(StatePoint) Plastic contributes to climate change and is a major pollutant, harming wildlife and people. With Earth Day around the corner, here are a few tips for reducing your plastic footprint at home that will also contribute to a healthier planet.
Start a Garden
From cartons of berries and tomatoes to individually-wrapped cucumbers, it can be difficult to avoid plastic in the produce aisle of your supermarket. By growing your favorite fruits, vegetables and herbs at home, you may avoid some of this waste and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time, as foods found in the store are often shipped from distant places.
Keep Your Produce Green
When you do have to grab a staple that’s not in your garden, bring some reusable produce bags with you. Check out this cute set from Food52’s shop: food52.com. Then, stick to the loose fruits and veggies not already wrapped in plastic.
Green Your Hydration
In the pursuit of having a constant source of great-tasting, healthy water at home, you may be stocking your fridge with bottled water. However, bottled water contains microplastics and is a significant part of the global plastic waste problem. To stay hydrated healthfully and sustainably, use a water filter pitcher. One great option is the LifeStraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher, which protects against over 30 contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, lead, mercury and chemicals, including PFAS and chlorine. To shop or learn more, visit www.LifeStraw.com, Target.com, or www.CrateandBarrel.com.
Rethink Garbage Collection
Plastic garbage bags may seem necessary, but there are reusable alternatives available today that can help to drastically reduce your plastic waste. For example, Bagito makes durable, washable, water-resistant garbage can liners from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastics. They are available in three sizes that are ideal for bathroom wastebaskets, kitchen-sized trash cans and outdoor yard debris bins.
By doing your part to find sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic, you can reduce your contribution to a global environmental crisis right at home.
