Americans tend to use several single-use items in their day-to-day lives that can be easily replaced with reusable ones.
January 11, 2021
Americans tend to use several single-use items in their day-to-day lives that can be easily replaced with
reusable ones. It’s estimated that the United States produces about 234 pounds of plastic waste per
person per year. If we continue with our same ways of life, the environment will only continue to
deteriorate. Keeping this in mind, below are 8 items in your household you can replace with reusable
ones.
• Beeswax wrap. You can use this to replace saran wrap or foil to package food.
• Reusable grocery bags. While doing your grocery shopping make sure you bring along reusable
bags. If you are unable to purchase reusable bags make sure to ask for paper when available!
• Rags. Instead of using paper towels to do your cleaning or pick-up messes, use rags. This way
you can wash and reuse instead of throwing them away. This won’t only cut back on the waste
you’re producing but also save you money from not having to buy paper towels.
• Reusable silverware. Next time you order takeout, make a special request to opt out and say no
to the additional plastic. You can switch to reusable bamboo utensils or a travel silverware set
that you could take with you wherever you go or bring your own from home!
• Reusable coffee cups. Next time you go out to get coffee bring a reusable one with you and have
them put your drink in that.
• Reusable water bottles. Carry this around with you and fill it up throughout the day to avoid
buying plastic water bottles.
• Metal or silicon straws. You can bring these with you wherever go instead of using the plastic
ones you are given.
• Feminine products. Applicators and wrappers can quickly add up in the trash can, although
tampons themselves in cardboard applicator‘s are actually compostable. A waste reducing
alternative during that time of the month is a menstrual cup.
Remember that this is not the easiest or fastest transition to make but what’s important is that you’re
making an effort and rember that every small action is helping to reach the goal of national
sustainability.
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