I did work a catering event this week at one of the large museums and worked the bar. It was a large event and I was horrified to see only plastic cups. Yes, it makes things so much easier and clean up is a breeze, but I don't believe these cups were recyclable. In any case, I did encourage folks to REFILL their glasses rather than take a new cup. A few people stopped for a moment when I suggested it, realized it was a good idea and then thanked me. One guy didn't understand what I was saying and acted like he could not be bothered. But he was certainly in the minority. I do think the bartender on my right thought I was a pain on my little crusade, but I really didn't care. I wasn't going to make it a big deal, but I did do my small part to help reduce plastic consumption. In fact, the bartender on my left tried to one up me by trying to get more people to reuse their glasses. See what a little friendly competition can do? We can save the world!
For the last month I did my best to avoid plastic. And I feel I was pretty successful doing so. In fact, there's lots that I will try to keep doing:
1. carry my own containers when going out to dinner.
2. bring a canvas bag with me instead of using plastic (though I do need a few for cat litter disposal)
3. look for options for things packaged in plastic
4. RECYCLE and REUSE packaging when I can if I must buy plastic
5. request real glasses, plates and utensils whenever possible
6. be creative when it makes sense to make my own food, beauty products or cleaning supplies or choose family size items that I can buy less often.
Anything you learn? Anything you would try? Any questions or comments? Add them below!
ditto on all these habits! especially #1. i've been asking for foil for half-eaten sandwiches and the like. and i'm starting to not even ask for leftovers to be boxed, if i _really_ don't think it'll be eaten. i'm terrible with leftovers as it is.
ReplyDeletethe last week for me was a big flop. lots of ordering out. too much, really.
but even in light of the failure, my plastic consumption is at an even higher priority in the day-to-day.
By making myself aware of it, and living the "every man" life (meaning, I didn't go to special stores like Sevenandah or Whole Foods, who cater to this idea but are too expensive for my budget or too far away, and the balance of gas and emissions takes on a whole new priority; I shopped at Kroger and Publix).
ReplyDeleteThe very easy thing was shifting to canvas bags while shopping.
But I found myself, while shopping, not buying certain items I used to grab all the time without thinking but thinking twice about because of my increased awareness.
This now means making homemade hummus. *sigh*
And buying veggies WHOLE and not precut, no matter how small my household (like watermelon, which means only buying in season, which is better for one anyway).
The best part of this all, for me, was Pat agreeing JUST to be aware of one thing (using canvas bags to shop)...and that he has committed to it. It's great.
My important goal is that this is NOT just a month thing but to use the awareness and keep it growing as my finances allow, as I can adjust.
(don't know why this posted as Hope above. It's me, Suehyla.)
ReplyDeleteThis is great, Suehyla! Thanks so much for sharing! This inspires me to keep on going. Now that the month is over I feel like I gave myself permission to slack off. Thanks for the push to get back on the horse and make a difference with my personal habits.
ReplyDelete