Most do not realize how much plastic we waste while buying and packaging groceries. Plastic Pollution Coalition states “Plastic litter from takeout orders — including cups, plates, cutlery, and straws — is a prime source of the estimated 269,000 tons of plastic pollution swept into waterways and oceans.” Today I want to talk about ways we can decrease our plastic usage and alternative products we can use.
Take out Orders
Take out orders are a major source of plastic Often these products include:
plastic wrap
plastic utensils
plastic straws
plastic bibs
plastic to-go containers
plastic storage containers
coffee cup lids
drink stirrers
When picking up food, ask for them without straws or plastic utensils. Most places do not have alternatives to plastic containers for food, so it can be hard to find an alternative for this from restaurants. Coffee/ tea is a major use of unnecessary plastic and paper containers. A lot of places, including Dunkin Donuts, will now fill your reusable thermoses.
Grocery/ Kitchenware Shopping Tips
- Try looking for products that are not heavily wrapped in plastic
- Bring your own cloth bag (instead of using plastic or paper bags)
- Use reusable produce bags
- Buy in bulk
- Get steel or glass containers to store food
- Instead of paper plates/ plastic utensils, buy reusable plates and utensils
- Use butcher, waxed and parchment paper wherever possible instead of plastic wrap
- Get reusable straws (wood, steel, etc) and a cleaner
Remember to recycle any plastic packaging possible.
Fun Fact: You can conserve water while washing your dishes! Check out this video to watch how.
