3 Food Related ways to Reduce & Reuse
Ok I’m not going to say recycle, because duh but seriously, you should already actively be doing this. If you’re not sure how to start go here. These 3 simple changes are things you can start doing today to reduce and reuse. Do your part, we owe it to mother nature. <3
Buy Reusable Bags
I initially started bringing my own bags to the grocery store when I lived in Austin, TX. The plastic bag ban went into effect in 2013 which forced me and the entire city to purchase reusable bags. After buying a handful of them I never missed the old way. Plus, I can actually haul most of my groceries in one trip! And if you’re wondering about plastic bags for produce, they make reusable ones as well! I found mine at HEB and they fit so much food in them and they’re also machine washable.
Ditch Plastic Bottles
All you need is one good refillable water bottle, just one! I have a few that I rotate throughout the week, including ones that I use for coffee! Instead of spending $1.00 on a water bottle (I normally go to the gym right after work) and another $5.00 on my favorite latte, I make it at home! You’ll save money without ever really thinking about it! And you’ll save hundreds of plastic water bottles from ending up in the ocean. Have you heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? It’s basically a giant heap of plastic bigger than the entire state of Texas just sitting in the ocean poisoning marine life…Take the next step and get a water filter, which will more than pay for itself. One water pitcher filter can effectively replace as much as 300 standard 16.9-ounce bottles!
Invest in Food Storage
Treat yourself to food storage containers, and this doesn’t mean that they have to be expensive. I own one set of nice food storage bins and I use them to store loose tea, rice, sugar, etc. In addition to these, I have a few plastic bins in my pantry that do the exact same job. The reason I kept my “expired” wild rice, isn’t because it’s actually expired, the bin was initially purchased several years ago and instead of tossing it away, I simply purchase the wild rice from the bulk section and refill it. This simple switch has not only saved me money, but goes to show the durability of those plastic bins in the long run. So don’t feel guilty if you have similar plastic bins at home, simply keep them and refill them once you’re out!
Small changes today have a huge impact in the long run, what are you doing to reduce, reuse, or recycle?
Sources:https://www.banthebottle.net/bottled-water-facts/ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-and-reusing-basics#benefits
