FIVE WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE AND USE LESS PLASTIC

Here are a few ideas on how to reduce your waste. 

1. Pay attention to how much packaging is in your grocery cart ​

We'll 100% admit that this isn't easy. Convenience is a weakness we all share so we can probably all agree that this can be HARD. But, with a tiiiiny bit of planning, this can be super simple. Starting by saving your jars or buying mesh reusable vegetable bags and keeping them in your car is an easy to be prepared to save the world. Think of them like your super suit or that cape you keep handy just in case you're in a pinch. You never know when you need to save the world, or ya know, when you run out of bananas or beans and need to stop by the store.

​2. BYOB (Bring your own Bag)

This kinda sounds the same as number one but hear me out. My mom carries these reusable bags all around no matter the occasion and I used to think she was crazy but it turns out, she's a genius. There are so many instances where that thing gets whipped out and she saves the day. 

Okay, so California and Hawaii make it really easy to do your part every time you go grocery shopping here because if you don't bring your own bags, you have to pay for paper ones. So, with a little bit of training, we've gotten really good at bringing bags every time we go to the store. I recently found these cute lil produce bags on amazon for when we get fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. We've also just collected reusable bags that we keep in the car so we're prepared to bag our stuff and feel good about saving the planet. 

2. Shop at thrift stores

THRIFTING IS SO MUCH FUN. This is one of the impactful (and fun) ways you can reduce your waste. Fast fashion clothing often ends up in landfills. The chemicals on the clothes, such as the dye, can cause environmental damage by leaching the chemicals into the ground. By shopping at second hand store you're able to recycle goods instead of forcing fast fashion chains to produce more waste.

4. Carry around utensils in your wallet

Okay I know this sounds crazy. But do me a favor really quick and think about every single use plastic spoon, fork or knife you've ever used and thrown away. Every ice cream date, and Chipotle lunch you've ever thoughtlessly been given or reached for that pre-packaged cutlery. Now think about how you can carry around cutlery in your wallet and never feel guilty about adding to landfills through mindless thinking. Most of these tips are really simple and only a matter or making a small purchase and then remembering how cool that purchase is. 

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5. Walk/bike or carpool when you can

This is sort of a no-brainer but Ben and I are lucky enough to live in Santa Cruz where we both get to walk or bike to work every day which has been incredible to feel like we're making that little bit of difference. We know not everyone can walk or bike to work but it's always possible to choose walking over driving at least some of the time. Recognizing and taking those opportunities can really start to add up when you think about all of the CO2 emissions our cars release. So next time you go to the movies or the store or out to the movies, try walking, biking, or carpooling when you can :) 

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