World Environment Day 2023
World Environment Day was June 5th. To celebrate, I created a list of tips, tricks, and items I use on a daily basis related to helping the environment. Most of these things are easily accessible, inexpensive, and low maintenance.
Reusable Paper Towel Paper towel is a household staple for most people. Years ago, I found myself going through way more paper towel than I thought was necessary. So I made a switch! I started buying reusable paper towel sheets and it was a game-changer! These sheets can be used to wash dishes, wipe the counter, and anything else you usually use a paper towel or dish cloth for. They don’t develop that same nasty smell as dish cloths, and they can be put in the dish washer, laundry, or even rinsed and air dried! They come in all kinds of unique and fun patterns, too!
Reusable Straws I know, those paper straws can be frustrating when they begin to wither away, but I also don’t want to use single use plastic ones. I often use metal, silicone, or glass straws as an alternative. It can be a pain to remember this item, but they have plenty of travel friendly ones that fold and clip to a keychain or have a sleek case for a purse, backpack, etc. This may seem like an insignificant cause, but keeping our seas plastic free has become a passion of mine. Although I’m not always a perfect consumer, I try my best to make efforts when I can.
Tumbler This one’s for all my beverage peeps! We all know (or are) that person with 3-5 beverages at one time. Well, cutting down on that single use plastic can make a huge difference. I find that having a tumbler on me when I’m working or running errands helps keep that single use plastic down. It’s great for when I want to stop for an afternoon coffee or ice cold water.
Reusable Shopping Bags Admittedly, I am not always great at remembering this item - until I’m already at the grocery store :( - but it’s something I definitely strive for. Not only does it make carrying in groceries easier, you’re using a lot less plastic on a regular basis. There are so many cute options these days, too!
Homemade Goods Another way I cut down on single use items is by making things at home. For example, I often make my own oat or nut milk, sun tea, marinades, etc. This helps minimize the plastic I’d be using if I bought those items in the store - not to mention preservatives and other things added to those items.
Propagation Station I love to propagate plants, and doing this to vegetables and herbs is a great way to live more sustainably. It also saves you money! The things I like to propagate most are lettuce, bok choy, green onion, and celery. It can take some practice to find the perfect environment for your propagated items to thrive, but it’s totally worth it.
Making the Most of It I’m not a perfect consumer, but I do try to make the most of the items and containers I have. I reuse plastic jugs for watering plants and old sauce jars for ongoing food storage.
