Resources & Links Below
Zero Waste:
Simple Actions to Take Right Away:
1. Recycle grocery and shopping bags instead of plastic bags – https://amzn.to/2ObplrP
2. If you have to use a straw use a bamboo or metal one (click photo for link)
3. Get a Stainless Steel Water Bottle https://amzn.to/2zuiUb6
and Water Filter – https://amzn.to/2N1xMBx
4. Compost – See my full blog here
5. Compostable Gloves (Not plastic) Anti-germ gloves – https://www.thehandycompany.com/ Get a Free sample from their site ASAP
6. Use a Bamboo Toothbrush! In the 1930’s the toothbrush was invented, and every plastic one of them that have been created, still exists! https://www.brushwithbamboo.com/ I like these because if you notice the back of your current toothbrush, it most probably has scratches on it from scraping your teeth, meaning your ingesting plastic every time you use it. I love this company and all of their packaging is totally biodegradable. I wish more companies will do this kind of work this family does, so I’m thrilled to support them! Check out their video on the home page and get a bamboo straw while there.
7. Clean your beach – Just pick up a few items each time you’re there.
8. – Stop Creating Microfibers! – This is the biggest problem facing our oceans to date. – Learn what it is and the solutions here
9. Buy in Bulk — Disposable containers generate 13 million tons of plastic waste in the U.S. Taking a few minutes of planning before you head to the grocery store can help eliminate that waste.
– Bring mason jars to the grocery store to hold bulk items or foods from the deli counter. Check out this expert guide to zero waste shopping from Trash is for Tossers. http://trashisfortossers.com/
– Consider buying bulk castile soap to use as hand and dish cleaner instead of buying a bunch of little bottles of different cleaners. Castille soap can also be used as body wash, shampoo, dishwashing soap, hand soap, and more – https://amzn.to/2Ds51hM
Ocean Solutions:
10. Bring Your Lunch — According to RecycleWorks.org, disposable lunches (to-go packaging, plastic utensils, etc) generate 100 pounds of trash per person annually. Search waste-free lunch supplies for ideas.
11. Use Natural Cleaning Supplies — White Vinegar and baking soda are your new best friends. These all-natural alternatives to dangerous chemical cleaners are versatile, effective, and eliminate plastic bottle waste. Check out this link for a list of zero waste alternatives for all your bathroom supplies. – https://www.utne.com/environment/zero-waste-living-ze0z1306zpit
12. Make Your Own Cosmetics — Save money, avoid harsh chemicals, plastic containers, and packaging by making your own cosmetics. Check out Free People’s blog for instructions on how to make your own natural cheek and lip stains, perfume, shampoo, make-up remover, and more. Also be sure to check out OGP’s very own DIY beauty guides right here. – https://blog.freepeople.com/?s=natural+make+up
13. Use the Diva Cup instead of disposable plastic tampon applicators –
https://theartofunity.com/dangers-of-tampons-and-pads/
14. Use reusable Coffee cups if you drink them (bring them to the coffee shop and give them to the barista to fill it up)
Zero Waste Products & Resources:
- Zero waste lifestyle – http://trashisfortossers.com/
- Green lifestyle products – https://www.vivaterra.com/
- How not to make trash – https://www.yesmagazine.org/planet/42-ways-to-not-make-trash
- No more paper towels – https://www.peopletowels.com/
- Lots of great reusables here – https://www.paperlesskitchen.com/collections/dinnerware
Bonus: Use Bamboo Flatware: (See my Full Blog here on Dangers of typical utensils)
Because Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial & anti-fungal, bamboo is grown without the use of toxins, pesticides, or fertilizers, as opposed to wooden products. Bamboo reaches it’s full level of maturity before harvesting – about 5-7 years, unlike wood, is about 30 years until harvest and a bamboo forest can regenerate in 3-5 years. Bamboo is less porous than wood, making them water, heat, odor, shrink, and stain resistant.
or if you just want to try 1 set
I also love using the utensil to cook with, so not scraping any metal with my ceramic cookware
And for disposable flatware instead of plastic, these are a great eco-friendly option:
Sources:
http://plastic-pollution.org/
