![A Smart [Life] Style](http://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57280a9cc6fc084300afa805/1515034372587-G7S4O9OEKTSNCDQC5WB7/IMG_2374+2.JPG?format=1500w)
America has become a land of convenience and waste, but the good news is there is an increasing sense of awareness. I think as a nation, we are becoming more aware of making small changes every day to better ourselves, as well as our planet. Over the past few years I have become more concious of reducing waste and using less plastic. This year, the Earth Day Campaign is dedicated to ending plastic pollution. Plastic is poisoning the oceans and marine life, disrupting human hormones, and littering our earth. Check out a few startling statistics about plastic and the environment. (earthday.org)
-Humans buy about 1,000,000 plastic bottles per minute. Only about 23% of plastic bottles are recycled in the United States.
-It is estimated that 4 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year. Only 1% of plastic bags are returned for recycling. Americans throw away 100 billion plastic bags annually.
- Over 500,000,000 plastic straws are used each day in the United States.
- 500 billion disposable cups are used every year.
This is a list of my top ways to reduce the use of plastic in your home. Every little bit helps and be sure to pass on this knowledge to your friends and family.
1. Reusable Bags
When you go to the grocery store be sure to bring your own reusable bags and produce bags. I often buy in bulk so I will bring my own glass jars as well. Here are my favorite product bags, you can also use them for bulk items like rice, pasta, nuts, oats, etc.
2. Stasher Bags
Stasher Bags are a great alternative to zip lock bags. These bags are self sealing, come in a variety of sizes, and made from 100% pure platinum food-grade silicone. Stashed bags are safe for the freezer, microwave, dishwasher and boiling water. Unlike plastic bags, Stasher bags contain no petroleum, no PVC, and no latex.
3. Reusable Straws
The amount of plastic straws polluting our oceans is staggering. You can easily make a difference by politely refusing straws when dining out and encourage friends and family to do the same. You can also reach out to local restaurants and eatery's in your community and suggest they only give straws to patrons upon request. I have been carrying stainless steel straws in my bag for my kids to use when we are out. This a great way to reduce straw pollution and also teach the next generation to be earth conscious.
This my favorite straw set, it includes a variety sizes, two brush cleaners and a muslin bags to keep straws sanitary in your bag.
4. Bee's Wrap
I have blogged about this great alternative in the past. This product is the natural alternative to plastic wrap. Bee's Wrap is handmade in Bristol, VT by infusing organic cotton with beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. Bee's Wrap is washable, reusable, and compostable. And the best part...it works!
5. Reusable Stainless Steel Tumbler
If you are anything like me, I am always running out the door in the morning. As much as I would love to quietly sip hot coffee on the couch, it rarely ever happens. I am huge fan of the french press. Each morning I make coffee and pour it into a stainless steel reusable tumbler to bring with me on the go. This keeps my coffee hot and tasting fresh all morning. If I need to stop at a coffee shop for a refill, I have my reusable cup on hand.
Did you know that paper coffee cups are not recyclable? I just learned this startling fact. Though they are made largely of paper, disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic polyethylene, which is tightly bonded to the paper making the cups waterproof and therefore able to contain liquid.
My favorite is the Yeti, it keeps your favorite drink hot or cold for hours!
I also highly recommend this book to keep on hand as a resource for greener and cleaner living while keeping your sanity.
