When I view nature in all its splendor, it makes me want to take action everyday to help preserve the beauty.

I constantly read articles and books so I love to share what I learn and what I am doing myself to have a decreased impact on the planet. Some of these tips may seem extreme to some but they might just make you think.

Tip #1

Issue: When I go out to eat, I very rarely finish my meal. The portion sizes have gotten so large lately. So, of course, the server will offer me a box. Most likely you will be provided with a styrofoam container. Now, yes, styrofoam is cheap to make, which is why most restaurants buy it. But think about this....  That styrofoam container will in its lifetime hold one meal which you will take home, heat up and eat. The container will go in the trash and end up in a landfill somewhere. That container will take approximately 400 years to break down because landfills don't have the benefit of oxygen or sunlight to help items break down faster.  So your impact from just one meal will impact the planet hundreds of years after you are gone. Now how many times do you eat out?

So you may ask what a solution to this is.....

Bring you own container.!There are so many options available now. Personally, I use a collapsible silicone container. You can find them online. Stasher bags are also a great option. Both fit easily in a purse.

But if you don’t want to spend any money……

I don't know any kitchen that doesn't have aluminum foil. So that is what I ask for, a sheet of aluminum foil. If you get those small thin pop up sheets, you can ask for several and fold them together to make a bigger sheet. When I get home, I place the food into a reusable container or put it on a covered plate. I, then, wash.... yes I said Wash the foil and recycle it. Now your curbside recycling will not take aluminum foil but if you have a metal recycling facility that takes aluminum cans, they will accept it.

TIP #2

Issue: Plastic Bags! Going to the grocery store is necessary but do we really need all those plastic bags. And don’t even get me starting on DOUBLE BAGGING!!

So whats the solution……

Reusable bags! I invested in some string and produce bags from Ecobags.com. Their string bags come in short or long handles. I have the long handled ones. If I am stopping for just a few things, then I don’t even grab a cart. I just put the items right in my bag and head to the check out. They look really skinny but they expand like you wouldn’t believe. And the nice thing is I can use the long handled loops to tie the bag shut so none of my purchases go rolling around in the car. The produce bags can replace those thin little bags you get for your apples and such. Both bags are washable and reusable.

Plus some stores will give you money off when you bring in your own bags. Yay you!!! So reduce the amount of trips back and forth from the house to the car and invest in reusable bags. The environment will thank you for it.