Every day new products are being introduced into the marketplace to avoid using plastic. At Farm Hippie, we pride ourselves on connecting our community with eco-conscious practices and promoting a waste-less mindset. We want to introduce more zero-waste options and offer plastic alternatives to our customers.
Did you know that every bit of plastic that has ever been created still exists today? That’s a scary thought! Although plastic can be recycled, there are a lot of complexities in the process, so it’s not always the most effective option. Additionally, China was the biggest importer of recyclable plastic, but a few years ago, they changed their policies and drastically reduced the possibilities for recycled plastics.
As consumers, our responsibility to make eco-friendly decisions is more important than ever. When a product is so ingrained in our everyday life and culture, it can seem daunting to try to reduce our dependency on that product. At Farm Hippie, our goal is to help our customers with that goal. Today we will share seven ways to reduce our dependency on plastic.
One. Take Inventory.
To address a problem like plastic waste, we first have to observe our habits and see what areas we need to address. Ninety percent of the plastic items in our daily lives are used once and then thrown away. These single-use plastics include grocery bags, plastic wraps, disposable cutlery, and straws. Make a journal with the single-use plastics used and how often these products are relied on. Once you have a list, you look for alternative and reusable options to replace them.
Two. Shop at the Farm Hippie!
Farm Hippie makes it easy to avoid using plastic. We offer reusable bags, encourage you to bring your own bag, use compostable bags, and recycle paper bags for you!
Many of our vendors also choose to use plastic alternative packaging options such as glass, paper, aluminum, or tin. This makes it easy to buy products you love, support local businesses, AND support our environment.
Three. Bring Your Own Plastic Bag
It is difficult to remember to bring a plastic bag. Even if we manage to get it into the store from the car, then once we unpack them, we have to make sure they get back into the car.
I have found that these Compact Reusable Grocery Bags make it easier to pack them in a purse or on a keyring and keep them with you at all times until they become a more consistent part of the routine.
Four. Use Reusable Bottles and Mugs.
Although, bottled water is often marketed as something special, in a report from Food and Water Watch, up to 64 percent of the bottled water available at the store, is actually tap water. In blind taste tests, bottled water did not show a significant advantage.
Farm Hippie offers some cute options for reusable drinking containers. Often, our favorite coffee shops will have reusable mugs or cups to drink from during your visit.
A sturdier stainless steel water bottle will hold up under daily use, and an insulated bottle such as a Stainless steel Water Bottle, allows you to keep your drinks hot or cold for several hours.
Five. Cook more.
Not only is cooking at home healthier, but it also it doesn’t involve using take-out containers or plastic cutlery. If you do get takeout, you can decline the plastic cutlery when you make your order. If you usually have leftovers at a restaurant, you can bring your own food-storage containers to take them home. Farm Hippie partners with a variety of local farmers, gardeners, and other food vendors who offer healthy, locally produced ingredients for your favorite meals. Many of these products come in plastic alternative packaging.
Six. Purchase Items Secondhand.
New toys and technology often come with all kinds of plastic packaging. You can find these items at a lower cost and without all the packaging from thrift stores, garage sales, or online postings.
Seven. Buy in Bulk.
Single-serving yogurts, travel-sized toiletries, and single servings of snacks have a less efficient product-to-packaging ratio. Buying a bigger container instead of several smaller ones is a great way to reduce plastic.
In Conclusion
Reducing our reliance on plastic doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s important to do an inventory of ways we most depend on plastic and find convenient, sustainable alternatives. Please share your favorite resources to reduce plastic or the plastic alternatives you have found along your journey.