Why I'm Going Minimal Waste

Did you know the average American throws out 4 pounds of trash a day? Did you know that even though 75% of the American waste stream is recyclable, only 30% of it actually makes it into the right receptacle? Did you know Americans throw out 28 billion bottles and jars a year? These are just some of the facts I was hit with a few weeks ago that completely changed my world.

I was reading up on a client for my internship and realized one of their big focuses was sustainability in cities. So I did some research and was shattered to find out how much an average person wastes a DAY. After reading up on it I started tracking what I was throwing out. That day ALONE I threw away 5 plastic items and a plastic cup along with a straw. I was amazed, because I thought I was pretty eco-friendly.

I use a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, and I recycle and compost at home, but I guess there were so many other things that I wasn't thinking about doing that really do contribute to the amount of waste I'm producing. So, I decided to start working towards minimal waste, to eventually zero waste. It's hard, but I'm really excited to start the process! Here are a few ways I'm starting, and hopefully you'll be inspired too!

1. Paper instead of Plastic, Bags instead of Paper

This one is an easy one. Using reusable bags at grocery stores instead of plastic or paper bags is an easy way to reduce waste. My grocery store also just started to give paper bags to package your loose fruit and veggies after you weigh them instead of the thin plastic, so we've been using that here at home. Plus, the bags are reusable and recyclable after they've been reused! Also, if you plan on going to the mall, try to bring a canvas bag for clothes! This way, you don't gain tons of bags you won't use, plus, less to carry! Some cities charge you for bags, like San Francisco, so it's always good to have so you don't get charged extra.

2. Shop Locally

Farmer's Market's are a great way to reduce waste while supporting the local farmers. Most of their food is in bulk and unpackaged, so you can bring your own bags and jars to fill them up with. It's also generally cheaper, but you won't get strawberries year round, it'll be seasonal. But, that will make getting those fruits and veggies at the right time, that much sweeter.

3. Recycling Contact Lenses

I recently just found out that you can recycle your lenses and blister packs. The blister packs are usually a 5, which is recyclable, but Baush and Lomb as a recycling program that even if you use someone else's brand, you can recycle the blister packs, the top foil, and the lenses. The foil will be reused, and the blister packs and lenses will be melted down into a combined plastic to be used eventually. Here's the link to their site so you can join in!

4. Emailed Receipts

Another easy one. Don't waste paper, just have the receipts mailed to you! I shop at the same places, so I'm a rewards member at most of these joints, so it's easy to just ask for it emailed. Most stores are super good about this, but even if they do give you a receipt, they are recyclable so don't worry!

5. Vegan Hygiene and Making my Own Products

This is a big one and will take a long time to officially get to, but I finally finished the animal-tested and trashed-plastic deodorant, so I got vegan, hypoallergenic, aluminum free deodorant by tarte, which as been GREAT not just for the environment but it smells really good. After using up all the shampoo and conditioner we have, I'll be switching to Lush's shampoo bars, at least until I can make my own. The same goes for toothpaste and mouth wash. Using these products is a HUGE waste so buying the ones that come in recyclable jars or no containers is the best. Lush even has a program where you can return 5 of their black plastic jars that usually hold lotion and jellies and get a free face mask!

6. Stop Using Straws

These come with EVERY meal. Well, not all of them, but it's pretty frequent. Try to ask waiters/waitresses to get your drink without a straw, and ask Starbucks/Peet's/Your coffee place of choice to not give you a straw with your order. You can also purchase a metal straw for less than $6 on amazon to take with you places if you really like that straw feeling. Some people do! I just ordered one and it makes dealing with the plastic a lot easier, since you won't have it!

These are easy ways (except #5) to reduce your waste, and hopefully I'll be on the right track super soon! I'm really excited to try something new and help the environment, so this is a challenge I'm pumped to take on. Do you have any suggestions to staying sustainable? I'm all ears!