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Use reusable bottles while on-the-go

Disposable plastic water bottles are one of the most common forms of litter, and the plastic bottle industry consumes a huge amount of energy and resources.

Instead of using disposable bottles, take a travel coffee mug to cafes and a reusable bottle to the gym, to work, on walks, and on drives. There are several options for water bottle materials, including glass, aluminum, and plastic. If you choose plastic, make sure that it is BPA-free. BPA (bisphenol a) is a potentially harmful organic compound that can leach from certain plastics. Many containers provide information on their product’s BPA content.

To learn more about the impacts of drinking bottled water, watch “The Story of Bottled Water” or this Ecobold video.

Use tap water instead of purchasing bottled water

Many people believe that bottled water is safer than tap water. In reality, tap water is more tightly regulated than bottled water. When you take into account the additional trash problems that disposable plastic bottles create and the resources required to produce them, tap water is the obvious environmentally-friendly choice. You can even buy a water filter that fits on your tap or a filtering pitcher if you want to improve the taste of your tap water. Check out this useful comparison on water filter types.

Shop with reusable bags

Each year, the United States consumes about 100 billion plastic bags made from approximately 12,000,000 barrels of oil. Most of these bags end up in landfills or in the environment, causing pollution and endangering wildlife. Reusable bags can cut back on this waste. To help yourself remember to take them to the store, try leaving a few in your car or by your front door. If you have plastic bags to get rid of, stuff them in one or more bags and tie them up. Then drop them in your recycling bin or the plastic bag recycling bins provided by many local grocery stores. For more information, check out the trailer for “Bag It,” a movie about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.

Use reusable dishes, utensils, and/or napkins

Avoid using disposable dishes, utensils, and napkins. Instead, use reusable dishes at home, wash and reuse cloth napkins, pick up a set of washable items to keep at work, and purchase reusable containers to store food in the refrigerator. Going to a potluck or picnic? Take a set of your own dishes, utensils, and reusable containers rather than using disposable products. You can even consider investing in some reusable glass containers for leftovers, which are safer for microwaving and dishwashing repeatedly. Set a good example for kids by packing them “Waste Free Lunches.”

Reduce packaging waste by buying goods in bulk

Pre-packaged items generate a lot of waste and are often more expensive than buying in bulk. Avoid items like plastic-wrapped bananas, individually wrapped prunes, and beverages in Styrofoam containers. Take the same approach when purchasing food for packed lunches. Instead of buying a pack of mini chip bags, buy a single large bag and put a portion into a small reusable container for each lunch. Buying in bulk and buying products that use recyclable, recycled, and biodegradable packaging can reduce the amount of material going into landfills. Learn more about how to buy with less packaging.

Make sure to only buy items in bulk that you will actually use before they go bad. Overbuying can lead to increased food waste.

Dispose of cooking grease properly

Instead of pouring your grease down the drain, collect it in a glass or metal container. Use caution as grease can be very hot. This method of cleaning your pots and pans prevents grease from clogging your pipes and lessens the load on the wastewater system. When the container is full, throw it away or scoop out the solid grease and recycle the container. You can even use leftover animal fat for seasoning cast iron pots or for cooking, as a replacement for butter.