Personal Note: This blog post’s topic has little to do with what is going on all around us at the moment, but while everything may seem chaotic right now, I am hopeful that in the future we will be able to resume some semblance of a normal life. As such, I wanted to share my thoughts on what that could include and hopefully help to provide some distraction from today’s headlines. Stay safe and healthy!
“Life has many ways of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.”
PauloCoelho
Earlier this month, the grocery stores in our area stopped offering plastic bags as an option at the checkout. This incredible change is as a result of New York State’s Bag Waste Reduction Law which went into effect March 1st and prevents any person that collects sales tax from providing carry out plastic bags. It’s only another example of a growing trend towards sustainability and a desire to engage in making choices that positively impact our environment. I am definitely not an expert in any way but wanted to use this platform to share some of the recent changes I’ve made in the hopes of moving closer to a more sustainable way of living.
The initial changes I made were small, allowing me to incorporate them into my daily routine without missing a beat. For example, over three years ago, I invested in these affordable glass bottles and used Jen’s, I Heart Organizing, homemade cleaning recipes to craft cleaning solutions that did not include toxic ingredients. It was a great guide and I still use it to this day. While that change was a significant first step for my family, recently, it hasn’t felt like enough. So, late last year, I ordered these reusable grocery boxes/bags that I take with me every time I shop to avoid having to use plastic. These bags collapse and store easily, and when opened, hold the same amount as nine grocery bags!
Creative Green Life
My latest purchases, however, have been some of my favorites. I have wanted to get rid of ziplock bags, saran wrap, and any other single-use plastics related to food storage for years. To begin, I ordered this beeswax paper from Bee’s Wrap to wrap food items and cover open containers. It doesn’t hurt that the print is beautiful and the perfect color. The wraps are useful for a year with gentle washing and retain their stickiness, and, once done, it’s decomposable. Works like a dream! If you are interested in replacing your saran wrap, this is a great alternative.
Next up? These fantastic bags. It is such a waste to have to throw the single-use bags away and to continue to clutter our landfills. To avoid having to use ziplock bags of any size, I purchased these 100% food grade and dishwasher safe silicone bags from Amazon. I bought a few different sizes to accommodate the various veggies that we purchase and they are great!
If you are interested in getting on the path to making a change, I have listed below some wonderful options that have positive reviews and may make all of the difference in your home.
Homemade Cleaning Product Prep:
1. 16oz Clear Glass Bottles 2. Grey Chevron Caddy 3. Single Glass Bottle 4. Ultra Divided Caddy
Grocery Bags – Alternatives:
1. Grey Heavy Duty Totes 2. Trolley Supermarket Bag 3. Collapsible Grocery Shopping Bag
Vegetable Storage Bags:
1. Round Haven Produce Bags 2. Cotton Mesh Produce Bags 3. See Through Produce Bags 4. Muslin Storage Bags
Beeswax Paper:
1. Honeyalley Reusable Food Wrap 2. Vegan Autumn Floral Wrap 3. Eco Friendly Beeswax Wraps
Silicone Storage Bags:
1. Reusable Snack Bags 2. Stasher Reusable Silicone Bags 3. Qinline Reusable Freezer Bags
Until next time!
Mildred
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