It’s no secret that there is a problem in the world with an unimaginable amount of discarded plastic.
Plastic seemed like a fantastic invention in the 20th century, one that allowed for cheap and effective packaging of products. It was durable and didn’t break down. Now, a century later, we find ourselves buried under a mountain of material that was so effective and durable that it didn’t break down. Landfills are overflowing with it. The oceans are full of it, and there is now not one teaspoon of ocean water that is not contaminated with microscopic particles of plastic. And still it doesn’t break down.
So what do we do?
We stop buying it. We stop using it. And we stop making it.
It is possible to eat well, shop economically and live normally without using plastic materials. It just takes a little imagination, and a commitment to changing our habits. We have recently adopted a no-plastics policy in our household, and have found that 90% of the plastics that we were using are very easily abandoned for more responsible choices. It’s the other 10% that is proving to be more of a challenge. Things like toothpaste, cotton swabs, vegetable oil, frozen food and pet foods are very difficult (or impossible) to find without some kind of plastic packaging or over wrap. I’m confident that we will be able to achieve 100% plastic free living in the upcoming months, and the wonderful side effect of it is that we’ll be virtually 100% waste free as well. The website My Plastic Free Life has been an invaluable resource, and the discovery of Bulk Barn stores across Vancouver Island has made our transition simple and fun. We bring our clean glass canisters to the store with our list of shopping items, fill the jars…and come home with all food and no package. It’s cheaper, it’s simpler and the food is fresher. Everything from baking supplies to snacks, pasta to grains, and from dog treats to cleaning supplies can be purchased in this way. Did you know that?
I challenge you to reduce the amount of plastic that you purchase when you shop. It’s a small step that absolutely must be taken for the survival of species on this planet, including ourselves.
