One of my focuses this year is on waste reduction.
I've taken several steps in the past week in order to get this moving:
1. I located and used my reusable shopping bags. Previously, I had only 3-4... now I have enough to fill an entire grocery bag. I am using these for groceries and in replace of plastic bags whenever possible. I went to the grocery store 3 times this week (once was whole foods, which I do not do all my shopping at, and the other time I forgot something) and used them all three times.
2. Used Dr Bronner Soap & Bought Biokleen All purpose Cleaner: I ran out of floor cleaner, and instead of going out and buying new floor cleaner I utilized the Dr Bronner soap we had. I decided I did like the Dr Bronner soap, however, in order to take an additional step I went to M&C where I know they will re-fill your soap in your own containers. I did not bring my own container, because I didn't really know what I was getting into. I bought a 32 oz super concentrated spray bottle of Biokleen All purpose cleaner for $6.00 (I actually got $0.10 off and used $5.90 of my store credit.. so didn't spend anything). It is a super concentrated spray and floor cleaner. I am planning on going back with my refillable container next time.
Fun fact: While I was there they recommended I cash out my handmade account, and I walked out with a $142 check!
3. Plastic Film Recycling: I set up a plastic film recycling station in my home. I am sure I am the only one who will be using this, but one person is better than none. I read about it at http://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/ and put the puppy's dog food container, 2 clean plastic film from a multipack and sandwich baggies inside the puppy container and under the sink. My plan is to bring it with me when I go grocery shopping.
4. Dinner Prep baby steps:
One of my other initiatives for the new year is to eat real food, not crap. A few baby steps to reducing waste were made in this en devour:
Yesterday at whole foods, I picked up a broccoli head without the plastic covering, and bought dry beans in bulk. They wouldn't let me use my tared containers, but I have their paper bags in my purse for the next time I go.
When I got home and was using only half of a family pack of chicken breasts, instead of putting into a one time use disposable bag, I put into a washable container. Then I transferred that this morning into my crock pot with the beans from yesterday for Chicken Tortilla soup. (I also made my own enchilada sauce instead of using a can- we'll see how that works out!!)
5. Attempted to use up vs. toss Cheap Razors & use alternative shaving cream method. (Note: Attempt = epic fail).
Once upon a time, when I was young and dumb I bought (or likely got free with coupon) very very cheap razors- like the cheapest possible. I've carried them from place to place and have decided enough is enough. It was either use that razor or go into the basement and see if I have any stock piled. So I decided to use it. Epic fail.
I am also out of shaving cream. I have been using lotion in the shower instead, but heard that you can use an oil based scrub. I love using my oil based sugar scrubs, so figured I'd try it out in a use it up vs just disposing manner.
Let's just say I got through one leg and needed 3 band aids after. Not only did I need 3 bandaids- I had to change the bandaids because they were bleeding through AND put gauze under the second sets.
Insert joke from husband about how I was so out of practice of shaving that I forgot hoe to do it. (stink eye to the 'Woolly Mammoth')
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