Beginner's Guide to Reducing Waste

1. Invest in Reusable Bags 

Studies show the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually and only between 1 and 3 percent of these bags are actually recycled. This might be because of limited recycling options. Plastic bags aren’t accepted in many curbside recycling programs because of stringent manufacturing standards, and although some stores offer recycling programs for the bags, the size of the recycling container provided indicates that a lot more bags are leaving the store than coming back. 

However, instead of worrying about where and how you can recycle these bags, stop using them altogether and invest in a few good reusable bags (just remember to take them into the shopping center with you and to return them to your car after each shopping trip).

 2. Purchase a Reusable Water Bottle 

Just as prevalent as plastic bags are plastic bottles. An estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic bottles and jugs are disposed of in the United States annually. Most curbside recycling programs accept these materials, but like plastic bags, you can actually eliminate the waste before it starts. As I mentioned in my last post about the 3Rs refresher course, purchasing one good reusable water bottle, could prevent the need for hundreds of water bottles (plus it could save you hundreds of dollars).

3. Switch to Reusable Food Storage Containers

On average, we probably use two plastic bags a day for lunches (one for chips and one for a sandwich). We are tossing away more than 500 bags a year. A great solution is to purchase reusable storage containers and forgo the plastic bags. Not to mention, they keep food fresher and the refrigerator smelling better.

If you really become gung ho about using reusable storage containers, consider taking them with you to restaurants for leftovers and reduce your reliance on a Styrofoam take-home container.

4. Ditch the Disposable Dishes 

Studies show that 40 billion plastic utensils are used every year in the United States and that every year, Americans throw away enough paper and plastic cups, forks and spoons to circle the equator 300 times.

While disposable dishes are an easy alternative to washing extra dishes, disposable plates and silverware our filling up our garbage cans. You don’t have to bring out the fine China, but consider using your existing plates and silverware before purchasing the plastic ones.  Also, consider taking real dishes to the office to use at lunchtime.

One easy way to save some green is by going green. Nearly 44 million American workers purchase or eat lunch out every weekday.* If you spend $5 a day and work 5 days a week, you’re spending $1,300 a year on lunch alone. Not only is eating out costly and time consuming, it’s also leading to more waste. The solution: some less expensive, earth-friendly eats.

Americans throw away enough paper and plastic cups, forks and spoons every year to circle the equator 300 times, while the average American office worker consumes about 500 disposable cups annually.* Instead of contributing to this problem, consider a contribution to waste reduction and recycling solutions.

Start by packing your lunch. Select a reusable lunch bag or a traditional brown bag (those are recyclable). Find a reusable sandwich container or a reusable sandwich wrap. Then plan your menu with green goals in mind. It is possible to create a nearly wasteless lunch.

Make a simple sandwich, and begin adding the sides.

There are several compostable fruit and vegetables that travel well and taste great. Apples, apricots, avocado, bananas, figs, grapefruit, grapes, kiwi, mango, melons, nectarines, oranges, pears and peaches are all delicious options. If you like veggies, choose from bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumbers, lettuce and more.

Mix veggies with pasta, cheese and salad dressing or combine fruit into a fresh salad or with a creamy dip. Place the items into reusable containers.

Want something heartier during those chilly months? Try adding heated soup to a thermos. It will stay warm until lunch. You can also bring soup in a can and recycle the empty steel can.

If you must have chips, pretzels or other crunchy snacks, buy a large bag and bring it to work or school in reusable containers instead of plastic baggies. Pieces of cake and pie fit nicely into your favorite containers with lids as well.

Encourage the use of these reusable containers, save more money and avoid packaging related to single serve options by upgrading to bulk size containers of apple sauce, yogurt, granola, chips, crackers and other snack items.

Finally, bring linens, real silverware and dishes.

When sitting down to lunch, celebrate because you’re saving money and our planet at the same time. Practicing the habits mentioned above may improve your health, your outlook, your budget and your world.

*Statistics available from Lexicon Lighting.