It is that time of the year, when motivation to change old habits and start fresh begins to percolate.
This year, you may find your willpower strengthened by choosing to make a green revolution rather than a New Year’s resolution. Our suggestion for 2017: quit using single-use plastics.
Take a quick scan of your kitchen, car, recycling box or trash can and you are likely to find evidence of having indulged in some single-use plastics. These find their way into even the greenest of homes in the form of snack-food packaging, compostable coffee to-go lids, stir sticks, fruit-produce stickers, straws, handy to-go utensils and convenient shopping bags.
Though we may try to release our guilt by tossing these items into the recycling bin, many are not recyclable through our local system. And let’s be honest, an overflowing recycling bin is nothing to boast about. Mining, transporting and processing plastic is energy intensive and drains a precious global resource frivolously.
If the thought of going cold turkey overwhelms you, try integrating one new plastic-free habit per month for you or your household.
An easy place to start is with beverages. Canadians dispose of approximately 1.6 billion coffee cups and 65 million water bottles each year. Start your new year off with a thrift store hunt for a to-go cup and water bottle, or invest in a plastic-free version of both.
Next on the list can be to give up relying on plastic shopping bags. Stock a few cloth bags in your car and at the front door, along with a reminder note in both places that asks, “Got bags?”
Woven baskets are a great alternative as well, because they can hold so many of your bulk or heavy items.
Once you start, you may find plastic reduction is your newest hobby. A quick search online will reveal great tips and tricks to support your journey.
Becoming a mindful resident of the planet feels good and is a revolution worth making.
Let’s Talk Trash is the waste management education program of the Powell River regional district.
