10 TRICKS FOR REDUCING WASTE ON THE GO!
Summer is here, which means there are ample opportunities for waste to occur. Traveling, cookouts, festivals, cheap plastic beach toys - everywhere you go a chance to put your garbage refusal skills into action. Here are some of my favorite ways to avoid waste & be more planet-friendly during these warm, sunny days!
1. Never leave the house without your reusables. Carrying a container, go-pack of silverware, cloth napkin & mason jar (or other reusable drink cup) with you during travel and to festivals/cookouts can make life a lot easier! It's also fun to put your reusables to the test in a new place. Having a couple shopping bags are helpful in case you thrift or grab groceries and a cloth bulk bag or two for bakery stops or sandwiches to-go. Mason jars are super versatile which is why I love them for travel. They work well for water, coffee, leftovers and sometimes, if you go to the right place, cocktail hour.
2. Be prepared! I always bring along at least one snack to have on hand for emergencies when away from home whether in my home town or traveling. When traveling by car I bring the whole kit and caboodle (aka everything). I usually hit the market beforehand so I know I will have all the package free or sustainable food I'll want while away.
3. Start a recycling or compost collection. This could be when at a family event or on the go! Take a couple paper bags to collect any recycling and try to locate a drop off bin when out of town. When I got to my family river cottage I try to remember my recycling can along. This means having to make several trips to empty it during the week but its worth it. Last year I even tried bringing along my compost bin for food scraps and while it didn’t work in the open-air environment, I felt good for at least trying.
4. Check out EatWell.org for sustainable food options near you when away from home. Not only can you find restaurants but it also lists out natural grocers & farmers markets!
5. Make your own buns, side dishes or try to build cookout menus around minimal packaging and local ingredients.
6. If you forget something while away from home try to make due, borrow from friends/family or look for a local shop nearby. One summer we forgot a hat for our kiddo when traveling to the beach. We luckily found a children’s thrift store had several available.
7. Use physical sunscreen instead of chemical. Chemical sunscreens with ingredients such as oxybenzone are not only bad for us but also pose a threat to the health of our coral reefs. Pick a sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with non-nano particles! Better yet, minimize sunscreen use all together by covering up with a long sleeve UV protective shirt, finding some shade and staying out of direct sunlight during the brightest periods of the day.
8 . Buy pre-used beach toys or simply use items from around your home/kitchen when headed out to play around water.
9. Walk as much as you can when away! You'll not only feel better (enjoy all the local delicacies without a shred of guilt) and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of your destination but you'll get around in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
10. Pack some gloves + a few pre-used disposable bags & pick up garbage instead of seashells. It’s a great activity to get your family or friends involved in, those around you will take notice of the act and you’ll be protecting the space you love.