An Environmentalists' Diary; Part 5: Reduce Your Dependence on Single Use Plastics/Paper Towels

What are some things you use once and throw away in your household?

I instantly thought of paper towels. Whether for using them to clean up a mess or as a napkin, getting rid of paper towels in your house is a first step to reduce your waste. I bought a pack of microfiber towels and put them in the place where I normally keep a roll of paper towels. So when my physical habit goes to reach for a paper towel, I end up with a washable and reusable microfiber towel instead. Set yourself up for success!

I was fed up with going out to places that continue to give single use plastic utensils and single use plastic straws, especially since straws litter any touristy beach in the world. So I decided to create my own "to go"utensil pack. Luckily for me, companies are already making these sustainable utensil packs. I found mine on Amazon; it contains a bamboo fork, spoon, knife, and chopsticks. I also bought a pack of stainless steel straws which came with a straw cleaner brush (you know, to get out all that extra smoothie gunk). Now I use my utensil pack and keep my straw in the pack too, and keep it in my purse for whenever I need to stop and grab food or a drink. I usually keep a reusable cup in my car too. (The fork is missing because I used it and haven't washed it yet).

When I go to the store, I bring my reusable shopping bags, not only to reduce my waste but to get a bag discount! I was still consistently using the plastic produce bags but I thought to myself, let's go one step further: find reusable produce bags. Searched Amazon again and they exist! I bought mesh bags that are washable so I can use them for pretty much anything :)

Have other eco-friendly ideas or products you use everyday to be sustainable? Post your info below!

~Jill