Create Less Waste – Here Are 10 Easy Ways
Plastic is something that we all use in our daily lives, likely without giving a second thought to it. If you are already vegan, chances are you care about the animals, the environment and are ready to create less waste.
Did you know that plastic is something that hurts both animals and the earth?
In fact plastic ends up in the ocean and waterways, polluting natural habitats. It also ends up inside the stomach of creatures such as birds, whales, turtles, and fish.
It might seem impossible to cut plastic out from your life completely, but if you follow these 10 simple steps to create less waste, you will be making an immense difference.
Here are 10 simple switches you can make to create less waste:
#1. Use Re-usable Grocery Bags
This is probably the most popular way to cut down on plastic, but it’s one of the most effective. Never leave anywhere without a re-usable grocery bag. If you often forget things, always keep a couple in your car so each time you go to the grocery store, you’re never without them.
#2. Switch Your Straws
Instead of using plastic straws, switch to bamboo or stainless steel straws. Try to always keep an extra one in your purse or bag so that even if you get a drink somewhere, you can still use your re-usable straw then.
Simply ask for “no straw please” when you order. Here’s an affordable brand of bamboo straws you can get from Amazon, click HERE.
#3. Start Using Produce Bags
When you go to the grocery store, they always have plastic bags available for you to put your fruits and vegetables in. Instead of using these wasteful bags, you can bring re-usable mesh produce bags instead!
They are lightweight so they won’t add to the price of the item, and you can use them thousands of times.
They are machine-washable as well. They can be found on Amazon, HERE.
#4. Bring Your Re-usable Water Bottle Everywhere
Plastic water bottles are so detrimental to the environment. Yet, people still buy them every day. Bring a reusable water bottle with you everywhere so that when you are thirsty, you never have to buy plastic water bottles.
Not only is this better for the environment, but it will save you money as well. Most places now have re-fill stations so you can fill up wherever you go.
#5. Bring Your Own Container for Takeout and Leftovers
If you are going to order food for takeout, bring a container from home and ask them to put the food in there.
Most places use styrofoam, which cannot break down. Some places might even offer you a discount for bringing your own containers! When you eat at a restaurant, you can also keep a container in your bag in case you have leftovers that you want to bring home.
#6. Carry Bamboo Utensils With You
In your purse or backpack, it’s always smart to have a set of bamboo utensils with you. This way, you’ll never have to use the plastic cutlery that 99% of people just throw out after they use it.
You can find great bamboo utensil sets on Amazon HERE.
#7. Use Silicone Baking Mats Instead of Parchment Paper
Silicone mats are an amazing investment. They do the same job as parchment paper, but better. They are totally non-stick and so easy to wash. They come in many different sizes too.
You can purchase them on Amazon HERE.
#8. Bring A Reusable Mug When You Order Coffee or Tea
There is nothing wrong with ordering coffee or tea, but most of those cups aren’t even recyclable.
Mostly all coffee shops will make coffee or tea in your reusable mug for you if you just ask when you order your drink.
#9. Eat More Whole Foods
Processed foods always come in packaging. The more whole foods you eat (specifically fruits and vegetables), the less plastic you will be making.
#9. Buy Food in Glass Jars instead of Plastic or Cans
Buying foods in glass jars is great because you can re-use the jars! Cans are recyclable, but it’s always better to re-use items if you can. You can buy almost anything in jars now (fruits, vegetables, pickled foods, applesauce, etc).
#10. Lead By Example
If your friends and family members see you bringing your cloth bag to the grocery store, that might inspire them to do it too. Same with if you bring your own cutlery and containers when you get takeout food. Every little thing you do makes a difference and can inspire someone.
Even if you only do a few actions from the above list, you are making a difference and lowering your carbon footprint.
To make things easier for you if you are just getting started with your actions to create less waste check out this starter kit on Amazon. Click HERE or on the image below.
Description: A perfect gift or starter set! These 6 bags will cover everything needed for trips to the market.
The Canvas & Jute XL Tote is great for large and bulky items and holding your full produce bags.
The Market String Bag, with it’s amazing expanding capacity, is perfect for larger produce, artisan breads, and other goods.
2 Muslin and 2 Mesh produce bags take care of the fruits & veggies, and double as storage bags at home.
Long lasting, heavy-duty construction will allow you to save paper and plastic bags for many years.
Since they’re made of organic cotton and native jute, they bring additional benefits to the environment and our health by avoiding the highly toxic pesticides, fertilizers and processing chemicals used in regular cotton crops.
Great for you! Great as a gift too!
Please let me know in the comments below if you have any other tips that I can add to this list!
As always be sure to use the social media icons below to share so we can continue to spread awareness around helping the animals, the people and the environment.