Changes to be more environmentally-friendly, use less plastic
By maezee
@maezee (41985)
United States
August 12, 2021 4:17pm CST
One of my goals for this year has been to do a much better job at being more "green". Recycling more, reusing more, wasting less, and really focusing on using less plastic in general. I have been making some progress. Just to document, and maybe even give some others ideas (if anyone is looking for some), here is where I am at:
What changes I have made:
*Refusal to buy plastic water bottles unless absolutely necessary or absolutely unavoidable (when I travel..I have been buying the larger plastic gallons of water, which to my understanding is more easily recycled/better for the environment. Otherwise, I always use a reusable water bottle as we have good tap water here
*WHEN I run out of shampoo, conditioner and body wash (I currently have a bit of a stock pile from being a little bit of an aggressive shopper this last year) - I am planning on
switching to plastic-free options: shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and soap. I also would like to experiment with washing my hair with baking soda and vinegar (NOT at the same time, either baking soda OR vinegar)
*Trying to use reusable tote bags more often and avoid the plastic bags if possible (and if not, be sure to recycle the plastic bags!)
*Composting veggies, fruits, coffee, and organics...I already do this and has reduced the amount of trash my household creates dramatically (my city collects organics compost and does something with it....like puts it in a community garden or something, not sure)
*Upcycling recyclables when able - reusing plastic containers, spray bottles, etc. Also reusing gift bags and tissue paper.
*Participating in my neighborhood's Facebook BUY NOTHING group. Bought too much cilantro? Opened a can of coffee and hate the flavor? Have something that traditional donating won't work for - you can get rid of almost anything in these groups to your community (except tobacco/alcohol). I have gotten rid of MANY things I would have otherwise had to compost or throw away, so this has really helped!
*No more reusable utensils. I used to be naughty and use reusable utensils at work, mostly because it takes extra time (in my opinion) to keep track of single forks and spoons, wash them right away, etc. I made this change last week. No more plastic utensils!
*Reusable sandwich baggies. I found two rubber one at Aldi for less than $5. They don't seem to hold as much as regular baggies, but enough for a small snack. (I am sure they come in other sizes, too). You do have to hand-wash them - which adds a little more time to your schedule.
What I'm not doing well:
*Stil using disposable face masks (I end up using one about every 2 days - not good - but I have yet to find a reusable COVID face mask where it is breathable and folks can hear me well).
*DO BETTER recycling when I am out and about (IE: cans, cardboard, plastic, etc) when I am driving. I notice that a lot of gas stations, where I usually get rid of my trash-they often do NOT have recycling bins. I am OCD and feel like I need to get rid of any trash/recycling right away. Instead, I could stockpile it until I return home and recycle it then.
*DO BETTER at eating produce before it goes bad. Lately, this has been a real struggle.
Things I would like to look into:
*Beeswax coated cloth wraps instead of plastic cling film as substitute for plastic wrap (I have seen this but don't have much information, don't use a ton of plastic wrap, but it might be nice to have as a backup)
*Make your own snacks and energy bars (but then, if you made a large batch, it would be nice to wrap them in plastic LOL - defeats the purpose)
*Return containers for berries, cherry tomatoes, and other small fruits & vegetables to the farmers market to be reused.
*Facial scrubs and other products contain tiny plastic beads - usually in the exfoliant type products. Avoid these products as they are not completely biodegradable.
*I will EVENTUALLY trade out my habit of paper day planners for something digital, but I am just not ready to take that step quite yet. I love my paper planner!
Are you taking an environmental journey or making effort to be more environmentally conscious? If so, what have you done, or what is on your "to do list"? Or, have you found any fun new products that help you be more eco-friendly? Do tell!
4 people like this
3 responses
@kaylachan (84703)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
13 Aug 21
Over the past few years, I've noticed my husband and I aren't really that wasteful. We stopped letting food go bad years ago, and rarely have leftovers. Any plastic bags stores give us, we use as trash bags. The garbage truck comes twice a week, but we only take our trash out once a week. Our recycling fills up pretty quickly, and they come get that once a week. Wish they offered more recycable stuff, but it is what it is I suppose.
2 people like this
@porwest (112717)
• United States
24 Aug
Sometimes my wife gets irritated with me about the piles of plastic tubs from butter and sour cream and things I keep and reuse to store leftovers and other things. But I can't just throw them away. Eventually they do get worn out and I toss them into the recycling bin. I probably should thin some out, though. I probably have way more than I could ever use, and that goes for the plastic bags as well, although we do use them to line the cans in the bathrooms and laundry room, and use them when we empty the litter box.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84703)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Aug
@porwest We use them for the same. I use rolls of leftover ten gallon bags George once brought home from Pizza hut to store his underwear, but we haven't had to buy any for years. Thankfully.
1 person likes this
@porwest (112717)
• United States
24 Aug
@kaylachan Good you found a good use for them and can save some money.
1 person likes this

@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
18 Aug 21
i have been trying! Solar on the roof, more fuel-efficient car and reducing power in the house!
this is a great list of additional things I can try!!!!!!




