Small Change, Big Effect

According to Duke University, the average person generates a little more than 4 pounds of waste per day. This got me thinking about all the things that I throw away that I can replace with reusable items.

Something that I have tried doing and really like is bringing containers with me when I go out to eat. It is so easy and then the leftovers are conveniently packed in my favorite containers. I admit that I have gotten a few odd looks. But, restaurant owners and waitstaff love it!

As with most people these days, I also bring my own bags to the grocery store. (Side note - How cool is that? That so many people do this!) I am also very lucky as my mother-in-law made me a bunch of awesome bags years ago for just this purpose. She is awesome. Thank you, Kathy!

What else? Where else can I trade disposable items for reusable ones? Well, I do like to eat out for lunch once in a while when working in the office. There is a tasty spot across the street from my office where I like to grab a bite to eat from time to time. When I do, I use disposable utensils and napkins. I would bring the utensils back to my desk, instead of throwing them away. But, they began to pile up.

So, I thought, why not bring utensils with me? That seems easy enough. Well, I tried to remember to bring utensils with me when I set out to eat. But, I would forget. So, I decided to bring real utensils from home, wrapped in a cloth napkin. My hope was that by making it special, I would remember. 

It took some practice, but after a few successful trips, the habit has set. Not only do I bring silverware with me to lunch, my coworkers are in on the gig! We all walked to lunch today, silverware in hand.

Such a simple thing! But, with little changes, big impacts may follow! One less consumable, disposable item going in the landfill.