The first is to STOP buying bottled water! 2.5 million of these are used in the U.S. every single hour! Many of us recycle plastic when we are at home, but we all use bottled water when we are out and about town. These bottles then always end up in public trash cans instead of recycling bins. They are probably the most non-recycled item we consume. Why not save money and the earth by just using your own water bottle filled at home before you leave?? I am going to purchase a Kleen Kanteen (with the added bonus of not having plastic leaching chemicals into my water!) and some cutie Sigg bottles for each of my children. Environmentally responsible, inexpensive, clutter-free, and good for your body!
Another way to "reuse" is to stop buying coffee filters. This is a small way to save paper and money! I just bought this for a few dollars...it makes life simpler and I love the feel of cotton cloth goods. Isn't it amazing that the most natural ways of doing things also save money, the planet, and are more aesthetically pleasing? Reusable coffee filters are a small choice that is so easy to make and just this morning I poured my leftover coffee grounds into a bucket to compost! Here is a link to a place where you can make the switch too!
Finally, we can work together to stop using so much paper gift wrap. These Wrapsacks are a great way to wrap a gift and each bag has a code that can be entered at their website so that you can track your bag around the world! How fun is that to see the giving adventures your nifty little bag makes?These beautiful bags have given me the inspiration to make my own. If you have a sewing machine, why not spend an afternoon with a friend making your own beautiful cloth gift bags that others will love receiving and will love to give again?
Here's to reducing waste one small simple step at a time!
8 comments:
Yes! I use a metal container for water now. And glass in the fridge. The bags are charming (I just throw things loose into the cart... which causes consternation at the checkout.) And I've been making my own teas and just straining them. No packaging, and my compost is happy like yours.
Love seeing these changes, small as they are. Small things do add up.
Great links and ideas! I am suddenly enamored of the idea of making my own gift bags! Sounds like a fun thing to do with a friend.
Hi! Found you via Pieces...
I appreciate this post. There are so many LITTLE things we can do. I think people get bogged down thinking they have to change their whole lifestyle in one day. But it's just one little thing at a time!
(and I will definitely try the homemade gift bags...)
Aimee
Love the homemade gift bag idea. Great links as usual. :)
Aimee -- I needed to hear of these small steps of yours. Today, I was feeling especially weary of trying to make changes in my lifestyle when so many others are not. I can't worry about everyone else. I just need to make changes in my own life as I can.
Yea! Keep up the good work!
I'd never seen those bags before. It's a fun idea - tracking the bag.
I've given presents in new character pillowcases to children before. I'm not a big sewer, but the bag idea is a good one and easy!
These are some great ideas!! Thanks so much for sharing.
Hey!
Got my first Kleen Kanteen today---debating whether or not to completely toss my Nalgene, but suppose I won't need it anymore...
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