Getting rid of unnecessary things really makes you aware of how much plastic is in what you own, since it's usually hidden away- you now have to look at it and make decisions.
It's very challenging moving and eating plastic free- since most convenience foods are in plastic, and it takes preparing things from scratch most of the time to get away from it. I have been trying different ideas to make low-waste food that's still quick to prepare so it doesn't use up a lot of my time.
I was super psyched to see shampoo bars at Walmart (as the few stores specialty stores that I have found them in locally are not close by) for a great price and in their own metal tin ( since they tend to be on the expensive side compared to other bar soaps) . However, when I looked I saw that they were wrapped in plastic inside a plastic package. I wrote the company to see if maybe that could be changed- we'll see what comes of it.
I'm trying really hard not to throw out items as I am moving and donate, sell, or give them away as best I can, but there are just certain items that nobody wants (and I don't want to keep) so I'm feeling bad about my last loads of trash/recycling being much larger than they have been. I guess you can only do what you can, but this is another reason why we need to move towards a more circular economy.
Do an inventory of your kitchen to see how many single-use plastics you've used in the past. What are some resuable alternatives to these commonly used products? What would your impact be if you switched all the single-use products from your inventory to reusable?
It makes a big impact to switch- I have already noticed that it makes me a little happier to look at the glass containers I changed to and I have been more excited to cook and find ways to refill those glass containers instead of buying new spices or staples. It's taken some creativity, but it has gotten easier since I have become more conscious of it.
It's definitely healthier than what we would normally eat and I love that it's relatively easy to find plastic free options as long as I bring my reusable produce bags.
