While recycling is a good start, we can do much more. Here are some ideas for running the rest of the race.
- Refuse to buy or use single-use plastic items, like plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic ware, or plastic straws. Instead, bring your own (BYO) cloth bags, water bottle, thermos, bamboo flatware, or camping flatware.
- Eat at home instead of ordering in. If you do order in, don’t accept "to go" items that you can do without, like napkins, plastic ware, and cups.
- BYO containers for leftovers.
- BYO shopping bags. Cloth bags can be easily washed and reused for years; sturdy boxes also have a long life.
- Consider the packaging. When you can, choose package-free options. Increasingly, you can choose to buy items, from produce to bath soap, without the packaging. When package-free isn’t available, choose items in returnable or recyclable containers.
- Choose biodegradable options, like biodegradable trash bags, toothbrushes, pens, trash cans, dish soap, detergents, and cleaners.
- Consider the impact of packaging and mileage before purchasing items to be shipped or delivered.
- If you haven’t already done so, commit to composting food waste, leaves, and grass clippings.
- Raise others’ awareness of eco-conscious choices by collecting and posting pictures that demonstrate the impact to wildlife and the earth of various types of trash. Try posting these pictures near collection cans when you notice people aren’t recycling, or host a photo exhibit.
- Skip the balloons and ribbons. Balloons and ribbons kill countless animals, like birds and sea turtles who mistake the balloons for food or who get tangled in the ribbons. Even balloons labeled as "biodegradable" can take years to break down. Consider the biodegradability and recyclability of cards and gift wrapping too, not just decorations. Homemade cards and decorations can be even more meaningful than store-bought ones. You can also send your greetings via e-cards.