As stewards of God’s creation, we must do our part to improve the health of our environment and its inhabitants. While recycling is very worthwhile for metal, glass and paper, at least 91% of all plastic will end up being buried, burned, or in our oceans and waterways. We can shift away from our throw-away culture by: 1) bringing reusable shopping bags. 2) bringing reusable produce bags. 3) carrying reusable water bottles. 4) carrying reusable cutlery (kits are available or bring from home). 5) saying no to plastic straws (carry reusable metal or glass straws). 6) buying in bulk using our own reusable bags and containers for many non-perishable foods, cleaning and personal care items. 7) bringing reusable mugs for coffee or tea (or carry drinks from home in an insulated glass or metal mug). 8) limiting purchases of products in plastic clamshells, snacks packaged in non-recyclable foil or plastic-layered wrappers and bags. 9) packing lunches in reusable containers (metal or glass to limit exposure to toxins found in plastic food ware. 10) bringing reusable take-out containers to restaurants or wrapping leftovers in a paper napkin.
This list is offered by Beyond Plastics, which also provides resources for reusable non-plastic products made in the USA, and merchant information for buying in bulk. Using as many of these tips as possible will have a positive impact on the planet and might save us money, too!