Green Voices: Using reusable items
Friday, March 12, 2010
(Updated 9:36 am)
Continuing on with a monthly eco-resolution for the year, in March the goal is to begin and/or increase the practice of using reusable items such as bags and bottles and when possible, shop for pre-owned items.
Let's start with moving from disposable to reusable with a few suggested items to get you started.
Plastic water bottles/juice boxes TO stainless steel water bottles. Save money and reduce the waste by incorporating the use of aluminum or stainless steel bottles and reusable mugs for all your beverages. With so many options and sizes out there, it's easy to find the right style to fit your needs. I have a couple of large Sigg aluminum bottles I keep filled up and in the fridge to grab before my early morning workouts and throughout the day as well as these smaller 20 oz bottles by New Wave Enviro for when my kids are on the go. Klean Kanteen is a top high quality option and is a definite preferred brand for their commitment to being durable as well as BPA-free from the beginning. They have just introduced an insulated version for both hot and cold beverages that sounds great and eliminates the need to also take along a traveler for coffee or tea.
Paper/plastic bags TO reusable totes. With a little willpower, you can kick the P&P habit. With more than 300 to 400 billion plastic bags distributed every year and 60,000 used every five seconds, that's a lot of excess stuff going around. Plus the recycle rate is not that great so we see bags flying around the road, in the trees and ocean. With reusable bags being sold just about everywhere and great tools like the Tote Buddy to help you stay organized, it's getting easier to implement. Or get crafty and make a tote from an old t-shirt! 
Paper napkins TO cloth napkins. You probably have a few around the house anyway so just start using what you have. If not, go to the dollar store or second hand shop for inexpensive options or treat yourself to a nice, new set if that will help get you in the mood! No big deal to toss in a few cloth napkins with the regular laundry. Plus do not be tempted to buy another package so hang onto any extras you may get when eating out for those rare times when an exception is required.
Paper towels TO cloth dish towels. Just like with the napkins, incorporate the same principles. I do allow myself to continue to use paper towels but I now buy Seventh Generation recycled paper towels. The roll is a bit more expensive and I choose the brown, unbleached option so it forces me to think before I use.
Plastic baggies TO reusable glass containers and snack/sandwich bags. Though I'm not totally free of plastic baggies, a few favorite items that have helped along the way are these great Fresh Snack Packs for sandwiches and snacks. With their envelope style and velcro closure, it's easy to pack and clean. Add a fork and cloth napkin for a functional place setting to go. Another great item from New Wave Enviro is this stainless steel container that is also perfect for leftovers or to pack a lunch in too. I've also moved from putting leftovers in plastic containers or baggies to glass containers for storage and reheating.
Plastic straws TO glass or stainless straws. With kids, I used to buy gigantic packages of straws but once I got turned on to these stainless steel straws that was the end of that. The kids love them and we keep a few extra in the car for those drive-through moments. Easy to clean, they now have a spot in the drawer with the rest of our stainless serving utensils.
As with any change in behavior or habits, a little concentration and willpower is needed. But once you get in the swing of things and begin to notice the absence of all this waste, you will soon wonder how and why you ever used these kinds of items in the past. Just remember to ask yourself if a disposable item is truly needed. In some cases, it may be but you'll be surprised at how often you can overcome and get the same result with a much more refined way of doing so.
What are you doing and how have you been successful?
Jeanne lives in Greensboro with her husband Tom and two children, Jack (10) and Ben (7). She publishes The Green Samaritan, her personal blog, and also is a guest contributor for RE3.org , Greenopolis and ModernHippieMag.com. You can follow on Twitter @greensamaritan and become a fan on Facebook.
Accompanying Photos
Photo Caption: Jeanne Blaisdell lives in Greensboro.
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