Jul 2, 2023·edited Jul 2, 2023Liked by Karen Friend Smith
Bravo Karen for reminding us all to use less single-use plastic. The thing that gets me -- and I'm guilty of using because there seems to be no alternative -- is all the plastic clamshell packaging for fresh produce and fruit. If I want salad greens, cherry tomatoes or berries, I have to buy them in plastic. Going to the farmer's market once/week is a possibility but not full solution for me. When did the produce industry adopt all this plastic packaging and how can we lobby for it to be changed? I will, however, try the farmer's market more.
I 100% agree! Drives me nuts! I need to look and see if there’s any sort of lobbying or efforts around this. I’ll see what I can find out. I’m certain there is. Need to see what the challenges are and if any solutions are out there. It must have to do with the crazy amount of transport for those items? I’m going to look into that. See if any progress is coming down the line.
I haven't used plastic bags in more than 15 years (except for those initial Trader Joe's nylon/plastic shoppers). I've used canvas bags for shopping and cotton mesh for produce for the past 4 years. I have travellers (both for iced w/metal straw and hot), and a glass water bottle I lug to/from work, along with cloth napkins and my own silverware. I LOVE my ZeroWater filter pitcher (yes, plastic but BPA-free) and if I'm in need of buying a beverage when I'm out, I go for glass (same for any condiments I buy). It's almost impossible to avoid plastic in our modern society (toothpaste tubes, blueberry boxes, whatever Amazon delivers, etc.), but how we choose to operate on a daily basis makes a difference. Thanks for the reminder, Karen. xo
My goal for the month is to use my own canvas grocery bag.
I don't know what to do about buying water in plastic bottles. I've tried everything to change. The only way I drink water is to buy Walgreen's 16.9 oz of purified water. Otherwise I don't drink water. It's a disgusting habit and I'm trying to break it, but nothing has worked so far, except I boil tap water and drink it hot as much as I can throughout the day... but tough to do in the summer and spring.
Love this goal Patti! It’s all about picking one thing & making progress. Don’t stress about all the others. There is always another thing to tackle. You can tackle water down the road. Meanwhile, keep drinking it! That’s the most important thing!
I’ll share some water tips in a future post. Meanwhile, I love this goal & can’t wait to here how it goes. It takes practice remembering to bring your bags, but it’s such a great step toward less plastic & you will feel great doing it
Bravo Karen for reminding us all to use less single-use plastic. The thing that gets me -- and I'm guilty of using because there seems to be no alternative -- is all the plastic clamshell packaging for fresh produce and fruit. If I want salad greens, cherry tomatoes or berries, I have to buy them in plastic. Going to the farmer's market once/week is a possibility but not full solution for me. When did the produce industry adopt all this plastic packaging and how can we lobby for it to be changed? I will, however, try the farmer's market more.
I 100% agree! Drives me nuts! I need to look and see if there’s any sort of lobbying or efforts around this. I’ll see what I can find out. I’m certain there is. Need to see what the challenges are and if any solutions are out there. It must have to do with the crazy amount of transport for those items? I’m going to look into that. See if any progress is coming down the line.
I'm giving up: plastic straws, plastic forks and all eating tools, and coffee cups. Barb M
Love this!! ❤️ July is a particularly hard month for all of stuff too - so many picnics and outdoor events. Will be cheering you on!!
I haven't used plastic bags in more than 15 years (except for those initial Trader Joe's nylon/plastic shoppers). I've used canvas bags for shopping and cotton mesh for produce for the past 4 years. I have travellers (both for iced w/metal straw and hot), and a glass water bottle I lug to/from work, along with cloth napkins and my own silverware. I LOVE my ZeroWater filter pitcher (yes, plastic but BPA-free) and if I'm in need of buying a beverage when I'm out, I go for glass (same for any condiments I buy). It's almost impossible to avoid plastic in our modern society (toothpaste tubes, blueberry boxes, whatever Amazon delivers, etc.), but how we choose to operate on a daily basis makes a difference. Thanks for the reminder, Karen. xo
These are all fantastic examples! Thank you for sharing! Like you said - all of these things add up & make a difference. 🤗
My goal for the month is to use my own canvas grocery bag.
I don't know what to do about buying water in plastic bottles. I've tried everything to change. The only way I drink water is to buy Walgreen's 16.9 oz of purified water. Otherwise I don't drink water. It's a disgusting habit and I'm trying to break it, but nothing has worked so far, except I boil tap water and drink it hot as much as I can throughout the day... but tough to do in the summer and spring.
Great read, thank you.
Love this goal Patti! It’s all about picking one thing & making progress. Don’t stress about all the others. There is always another thing to tackle. You can tackle water down the road. Meanwhile, keep drinking it! That’s the most important thing!
I’ll share some water tips in a future post. Meanwhile, I love this goal & can’t wait to here how it goes. It takes practice remembering to bring your bags, but it’s such a great step toward less plastic & you will feel great doing it