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How plastic enters our lives and practical ways to reduce it
Years ago, I did a big plastic purge. I cleared out containers, swapped materials, and felt confident that I had reduced the amount of plastic in our home. But lately, I’ve noticed some of it creeping back in. As life got busier, convenience started to take over. Kids grew, routines changed, and plastic slowly found its way back — not always as bags or bottles, but as wrappers, lids, toys, and everyday items I hadn’t questioned in a long time. Going against the grain — like trying to find food without plastic when almost everything is packaged in it — takes time, energy, and often extra money. And for a…
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Plastic Free July: 5 steps to a fun and frugal picnic
In a season where outings can quickly become expensive, a picnic offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy summer without compromising on fun! Instead of feeling like going out means spending on cafés, takeout, or entry fees, it’s simple to create memorable moments at a park, a beach, or even in your backyard. And with a little planning, it’s easy to make your picnic not only economical but also plastic-free! Pack with reusables The easiest way embrace zero waste at a picnic is to opt for reusable alternatives like stainless steel or bamboo cutlery, durable cups, and enamel or bamboo plates. Cloth napkins are washable and reusable too. Food can be…
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The hidden cost of convenience: Types of plastic pollution and their impact
Plastic has quietly overtaken our modern lives because of its convenience, durability, and affordability. It is everywhere – on our food, in our clothing, surrounding us in our home and office furnishings. Yet, the very properties that make plastic so useful—its strength and resistance to degradation—also make it a threat to all of us. As global plastic production surpasses 400 million tons annually, it’s important to understand the types of plastic pollution, their impact, and what we can do to reduce reliance on these materials to work toward a sustainable future. This post is a part of our Climate Change Collective conversations. Jamie at JamieAdStores is starting off our conversation this month…
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Unique Plastic Solutions: 6 Innovations for a Greener Future
Plastic Free July 2024 is drawing to a close and the month seems to have gone by so quickly! Over the last few weeks Alison and I have shared about topics such as: After diving into the negative health and environmental effects of the many phases and types of plastic, I thought it would be interesting to share a few of the innovations and creative solutions that are emerging to tackle this serious issue that affects us all. After all, as much as many of us are trying to reduce or eliminate our plastic use, what can be done with the vast quantities of plastic currently in existence? Though plastic…
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Looking into the Life Cycle of Plastic
Plastic Free July is all about minimizing the plastic in our lives, but why is plastic so bad? A part of the problem is that plastic does not break down. Plastic is not biodegradable, so it takes hundreds of years for plastic to go anywhere. There is an entire life cycle of plastic before it gets to the garbage bin, though, so I want to take a look at this and see how else plastic hurts our planet. This post is a part of our Climate Change Collective conversations. We’re happy to contribute the lead post for the conversation this month. Learn more about the Climate Change Collective below. Plastic…
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Plastic Free July: 8 Types of Plastic to Know About
In our modern world many types of plastic play key roles in our daily lives, but they also have significant negative impact on our daily lives. From packaging materials to automotive parts, and medical devices to household items, plastics are everywhere. However, not all plastics are created equal. Understanding the different types of plastics, including the emerging category of bioplastics, can help us make more informed decisions about their use, recycling, and impact on ourselves and the environment. 1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) Polyethylene Terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is a strong, lightweight plastic widely used in packaging, especially for beverages and food. It is considered to be a…
