There’s no doubt that disposable products offer convenience, but when you consider the production and waste caused by every disposable fork and plastic bag, the impact adds up.
Fortunately, the solution is cost-effective.
Learn how to incorporate reusable products into your daily life.
New habits don’t come easy, but we have faith in you. Start by carrying your own cutlery and straws. Look for light or foldable versions so they easily fit into a bag or pocket. Bring your own take-out containers. Just like your reusable grocery bags, keep a few sealable containers in your vehicle or bag for easy use.
Once you’ve got that under your belt, get in the habit of bringing a water bottle or coffee mug with you. Free water is readily available through restaurants or water fountains. A number of our local cafes even give discounts when you BYO cup.
Heading to the store? Don’t forget reusable shopping totes. Looking for suggestions? Check out our advice on reusable bags. Consider including a variety of sizes so you can bag up your produce without pulling new plastic. Keep in mind that fruits and veggies don’t have to be individually bagged. If you are ready to take it a step further, bring reusable containers for your deli purchases.
When you shop for groceries, choose stores with bulk bins that allow you to bring your own containers. Also, shop with local farmers that allow you to return berry and tomato baskets for reuse. Purchase fresh bread in paper bags and skip single-use bottles and cans.
Packing lunches and snacks? Just say no to plastic bags and replace them with lunch and snack boxes that can go in the dishwasher. Wax paper and wraps make handy sandwich wraps and are compostable.
Finally, for those who like to shop online, Loop is now in New Jersey. Using a milkman model, Loop sells a variety of products in durable containers, each designed to be returned, washed and refilled providing a waste-free shopping experience.
Helpful Hints
Check out a few of these local examples of businesses that support reusables:
- Whole Earth Center offers bulk bin shopping.
- Triumph Brewery sells a to-go beer product in returnable beer steins.
- McCaffrey’s Food Markets sells milk in returnable glass bottles.
- Find local farmers on Thursdays at the Princeton Farmers Market, on Fridays at Cook’s Market at Rutgers Gardens, or on Saturdays at the West Windsor Farmers Market.
Did you know?
Worldwide, people consume a million plastic bottles per minute, most of which end up in the landfill or ocean.
In the US, plastic waste has grown rapidly — particularly plastic containers, bags and packaging.
