Five ways I diminished my plastic waste.

I remember when I became aware of the massive trash islands in the ocean and the alarming amount of trash and plastic waste. Seriously gross. I mean, who hasn’t watched the video with the sea turtle with the straw in it’s nose? I cried right along with it. Shudder. As a result, I desire to make sure I can be more responsible with our planet.

In Genesis 1:28, God stated that humans are to rule over the earth. That made me think about all the rulers I know. What kind of ruler I want to be means that I take my responsibility seriously. God gave us this planet and we are to be good stewards of it. Following are five of my favorite things to help me steward my plastic waste. Just so you know, I am by no means an expert and I don’t get paid do share this.

Plastic Free Laundry Detergent

With even just the four people and two dogs in my house, we go through a lot of those big plastic laundry detergent bottles. Laundry is an on going thing around here. When I found out about these laundry detergent sheets and their recyclable card board envelopes they are packaged in, it wasn’t even a choice to turn back. They work great, There are multiple brands to choose from including scent free and hypo-allergenic if you need it.

2. Reusable Plastic Bags

A few years ago, I chaperoned my daughter’s field trip to a Marine Science museum. One of the requirements was the entirety of the lunches I packed for us had to be disposable. During our trip, the class sat in on a video and presentation about the impact of disposable waste on the ocean and all that lives in it as well as the kind of impact that has on humans as well. I can’t tell you how convicted I was about this because we so easily put convenience above responsibility for our planet. I purchased these bags to helped. They are also pretty handy. They take up less space than some plastic containers and they are also great for camping. They are easily cleaned and last.

3. Reusable Plastic Bags

Simply put, the little green plastic produce bags are not recyclable and they do not biodegrade. These babies easily go in the washing machine to clean or wash when I wash dishes when I need to. I don’t have much to add but to say the reusable produce bags are just awesome.

4. Bees Wax Reusable Food Wraps

This is a new product for me. I admit I really love press and seal. Who doesn’t? These bees wax food wraps however have been a fun alternative and they come in so many different cure patterns. I Think they are so much more fun to take to picnics and parties plus they make my refrigerator look cute. I’m seriously aesthetically minded. I love the way things look. I am really new to this product so I can’t speak to the durability so we will have to figure that out.

5. Biodegradable Dog Waste Bags

I have often wondered as I have picked up my dog’s poop on walks, the dog poop that would biodegrade will now not do that because it is forever being stored in landfills in plastic bags that don’t. Honestly, single use plastic that doesn’t biodegrade should be illegal but until that day, I introduce you to these handy little earth friendly bags (I should have done this post around Earth day lol).

What do you like to do to better the health of our planet? I mean, I’m no expert on any of this. I do love watching the videos on Instagram from 4Ocean, a non profit that works to clean and ocean and beaches of trash. It started with just two guys who decided they could do more and so they did.

I mean, I’m just doing what I can one house hold chore at a time. I’m for sure no expert. I’m sharing these five things because I want to. I’m not getting paid to, that would be cool though, but I’m not.