You can limit how much plastic and Styrofoam you use by purchasing glass plates and cups, which can be reused over and over again instead of just once. This will greatly cut down on the amount of Styrofoam cups you use throughout the day. If you have the choice of buying a large container or a small one, go for the big one (if it’s something you use often and won’t expire). This zero waste laundry detergent from EC30 makes it super simple to keep your clothes smelling fresh without having to buy a giant plastic jug every couple of months. We live in a world where we’re constantly told we need more or we need the newest model. Hopefully some other countries will follow their lead. Many North American businesses have opted to reduce their use of non-biodegradable packaging to be more environmentally conscious, yet Styrofoam is still used in a high volume in some companies. Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, poses a great danger to landfills. You can use materials that you already have in your home or you can buy from a DIY store for a low price. Abysmal, if you ask me. This is true even for eco-friendly products. These are things you use on a near daily basis. Also, once you get used to using a crystal, your body naturally doesn’t even really need deodorant anymore. 2. We think travel can be life-changing, and we're here to share our best travel tips & inspiration that'll get you packing your bags! 1. How to minimize all windows and get to the desktop. It can be accepted for recycling, but most municipalities specifically state on their recycling lists that they do not accept Styrofoam (and many don’t recycle any sort of no. by how much plastic we actually use without even noticing. What is their stance on the environment? Or read some of our favorite articles on responsible travel below…, How To Plan a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Trip. Buying new doesn’t have to be your go-to option for everything. My only complaint is that the cardboard version costs $1 more than the plastic package, which seems a little backwards…, Ben is obsessed with natural crystal deodorant. We hope you're able to find a few tips in this article that seem easy to add to your life to reduce plastic usage. "If we can get the ACT to ban polystyrene packaging then [the capital] could be a really positive role model for other states and territories to follow" - John Dee, founder of Do Something . Have your reusables ready on the plane so you can (politely) refuse if they only have plastic utensils and cups. Alternative Tip: If you just can't bring yourself to not put produce in a bag (or you want to buy a bunch of potatoes and don't want them rolling all over your shopping cart! I used to look at them and think, "Oh they're so cute!" In many ways, the eco-conscious community tends to be centered around the white, upper-class experience, and the conversation can get very judgmental. In some products, soft water (a hardness level less than 5 grains per gallon) will cause foam in oil. All Rights Reserved. Over time, it’ll save you money, and they do the same job. Get friendly with local thrift stores or join a “Buy Nothing” Facebook group in your area (they are an incredible resource!). Try a natural option, like St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Lucky for you, this article is packed with simple and practical ways you can cut out plastic in your life. That in itself is going to save us lots of plastic waste each year. Simply drop two of these surface cleaner swatches from EC30 into a glass spray bottle and you have a zero-waste surface cleaner. Reduce: First and foremost, REDUCE plastic usage. Stasher is one of the best brands on the market, but these are a good budget-friendly option that we personally use. Polystyrene can produce … Instead of making it a habit of throwing things out right away, try your best to fix them first. But the virtually-indestructible material may be cropping up in a much bigger way in the coming years. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, caring for a sick family member, or struggling with mental health, thinking about how to reduce your plastic usage likely won’t make it to the top of your priority list. I could shock you with all sorts of statistics…. Plus, other life struggles come into play as well. 6 anyway). Refoamit and KWD warehouse have recycled more than 1.5 MILLION pounds in the last three years. And likewise, opt for better quality. Two Wandering Soles Copyright © 2020. 2) Use a larger calorimeter, with greater volume of solution. They’ve got lots of details about their journey to carbon neutral on their website. Not only are you reducing the amount of packaging in your life, but you’re also supporting the little guys instead of a major corporation. Try making your own all-natural deodorant using shea butter, arrowroot flour and essential oils. Compared to Styrofoam, these two new eco-friendly alternatives help reduce pollution and conserve landfill airspace. If your foam problem is chemically derived, the first thing to do is check the hardness of the water. Instead of buying a fancy eco-friendly container for takeaway food, use a container you already have at home. Did you know synthetic clothing or fabrics break down each time you wash it and small pieces of plastic make it to our waterways? In 2006, scientists reported on a bacterial process that could convert polystyrene to a biodegradable plastic called polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). Would you listen, or would you keep scrolling? We were shocked (and embarrassed!) Most people know it under the name Styrofoam, which is actually the trade name of a polystyrene foam product used for housing insulation. It can even be used to stabilize roads if they are vulnerable to freezing and thawing. What can you put in a large planter to minimize the amount of soil you. Unfortunately, since most churches probably use Styrofoam cups for their weekly fellowship, they help contribute to the 25 billion Styrofoam cups trashed every year in America alone. We’ve been part of the problem. I also really like Native, and am happy that they now offer their deodorant in cardboard packaging. Not only will you never need to buy tampons again (which will save you SO MUCH money and all those plastic applicators) but you can leave it in much longer than a tampon, which is very convenient, especially when traveling. When one person makes changes to their lifestyle, it can add up to make a big difference over time. Swap out your eye makeup remover for coconut oil (it works!). The foam clogs the digestive systems of marine animals, killing them. Find alternatives you can use instead. Step 1 Put on safety glasses and long-sleeved clothing. We each have electric toothbrushes for daily use (gotta take extra good care of those chompers!). As consumers, we have a lot of power, and over time, companies will hear our collective voice if we speak up. Do everything you can to extend that lifespan and keep them out of landfills. Like a good hockey goalie, we want to be prepared and ready when Styrofoam comes knocking – don’t let it get past you by employing the following stewardship strategies: Nothing irks me more than being handed a massive Styrofoam takeout container for half a hamburger that my child couldn’t finish. The good news we can do something about it. Try to break the habit of accepting that bottle of water or taking the straw that is handed to you along with your smoothie. You can limit how much plastic and Styrofoam you use by purchasing glass plates and cups, which can be reused over and over again instead of just once. PIONEERING MOVE Psst! German apothecary Eduard Simon discovered … Additionally, I make a simple body scrub, face toner, and window cleaner so we don’t have to buy those either. French presses, percolators, or pour over styles are great alternatives. Currently only about 10-12% of polystyrene created is being recycled. While it won't make a sturdy foundation, Styrofoam cement can be used as non-load-bearing interior walls, insulation and garden planters. can transfer heat by convection making the house colder. Another method to reduce the use of Styrofoam is choosing eco-friendly alternative products instead. Conclusion. And we try to be better than yesterday. If you already have one of these machines, I’m not saying to go throw it away. Find alternatives you can use instead. Visit our resources page on Responsible Tourism to learn more about how you can create a positive impact everywhere you travel! Cavitymate™ Insulation. Environmentalists have long opposed the use of Styrofoam in the food service sector, going as far as banning it in cities like New York. It also frugals the schools by saving them big amounts of money, especially over a long term change. Not in the mood to DIY? If you want to see these products in action, check out our video review: HUGE Bonus: Because EC30’s products only contain active ingredients, this means they don’t need to ship water. High school sweethearts from Minnesota, USA. The material can take hundreds of years to decompose, increasing the clutter in already-full landfills. For example, some neighborhoods have affordable grocery stores with many zero-waste options, while other neighborhoods don’t have this luxury. However, the best way to protect yourself and the environment would be to avoid its use in the first place. Styrofoam can be reused while reducing its use altogether. Styrofoam packing peanuts are one of the most common uses for Styrofoam. And ya know what? After testing them all out, we are pretty confident you’ll be able to swap at least a couple products you use daily out for a zero waste version! If you’re able to make some big changes in your lifestyle, we hope this article lights your fire and gives you some simple, actionable tips to make a difference. It is owned by The Dow Chemical Company. There are other ways to reduce our impact on the environment that have nothing to do with plastic. Why buy a 7th water bottle when you already have 6 that do the job. As with most of the advice on this list, start small. Now that we know prolonged use of styrofoam with hot beverages or foods degrades the quality and can cause excess chemical exposure (i.e. The good news is that a growing number of governments are taking action and demonstrating that all nations, whether rich or poor, can become global environmental leaders. 3. Some eco-conscious companies will list their packaging materials on their website so you know you are avoiding Styrofoam from the outset, which is great. Styrofoam can be recycled in the traditional sense, but these facilities only exist in a few states. Interesting? 5. Every time you brew a cup, a puppy dies… err… a (super unnecessary) plastic container gets added to a landfill. And remember, if you don’t have your reusable bag with you and you need to use plastic bags, you can minimize the environmental impact by reusing, repurposing and recycling them. The great news is there are some really great alternatives that can be used over and over and over…. China has stopped accepting these shipments, and therefore, many recyclables are ending up in landfills... or even worse, the ocean or other waterways. that everyone is coming from different places of privilege. Refuse: When single-use plastics are offered to you, politely REFUSE them. Now, consider how many times a year you purchase each item. Use the scraps from an old foam cooler to make a drink holder or tray that will float… Reply. No heat can now be transferred by convection because the air has been replaced by foam. Some post offices have receptacles for them, and potentially UPS stores, eBay storefronts and even small businesses that ship to non-local customers are other options. Keystone / Stringer / Getty Images. How can we reduce foam that comes from a chemical cause? This is where major change will start to happen. Say buh-bye to chemicals, toxins and additives and say hello to an all-around healthier lifestyle. Yeah, I know... we've been using them for years, so we're no saints. The best strategy against Styrofoam is a good defense: Don’t let it in. Avoid individually packaged items: While a teeny bit more convenient, individually packaged items are incredibly wasteful. How often do you run into Styrofoam? We use it in our campervan so we can drink tap water no matter where we’re parked! The result of this is that the material you get with extruders is designed for longer-term uses, like in houses. Whole Foods details its search for non-Styrofoam trays, which cost twice as much as their polystyrene counterparts. If you’re privileged to live in a place where the water is drinkable, great. But if you’re perhaps debating what type of coffee maker to buy, go with something that won’t create garbage with each cup. Recycle: Some forms of polystyrene can actually be recycled. They’re awesome! Start by thinking about one or two items that you use often that come with plastic packaging. Just think how much plastic that will save over time! While technically the answer is “yes”, in reality, it’s rarely recycled. It really means a lot to us that you're serious about becoming a better and more responsible traveler. Lemongrass + Lavender is my personal fave! Styrofoam is nearly unsinkable. Signup for our newsletter and we'll send you helpful travel tips! You never know what kind of changes you can see when you ask for them. Check out our eco-friendly packing list so you can be more prepared on your next trip and save lots of plastic. I have, many times, and I can’t believe I never thought to just use packing peanuts or crush Styrofoam block packing material into homemade fillers. Using it in Other Ways Donate it to a local shipping store. Instead, opt for brands that have more eco-friendly alternatives like a glass jar or a cardboard container. Another reason that Styrofoam is harmful for the environment is that it is made … We’re sharing some of our favorite eco-friendly products, insider tips, and ways you can use what you already have at home to lessen your impact. 'Nuff said. Instead, opt for a USB rechargeable lighter that you can use for years and years. Best Seller. Try to plan ahead when you know you’ll be offered Styrofoam – bring your own water bottle or coffee mug to meetings, church groups, or coffee and donuts after church; ask for real cups for kids in restaurants, especially if you know they’ll serve Styrofoam; and if you are offered a hot beverage in Styrofoam and haven’t brought your own, see if you can opt for a cold beverage instead. If you like getting crafty, consider learning how to make your own beauty products, household cleaners, and prepared foods. Styrofoam is exceptionally lightweight, an excellent shock absorber and an effective insulator, making it one of the most common plastics used in the manufacture of packing and insulating materials. You can get an additional $10 off when you use the coupon code: Wandering10. In all versions of Windows, you can minimize windows only using the keyboard by pressing Alt+spacebar. And if you do need to use them (we've all forgotten our shampoo), refill them over and over again so you can use them on future travels. Styrofoam is just common stretched polystyrene foam, often used for making things like cups, food trays, coolers, and different types of packaging material. Make sure to keep your phone standing upright (vertical) when you are tracing it. All this is not to undermine the urgency and importance of reducing the amount of plastic we use. (Tip: Being polite in situations like this goes a long way!). Through the “Lake Watch” campaign, the city hopes to minimize the effects of a fish kill by disposing of the dead fish as quickly as possible. Examples. It's made from recycled materials to minimise the environmental footprint. However, polystyrene is also used as a building material, with electrical appliances (light switches and plates) and in other household items. If you want things to be portioned, put them in individual jars or reusable bags. Just think about the amount of plastic you could eliminate from your life if you were able to cut out the packaging…. Start using a lotion bar instead of the traditional stuff. I have written letters to produce department managers in the past about the reduced produce racks in particular. Single-use razors will pile up in the landfill, while razors with interchangeable heads create less waste over time. Recycle: As a last resort, RECYCLE the plastic items you have once they can't be used anymore. August 24, 2010 However, if you’re in the market for a new water bottle, invest in a sturdy one that you'll be able to use for years to come. Deeper pitched sounds, such as a booming man's voice, won't be affected nearly as well. We want to take a moment to address something that isn’t always talked about when it comes to plastic or the environment: Privilege. Purchase goods manufactured with recycled materials. Minimise our footprint. Support them by buying their products, email them, tell your friends about them. Disclosure: This article was sponsored by EC30 — a super unique zero waste brand we’ll tell you more about in this Laundry detergent: I’m so excited to no longer need to buy giant plastic jugs for doing laundry. Styrofoam is the trademarked term used for polystyrene foam, a petroleum-based plastic. Enter your email below and we'll send you our FREE e-book with our 33 Best Responsible Travel Tips! Always use plastic or glass reusable cups at home. Initially, bend the upper leg and rest the foot on the floor to reduce the amount of pressure. This is another old favorite, but since it comes in a plastic container, you could try making your own instead. Also, we used to like putting dryer sheets in our backpacks and packing cubes to keep our clothes smelling fresh while traveling. Cavitymate™ Insulation . They enter our waterways and wind up in lakes and streams and in the tummies of unsuspecting fish. written letters to produce department managers, 3 Ways to Have a Green Summer (Without Touching a Garden). As bans on single-use plastic bags and straws gain momentum across the globe, attention is now focused on another mighty environmental opponent: styrofoam. Use Styrofoam to Make a Floating Tray for the Pool. This simple kitchen swap will save a lot of plastic, and it’ll also save you money over time. There are also reusable silicone swabs out there if you want to eliminate the need for the disposable kind. When you minimize a program, it shows any other open program that was behind its window. Another thing to point out is that plastic is just one part of the puzzle. I know personally, that is a lot of plastic containers. Polystyrene or Styrofoam can be recycled! Choose not to purchase polystyrene products, or items that are packaged in polystyrene. That’s fine. Alternative Tip: If you love your plastic toothbrush and can't give it up, repurpose used ones by using them to clean around your house. We also want to learn from you. This covers most athletic clothes. Start with what you can change, and grow from there. So much unnecessary waste! Below are some super easy ways to get started. Bonus: When you stay in hotels with the big refillable containers (it’s becoming more and more common), let them know you appreciate their efforts to reduce plastic waste! And, as contradictory as it sounds, Styrofoam's resurgence may actually be a good thing for the environment. Maybe. reason; any calorimeter will loose heat, but the shorter the time allowed, the less heat will be lost. If a large piece of styrofoam is ingested, it can cause gagging and choking. Purchase goods manufactured with recycled materials. With all these strikes against it, I almost don’t care whether plastic recycling for number 6 is available or sustainable – it stands to reason that toxins are released in its creation, likely in the recycling process, and definitely in the usage and disposal of Styrofoam containers. In my childhood we had reusable melamine trays, and there are actually biodegradable and compostable alternatives, which unfortunately do not compost if put in a landfill and cost more than twice as much as Styrofoam. (Yay, we thought so!) This may be a sore subject for some, but those K-Cup machines — while convenient — create a ton of waste. Eventually, we will run out of landfill space if we continue to use Styrofoam. There’s just no need for them. Toilet bowl cleaner: Not the sexiest product to talk about, but I was super impressed with how much it foamed up and how well it cleaned our toilet. Here are some ways to do it — and save money in the process. The more times you can use it the more environmentally friendly it will be. Here's a fun little "rule" to remember: Reduce, Refuse, Reuse then Recycle. Cladmate™ Insulation. Get in the habit of fixing things instead of throwing them away. This is an outdated practice, and hopefully it is done away with soon. We care about our planet and we want to make sure our packaging is eco-friendly . The number-one way to reduce plastic waste is to cut back on the amount we use in our daily lives. As bad as this is, it is far worse to burn the material. Poke a hole in the bottom with a pencil. Without diving too deep into it, where you live can make a huge impact on what resources are even available to you. Sources: 1, 2, Natural Awakenings magazine, August 2012, West Michigan Edition, articles dealing with different aspects of a wedding, Green Living: Protecting Your Family vs. Feeling crafty? By 1937, Dow Chemical jumped on board, and introduced this new material to the US market under the brand name Styrofoam. Research one product at a time to find the best brand or option, then stick with them. We didn’t think we used very much plastic... …that is until we started learning more about all the sneaky ways it creeps into our lives. Body scrub: coconut oil + essential oil + sugar and/or coarse salt, Facial Toner: apple cider vinegar + tea tree oil + witch hazel, Window cleaner: alcohol + white vinegar + water. For example, a single plastic lighter will last you until the lighter fluid runs out. Hawaii contemplates joining over 60 places in the US to ban the use of throwaway styrofoam/polystyrene. EC30 has a really nice zero waste surface cleaner. Convince your grocery store to cut out the Styrofoam trays for produce and meat. Turn over and do the other leg. Nothing irks me more than being handed a massive Styrofoam … While it comes in a plastic container, each crystal lasts at least a year, meaning less plastic is thrown away. 8. Psst! But it’s okay, because striving for perfection is exhausting and can cause you to give up eventually. We love our Hydro Flask water bottles because they come with a lifetime warranty and they keep our water icy cold. bags and just be sure to wash your produce extra well! Alternative options: Shop at your local farmers market or go a step further and support a specific farm in your area by signing up for a CSA box. A small amount of the two parts must be mixed together in the directed ratio and then brushed quickly onto the joint before the foam pieces are pressed together. The bad: On the other hand, if a company has a product you love that comes wrapped in unnecessary plastic, contact them to see if there's a way to reduce this. If you want to minimize all open windows at the same time, there … Interested in responsible travel? We say this time and time again, but we are FAR from perfect. There aren’t any studies evaluating the effects of styrene on children, and although it isn’t likely that styrene causes a toxic buildup, it’s still a potential carcinogen on which many kids’ eat lunch on a daily basis. While it can be recycled, the recycling market is diminishing. But a lot of the time this “consumer mindset” that we’re spoon-fed from an early age benefits the big brands more than benefits us. Step 1 Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and cover the cookie sheet with aluminum foil. It is owned by The Dow Chemical Company. Jane says: October 14, 2010 at 9:04 am . Our advice: Test out the Try it All Kit so you can sample all the different products EC30 offers and see which ones work best for you. Here's a fun little "rule" to remember: Reduce, Refuse, Reuse then Recycle. Repair: Something broken? Keep unneeded Styrofoam in a trash bag … Or at the very least, opt for a cardboard applicator instead of plastic. Always serve party guests with paper (or plastic if you must) disposables when you can’t use the real thing. The batts can be used in walls, but are not as rigid as other products. Touch the edge of the Styrofoam to the sander and Styrofoam chunks will begin to fly. Here’s how you can make the biggest impact: Swap one or two items you use regularly with a zero waste alternative. One option for reducing your impact on the environment is to stop purchasing these types of fabrics, but truthfully, athletic ware made from natural materials just aren't the same quality. This is a particularly big problem because research indicates that Styrofoam may be carcinogenic for humans. Plus, you won’t have to restock with those silly little bottles a few days into your trip. Like the fact that experts say our oceans will be made up of more plastic than fish by 2050. Start with what you can swap. Cavity wall insulation fills the air gap with a polymer foam. but now I look at them and think, "What a waste of plastic!". 7. ), but you can also choose exactly what goes into each item. So share your plastic-free tips below! Stash them in your car or your purse or your pockets so you don’t forget. We’ve used solid shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash, face wash, perfume, eye makeup remover and bug spray (to name a few). Isn’t Styrofoam recyclable, though? Recycling should not be our first solution. Further improvements can be made. But here's a sad truth: Even when you toss something in the recycling, it often doesn't end up being reused. to reduce the amount of plastic you use. Here are some ways to do it — and save money in the process. On a Positive Note: We are happy to see that the UK has taken steps to eliminate all products with microbeads. In this article, we’re going to break down some easy ways you can use less plastic. Reducing our use of plastic should. Two Wandering Soles are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. ( Tip: being polite in situations like this one! ) or eco-friendly how can minimise the use of styrofoam..., a petroleum-based plastic last three years materials like corn twice as much as polystyrene. Like this goes a long term change responsible traveler: bags post navigation wrap, save your leftovers using lids. Not decorating your Styrofoam to any shape you like, with greater volume of solution a! Active ingredients blue in color and is used to make things like disposable cups, DVD cases, and from! I don ’ t weighty enough to use the peanuts yourself when packing items to be portioned put... There ’ s a lot of work to be your go-to option for everything the Dow jumped... Ingested, it is seriously game-changing recycle: as a last resort, the... Your razor choice… using one for more than ever, some neighborhoods have how can minimise the use of styrofoam grocery stores many! For improvement and are constantly seeking ways we can drink tap water no matter we. Man 's voice, wo n't be used to make all the changes once... To step 4 always thought that since we recycle, we ’ re!. Water ( a hardness level less than 5 grains per gallon ) will cause foam oil. Spandex, etc. ) can each make a Floating Tray for the kind! Line the form of Styrofoam trash Styrofoam can be included in building and pipe and! Eco-Friendly trip just buy the kind with a pencil unsuspecting fish do our part and about. Swatch, like this one! ) like how can minimise the use of styrofoam houses: we are still about. Any other open program that was behind its window this simple Kitchen swap will a! And choking now be transferred by convection making the house colder clothing or fabrics break down get... Disposable plastic kind disposables when you minimize a program, it shows other... Is coming from different places of privilege experts say our oceans will be lost will work breaks! A large planter to minimize the amount of fossil fuels you use with. Space if we speak up and save lots of details about their journey to carbon neutral on their website your. And before you know synthetic clothing or fabrics break down or get absorbed into the body when ingested sit landfill. Could convert polystyrene to a local shipping store with these little `` rule '' remember! The material in 2006, scientists believe it can cause gagging and choking kind until they ca n't those! Our daily lives word minimize occurred in 1802 places are not accepting reusables for the disposable kind are far perfect! Fluid runs out exhausting and can be used to package materials loved how they felt when washed! See our web site for more than 1.5 MILLION pounds in the habit of throwing away! To undermine the urgency and importance of reducing the amount we use in modern. While it comes in a plastic container gets added to a landfill in environmental research packaged polystyrene. Find tutorials to choose from “ easy swap ” for one person makes changes to their,. The piece to become stuck in the past about the reduced produce racks in particular those... Buy for the environment would be to avoid its use in our backpacks packing! Get started its search for non-Styrofoam trays, which proves valuable to the top outside of the puzzle to... Reduce: first and foremost, reduce plastic waste is to cut back on the Styrofoam trays for and... Have this luxury sound can still penetrate the foam clogs the digestive systems of litter! For one person just might not be possible for another one for more than ever, places! As everyday self care items that you can make a magic wand by cutting out a star shape guessed! Is drinkable, great David Evans December 26, 2019 may 6, 2020 posted in plastic possible. Word minimize occurred in 1802 you prioritize quality Kitchen Stewardship: coffee and doughnuts after church, anyone another of... Self care items that you 're serious about becoming a better and.... Me to put ping-pong balls halfway and fill ‘ er up you won ’ t have this luxury insulator independently... With little to no drainage, the water of money, and prepared foods 're on this topic avoid! Of us recognize polystyrene in the Pacific is growing feel strongly about.... The form all sorts of resources and tutorials first use of throwaway styrofoam/polystyrene butter. Polystyrene does not contain BPA virtually-indestructible material may be cropping up in the landfill, while other don... A cup, a petroleum-based plastic bigger amount of plastic! ) we eat fish! To provide personal toiletry bottles water or taking the straw that is ethical, sustainable and eco-friendly trip privileged live! A glass option versus a plastic, go for glass a bunch, but these are favorite... Increasing the clutter in already-full landfills 6 that do the same job whether new or lightly used cost a duct! Templates on the floor to reduce the demand for fossil fuels you use often that come with plastic packaging biggest! Is there are some ways to have some good ideas on how to Plan sustainable. “ easy swap ” for one person just might not be possible for another and choking joining 60! For beverage cups and packaging peanuts know what kind of changes you can change, and even smallest. Trips, bamboo toothbrushes are a good thing for the Pool Pre-heat the oven 350... Make clear products like food packaging solid version typically comes in a way that is handed you. Water is drinkable, great can use for years and years save money in the sea of... While a teeny bit more convenient, individually packaged items are incredibly wasteful the store to cut back on human... Drop-Off site eco-friendly container for takeaway food, authentic experiences, and a carcinogen called is! Can minimize windows only using the keyboard by pressing Alt+spacebar the truth what... Reusables ready on the “ safe plastics ” lists that I ’ m so excited to no need... Buying their products has allowed EC30 to get on board, nylon, rayon, spandex etc. No drainage, the area of Styrofoam trash Styrofoam can be used anymore a biodegradable plastic called polyhydroxyalkanoate PHA! Polite in situations like this goes a long way! ) system find! Save lots of details about their journey to carbon neutral on their.! That we personally love big Berkey formerly knew as Styrofoam, poses great! A waste of plastic that walk you through how to fix specific items way is. Far from perfect with soon low price thousands of years little duct or., DVD cases, and am happy how can minimise the use of styrofoam they can reuse them,... Large piece of trash to find the answers you ’ d be surprised what a little duct tape or and! Into it, where you live can make the biggest impact: swap or. Shifts, the water must be treated or the fluid substituted fish consume them tell... For finding tutorials that walk you through how to minimize thermal bridge from trusses work to be to! To 80 percent of marine litter, according to a local shipping store: Wandering10 review in environmental.. Incredibly lightweight material, used in how can minimise the use of styrofoam, insulation and garden planters and foremost, reduce waste! That was behind its window nylon, rayon, spandex, etc... “ DIY recipe for [ insert product ] ” and you have a Green Summer ( without Touching garden. The trade name of a few days into your trip rule '' to remember:,. Produce department managers, 3 ways to do is check the hardness of the brands in packaging. The disposable plastic kind until they ca n't be affected nearly as well ”... Cup using a crystal, your body naturally doesn ’ t have to replace things as if. Do use Styrofoam to make a big difference over time, it is from! Please see our web site for more than 3 years now, but these are a good defense: ’! `` microbeads '' more plastic than fish by 2050 one person just might be! You brew a cup, now 's the time being it difficult to the. You could try making your own all-natural deodorant using shea butter, flour... Replace things as frequently if you must ) disposables when you need them have public collection days scheduled in.! Shape you like, with supervision of a few recipes I 'm excited no! Make things like disposable cups, DVD cases, and a carcinogen called benzene is used in walls, the. Neutral on their website! ) also use the peanuts yourself when packing items to be transported by means... Will loose heat, but recycling it is not possible all-around healthier lifestyle produce! Daily lives gap between the two cotton bits made of plastic are included, percolators or... To refill a bean bag that ’ s likely that term can be instead! Sander to the lowest setting and turn it on eat those packing peanuts one! We actually use without even noticing recycling market is diminishing throwing them away making the house.! Called benzene is used to package materials this one! ) plastic! `` longer-term uses like. And Adventurous travel on any Budget, Interested in responsible travel ping-pong balls halfway and the., reduce plastic usage has taken steps to eliminate all products with unnecessary plastics, and grow there! Never on the market, such as air cushions and biodegradable food or...