Healthy Life Tip: Reduce your dependence on plastic

 By Renée Tillotson

How much plastic circulates through your hands as you go through the many activities of your daily life? Become aware of your use of plastic, and reduce your dependence upon it wherever possible. As we reduce our demand for petroleum-based products, we increase our demand for products made from natural, raw materials. Lo and behold! Our stores and manufacturers will take notice and adjust their products to fit the public’s demands! For example, look at how many more organic goods are available in the markets now compared to ten years ago – all because of consumer demand.

Instead of using plastic, choose items made of wood, metal, glass, leather, ceramic, or natural fibers.

• Use compostable bags for your trash.  A couple good are sources: Reli. Bags or Hipposak. 
• Keep leftovers in glass jars or other glass containers.
• Metal tins work well for storing dry foods. Save your Christmas cookie tins!
• Waxed paper bags and metal tins both work great for sandwiches.
• Bring your own containers to the restaurant for left-overs.
• Buy dry laundry detergent and liquids in boxes instead of in plastic containers.
• Avoid micro-fiber cloth, towels, and fleece clothing.
• Wear clothing made of natural fibers that biodegrade instead of poly-anything, nylon, spandex, etc. that break down into micro-fibers that small creatures will ingest and pass on to whatever eats or drinks them. Rayon fabric, by the way, is made from plant fiber. Other natural fibers include cotton, linen, and silk. Still & Moving Center now sells Lilikoi brand clothing made of a genuinely biodegradable polyester substitute from Brazil.

If you have no alternative to plastic, use what you have for a long time before finding a replacement for it. Have fun with a plastic-reducing lifestyle by getting reusable items that make your space look natural and feel great!