MAKING YOUR BANQUET MENUS SUSTAINABLE AND FUN!

 

REDUCING YOUR PLASTIC USAGE

Embracing sustainability is important.  One of the best ways you can have an impact is by reducing plastic usage. Here are the top 10 ways to reduce plastic usage at home:

1. Use Reusable Bags

Switch to reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones when you shop for groceries or other items.  Keep them in your car or by the door to make it easy to remember.
Many stores now encourage the use of reusable bags and some even provide incentives for using them.

2. Opt for Refillable Water Bottles

Stop buying single-use plastic water bottles by investing in reusable water bottles made from stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic.  

3. Choose Bulk and Loose Products

Buy groceries in bulk to reduce the amount of plastic packaging you bring home.
Choose products sold in loose form (like fruits, vegetables, grains) and use your own cloth or mesh bags to carry them.

4. Switch to Reusable Containers

Replace single-use plastic bags, wraps, and containers with reusable glass or stainless steel containers for storing leftovers, packed lunches, and food prep.  Use beeswax wraps as an alternative to plastic wrap for covering food.

5. Use Bar Soap and Shampoo

Switch to bar soap and solid shampoo instead of liquid products packaged in plastic bottles.
Many stores offer package-free personal care products that can significantly reduce your plastic waste.

6. Avoid Single-Use Plastic Utensils and Straws

Carry reusable utensils and straws made from metal, bamboo, or other eco-friendly materials.   Many restaurants and cafes are moving towards offering alternatives, but bringing your own ensures you always avoid single-use plastics.

7. Choose Reusable Cleaning Products 

Swap out plastic sponges and brushes for eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable sponges or cloths made from sustainable materials.  Use refillable cleaning products by buying concentrated solutions in glass bottles or using dissolvable cleaning tablets.

8. Buy Second-Hand or Eco-Friendly Products 

Shop for second-hand items or look for products with minimal packaging. Many second-hand stores or online platforms offer items without new plastic packaging. When buying new, opt for eco-friendly brands that prioritize sustainable, plastic-free packaging.

9. Ditch Disposable Diapers 

Switch to cloth diapers if you have young children, as disposable diapers contain plastic and take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. Cloth diapers are washable and reusable, reducing the plastic waste associated with single-use diapers.

10. Make Your Own Household Products 

DIY household cleaners and personal care products like cleaners, lotions, and scrubs to reduce the need for plastic-packaged products.  You can store them in glass jars or reusable containers.

By combining these strategies with the previous five, you can significantly reduce plastic waste in your household and move towards a more sustainable lifestyle.