While we lament many of the changes, and the list is long during this unique time in our history, there may yet be a few new things we’re also smiling about.
One challenge your household may be noticing is the buildup of recyclables, perhaps now more than ever. Packaging is indeed less avoidable these days, but there are a few hacks that can get us thinking outside the recycling box to reduce the mounting pile.
Health and safety considerations are seeing us much more conscientious about washing our hands and cleaning surfaces we touch. This inevitably means additional packaging, sometimes in the form of hand sanitizers and wet wipes. Here though, there are ways to reduce our consumption by favouring washing our hands over either of the former, when possible.
This is what is recommended anyway, and is said to be one of the most effective ways to render COVID-19 inert.
When buying soap, we can opt to buy hard hand soap that is without almost any packaging other than a paper label. Often, these types of soap are the most gentle on skin, and locally made anyway. A reminder about wet wipes, too: dispose of them in the garbage as they clog plumbing, and don’t break down reliably in the compost.
Other than the usual packaging we accumulate from our grocery shops, we may be getting more as many shops are not allowing access to the self-access bulk bins. Fortunately, there are still a few ways to buy in bulk, including local stores that will fill your bulk orders for you.
Ecossentials, for instance, has just launched online ordering; staff fill orders for later pick up or delivery. Townsite Fruit and Veg is also offering online orders, delivery, and in-store shopping of fresh, unpackaged produce as well as many other products. Rancho Vignola is a BC wholesale company specializing in sales of nuts and dried fruit and may be something a household can invest in to reduce packaging and increase food security.
You may find yourself receiving more packages in the mail these days. Some of the packaging that comes into your house this way can find good uses. Cardboard boxes are great for kids’ forts, and when opened up and the tape is removed, great as garden weed suppressant.
It’s important to keep in mind that COVID-19 is said to be traceable on cardboard for 24 hours, and on hard plastic and metal for 72 hours. So, allowing these items to sit for that amount of time, along with diligent handwashing, is a great way to contribute to flattening the curve.
Even better, before going online, and definitely before heading to the store, brainstorm whether you already have something else that could substitute for the new thing you were going to buy. Lucky you, if you do; what better store than one where everything is free and instantly available?
You may already be finding unique ways to avoid shopping, such as repurposing an old foam mat into a sponge to wash your car. Share your hacks with friends to inspire.
Inevitably, though, we are all going to have recyclables start to gather in nooks and crannies of storage spaces. City residents are asked to use their biweekly curbside recycling for paper, cardboard and containers, and everyone is asked to store glass, refundables, styrofoam, and other recyclables clean and dry at home until a depot visit is deemed necessary.
Enjoy thinking outside of the recycling box where you can, and consider unique ways to avoid bringing extra packaging into your home while staying safe.
Let’s Talk Trash is qathet Regional District’s waste-reduction education program.
