Be a Mindful Shopper and Reduce Waste: Ideas for Parents
Ideas for Earth Friendly Products
It is no secret that our landfills are filling up at mock speed and we are running out of options to dispose of our trash. We are also learning that soon there will be more pieces of plastic in the sea than there are fish. Depressing, right?! Did you know that you can make a difference? I often feel helpless when I hear these updates, like my little efforts do not make much of a difference. But I am wrong to think that. If everybody works to make little changes in their lives, WE CAN make a difference. For starters there are big movements out there to continue to clean up the oceans. Businesses across the globe are really trying to find ways to sell more products that source materials from renewable resources and help combat our war on waste. But families and individuals can pitch in as well. It does take effort to change our wasteful habits. I am still working on it but I have got to keep at it and eventually the new less wasteful ways will become the norm. Remember what the American Cultural Anthropologist, Margaret Mead, said:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
--Margaret Mead
So don't give up hope! We can do this if we all work together, little by little. Below are some ideas and products to get you started and please comment at the end of this post if you would like to share more ideas!
Let's start with snacks, school lunches and eating out with kids. For me, this takes some work but again, totally possible.
Repurpose Plastic Containers Since China's recycling ban we have a bit of a recycling conundrum. In my area, as far as plastic goes, we can only recycle #1 and #2 drink containers. That leaves us with a lot of plastic bins from products we as a family love. Whenever possible try not to buy plastic. Look for glass alternatives. I realize that is a tough one. I am struggling with it myself. When I do buy plastic I am really making an effort to wash and clean the containers and plastic bags to reuse them. Try this nifty little stand by FloWorks Design for drying plastic bags and other reusable items. In all honesty I cannot keep track of a matching tupperware container and it's lid, to save my life. BUT I can mix and match most of the plastic tubs that I have been washing and reusing, so hey, repurposed food storage and snack containers for the kids! WooHoo! Hey speaking of snack containers....try these alternatives to plastic wrap or ziploc bags.
Eco Friendly Snack Bags
Reusable lunch and snack bags There are some fun options out there for reusable snack and lunch bags. Check these out by Ava and Kings or these by Wegreeco or these by Bumkins.
Beeswax Food Storage Wraps This stuff is the real deal. I used to wrap my kids food in plastic wrap or ziploc bags but that is a lot of waste that just gets thrown away. Now I have begun to pack my kids lunches in Beeswax wraps and my kids love the subtle honey smell of the wraps. Check it out here.
Eco Lunch Box And then of course you can always go with the reusable lunch box with all of the different compartments. Simple and easy to clean. Check out this one by ECOlunchbox
Some Ideas for Things to Bring Along When Eating Out Eating out poses another quandary. For starters, kids LOVE straws, right!? According to the Ocean Conservancy, "Plastic Straws are among the top 10 most common items found on the beach". You can check this out and more ideas for reducing waste here. Not only are they found in the ocean and on the shore but many sea creatures ingest straws which can be very harmful. Thankfully, there is a big movement to ban straws, even Starbucks is catching on. We have been delighted to find that some of our favorite local cafes are providing biodegradable straws. If you are eating out and need a straw, and alternatives are not offered, remember to ask for your drink WITHOUT the straw and bring your own. Check out these stainless steel reusable straws by YIHONG. They even come with a handy cleaning brush!
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Biodegradable Straw! -
Biodegradable Straw!
Along with straws, to go meals often come with plastic utensils, another wasteful product. More and more we are seeing biodegradable options offered, which is great! If the alternatives are not there this set by Blulu comes with all utensils plus the stainless steel straws and cleaners! Woohoo! Or you could even use disposable bamboo utensils like these by Happy Planet. This product is also great to have on hand for birthday parties or special events.
Planning Ahead to be LESS Wasteful Try to get into the habit of keeping a tote bag or little back pack in your car with all of these supplies. Many are small enough that you can just keep a few straws and a couple utensil sets in your purse. Include other useful items like refillable water bottles as plastic water bottles are wreaking havoc in our oceans. Check out these fun options by Reduce
HEY! Who Likes Coffee!! I know I do. I think its safe to say that many parents are fueled by coffee. Whether it be tea or coffee, be sure to carry a reusable mug in your car bag of goodies. Here are some fun options.
Another item to consider replacing:
Wowe Kids Natural Organic Bamboo Toothbrush Ever wonder where toothbrushes go when we are done with them and need new ones. The trash. Can't recycle them so they are simply waste. Think of all of the people in the world throwing out their plastic toothbrushes! That is a lot of toothbrushes. Fear not! You can get this bamboo toothbrush here. These are kids toothbrushes but of course they come in adult sizes too. Bamboo is a pretty amazing renewable resource due its amazingly fast growth rate.
Ok, well folks that is a good start, I will surely be adding to this list the more I learn. Even though it takes a little work, if we all chip I believe we can make a difference to be less wasteful and work towards cleaning up this planet for generations to come.