Photo Credit: Flickr/mag3737
This week we’ve looked at the bathroom and the kitchen to see where we can cut plastics out of our lives (click here to read the previous kitchen and bath articles in the series). Today, we look at the category to capture everything else – random. The following tips don’t have a cohesive theme other than these are still things you will find in your home. And there are likely many other things to add to this list, I just can’t think of them right now as I look around my house because I have done a pretty good job over the years of limiting my own plastic consumption. But please read on for tips on how to identify some not-so-obvious areas where you likely have plastics.
Pens – We can’t really get along without pens and unfortunately, most are made of several different plastics for the case and the mechanism. And, at this point they are not recyclable in your curbside pickup. Look for pens that are made from biodegradable materials, such as corn-based plastics or cardboard and wood. I have received a few of these types of pens as promotional materials but there are also places online that have these for sale too. How about asking your favorite office supply store to stock pens made from renewable materials? Another alternative, buy a nice refillable pen. Yes, this still creates non-recyclable waste, but it creates less of it. You are not throwing away the pen barrel or mechanisms that make your pen work, just the ink cartridge.
Storage bins – In the past I have had many different sized plastic storage bins for things such as gardening supplies, holiday decorations, craft supplies, bathroom products, etc. I still have some lingering in the closets but I try now to store things like this in wood baskets or boxes. Not only does this cut down on my use of plastics, but it also looks nice to have an eclectic collection of baskets on the shelves. I find most of mine at second hand stores which is more economical and avoids the purchase of new materials.
Beach toys – This is an issue that just came up in my family because of our last trip to the ocean. So many small plastic shovels, rakes and buckets showed up on this trip. And no one wanted to take them home! Well, I did in hopes that we would use them again next year. But as I was putting them away, I noticed that many were broken and won’t likely fare well on their next use. Why not invest in some metal and wood gardening supplies? These can be used many times at the beach, and also in your yard. And, when you accidentally leave them at the beach, you aren’t leaving plastic in a direct path to the ocean.
No more plastic hangers! – Most people really love their plastic hangers but when you need more, buy wood or metal ones. Or, we could use those wire ones that no one seems to want to use thanks to Mommy Dearest!
Feeling ambitious? Write to the makers of your favorite products and urge them to use renewable materials to make and package their products. If you do have to buy plastic, try to buy items made with recycled content and be sure you recycle it when you are done.
Go around your home and take inventory of your plastics. You will find probably find plastic in every room. But wait – don’t throw it all away! It is already here and you might as well use it through its useful life. Throwing it all away will just add to the problem. But when you need to replace something, replace it with a non-plastic replacement when possible. What other ideas do you have for eliminating plastics from your home?
Eco Home Consultations provides green living consultation services in the Seattle area, focusing on practical ways to integrate green living into your household. Learn more at www.ecohomeconsults.com or email questions about this blog or other green living issues to Melissa@ecohomeconsults.com.
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