Cori Thiessen

I have become a more mindful shopper, looking for ways to reduce waste when grocery shopping.  Some of initiatives I have started is seeking products that are not packaged in plastics such as dishwasher cubes with dissolvable covers packaged in cardboard, switching from liquid laundry detergent in a plastic bottle to powder detergent in a cardboard box, and not using individual bags for fresh produce.  Small steps, but sustainable ones...

While on vacation recently I visited the Vancouver aquarium.  The theme was the impact of plastic contamination on the environment.  There were many exceptional demonstrations and exhibits, but one that resonated with me was a poster depicting a young seabird that died with 276 pieces of plastic in its stomach.  

I have begun to purchase dairy products - yogurt, cottage cheese, hard cheese, etc. in bulk, and repackage in reusable containers for lunches.  The costs savings far outweigh the  extra few minutes it takes to repackage, and portion sizes can  be adjusted to the consumer.  One large container vs. 6 small containers = less plastic waste.  Cost savings and reduced waste - Win/Win!

I have recently made the switch to compostable 'poop' bags for the dog park.  When I do a yard clean up at home  all waste goes into the compost bin; now I bring the compostable bag home from the dog park instead of throwing it into the waste bin provided at the park entrance.  There is no way to manage what type of bag is put into the collection bin and most doggy bags are plastic.  These bins therefore are processed as garbage.

Taking further actions reduce plastic waste include keeping re-usable bags in our vehicle(s); no longer using single plastic bags to package produce, and not using plastic wrap sleeves for cut flowers.  Simple changes that add up over time, and are easily sustainable.

The local CO-OP grocery store has started offering compostable grocery bags at $.10/bag.  I have been purchasing since they started this initiative, and my husband recent began doing the same.  He is also packing his lunch/sandwich in a reusable container, rather than a single use plastic ziplock bag.  These simple changes have significantly reduced the amount of plastic going into the recycle bin on a weekly basis.