can again. Even though we shouldn’t care what people think, even a stranger can influence how you feel about what you’re doing. I get asked all the time, “What is the trick to not feeling weird?” The truth is, I don’t have the answer. Everyone responds in a different way.
Continue ReadingPlastic-Free July: Day 8, Plastic Waste and Quarantine
Admittedly I have purchased so much more in plastic, and it’s not all by choice. I have always tried to be as transparent as possible when it comes to purchases I make. While I am not plastic-free, I strive to have as low-waste a life as possible. Unfortunately the package-free strides we were making have gone by the wayside since the pandemic. In all honesty, if dealing with more plastic waste, and waste in general, means that it might lessen the spread, then I’m all for it.
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