A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Paper Disposables Are Not The Answer

In today’s world of online activism, heaps of articles have been written about switching from non-recyclable plastics to paper alternatives, especially when talking about straws or food and beverage items. On the surface, this seems like a great switch. However, when you look a little more closely, switching to paper is more of a deflection than a solution.

According to the Idaho Forest Products, there are several steps to making paper for all sorts of paper products.

1. Trees are cut down and cut into lumber.
2. The excess of this process is ground into wood chips.
3. The wood chips are then processed into pulp.
4. The pulp is put through a paper-making machine where it’s thinned, pressed, and dried.
5. The paper can then be cut for various products.

For 1 metric ton of paper, this process requires 17 trees, 6,604 gallons of water (25 cubic meters), 10,061 kWh of energy, and 680 gallons of oil.

For comparison sake, plastic is made of compounds derived from non-renewable resources such as coal and oil, and 22 gallons of water are used to make a pound of plastic (22 gallons x 2204 pounds in a metric ton= 48,488 gallons). Additionally, many of the plastic products we use that can be recycled, usually aren’t. In fact, only about 9% of plastics ever made have been recycled.

But paper can be recycled pretty easily, right? Yes! But only some paper can be recycled.

“Each time paper is recycled, the cellulose fibers get shorter, until eventually the paper won’t hold together. That’s why most “recycled” papers contain some new paper fibers mixed in with the old.” 1

However, paper often can’t be recycled if its been soiled or wet, which includes paper plates, towels, pizza boxes, and straws.

While paper may not use as many resources as plastic, production of those products still require raw materials which can quickly become overwhelming.  If you’re buying paper products for food and beverage, it can’t be recycled at all which defeats the purpose of a switch. After all, waste in a landfill is still waste in a landfill, no matter the material.

This leads to the question: I don’t want to use plastic but paper isn’t a good option either, what do I do?

The most obvious solution is to just use what you already have. Take your own coffee mug to the office, use a real plate and wash it when you’re done, or you can even wrap up your own silverware in a napkin and carry it with you in your bag or purse for when you’re out and about. And if you don’t need a straw, simply don’t use one (or use the one from the reusable cup I know you have sitting in your cabinet). If you do have to buy something, always look for it secondhand first. This eliminates demand for new products using raw materials + shipping and handling.

If you’re reading this article and are saying to yourself, “I have <insert issue here> I need a plastic disposable straw to drink! What do I do?” You do your best. I know many chronically ill people who feel guilty because they require non-recyclable medical supplies, medications with a lot of packaging, or even plastic straws to live their every day life. This is perfectly okay! You have to do what you have to do to survive and thrive. Even if it’s just recycling the junk mail you get, doing something is better than doing nothing.

The solution for many of the waste problems we have are only going to be solved by changing the way we think about waste. Instead of asking what you can buy to replace your current product, ask yourself what you can do without.

Click to read more about living eco-friendly!

 

 

 

5 Easy Ways to Begin Living More Eco-Friendly

If you search online for tips on living eco-friendly, you’re sure to find a lot of different lists ranging from 10 to 50 different items per list, but when you’re brand new to the movement it can be overwhelming.

Sometimes the idea of living environmentally friendly seems daunting– is it expensive, time consuming, difficult? It doesn’t have to be.

There are so many ways to do so: refusing “disposable” products, reusing things multiple times, or recycling them so new products can be made.

 

Here are a few easy things you can do to help keep our planet clean, while fitting into your everyday lifestyle.

 

1. “No straw, please”

Here in Florida, we live surrounded on three sides by water. This means that we’re especially conscious of our waste, but we sometimes overlook the little things. Did you know that plastic straws CAN’T readily be recycled? Same with many plastic cups and cutlery. But an easy solution is to get a reusable cup. They’re inexpensive and can be found just about anywhere. Kill two birds with one stone by getting a cup with a straw so you can use them separately or together. You can also replace your plastic grocery bags with reusable, also.

However, I understand that for one reason or another, some may be unable to buy new products for this purpose. Try saving your plastic straws, cups, and cutlery from restaurants and using them several times before disposing of them. Even if it’s a small step, it’s better than nothing.

 

2. Brush up on your local recycling guidelines

We all love the idea of recycling, but it’s harder than most think. Many municipalities have rules as to what can be recycled and how. For example: in St. Petersburg you can’t recycle flimsy plastics (read: plastic bags) in your curbside bin, but you can take it to many local grocery stores for recycling at a special facility. THIS INCLUDES WRAPPING YOUR RECYCLABLES IN PLASTIC TRASH BAGS! Additionally, you may also have to clean out your food containers and cut grease spots off your pizza boxes. You may also want to see what number of plastics are taken by your local recycling program: there are seven different types.

Not-So-Fun fact: thermal paper, like receipts and many attraction tickets, can’t be recycled either. However, you can give them a second life by using them as scratch paper!

No curbside recycling where you live? Reach out to a friend and see if you can bring your recyclables to their bin, or find a local recycling center where you can take it yourself. It may take some time out of your day of, but much less than the time it takes for plastic to biodegrade. If these options are out of reach, prevention is key– do your best to reduce packaging in the items you purchase.

 

3.Go plogging

Plogging, made popular in Sweden, can help you make a direct impact on your local community. Simply pick up any trash you see when going about outdoor activities. It doesn’t have to be jogging, you can pick up trash while hiking, boating, camping, even walking your dog around the block. Just make sure to throw all of it into a trash bin and recycle what you can. And if you’re picking up trash on the coastline, you can log it by using the CleanSwell app created by the Ocean Conservancy.

 

4. Ditch Fast Fashion

“Fast Fashion” is a term that refers to clothing and accessories that aren’t meant to last. Have you ever bought a shirt that started to pill or thin after just a few washes? Leggings that almost immediately tear at the inner thigh? Because of fast fashion, textile waste is becoming a big problem. There are also a host of other problems that ride along as well. Next time you need to shop, try hitting up your local thrift or consignment store. If you must buy new, invest a little more for clothing that will last.

If you want to up the anti, try a capsule wardrobe.

 

5. Change the way you think about waste.

Imagine that everything you ever threw away was still sitting in your backyard. How big would that pile be? When we throw things away, they don’t disappear into nothingness– they go to a landfill. Landfills are like huge trash compactors where nothing breaks down and gets covered with dirt when it’s full, then they start another. If you think of trash this way, it can help put into perspective how much waste we produce. When you shop, try to pick items with recyclable packaging or no packaging. Stop by your local thrift store to buy secondhand if you can.

 

Bonus:

I wanted to add a few things that are only slightly more difficult than what’s listed above, but are still entirely do-able even with a busy lifestyle.

 

*Try composting

Composting can at times feel like a four letter word, but in reality is so easy. Whenever you make food waste, simply collect it in a food storage container and keep it in the fridge. Every day or so, take it out back and put it in a big bin. Over time those items will decompose and create the best fertilizer for your garden! There are only a few things that can’t be composted: bones and meat, starches, sugary foods, and poo. Find out more here.

 

*Take your own containers to a bulk foods store

The first challenge here is finding a store with bulk-buy bins. In Tampa Bay we have Bulk Nation, and some local grocery stores like Publix, Sprouts Market and Whole Foods with bulk options. Depending on where you go, you may be able to bring hard plastic or glass containers or cloth/canvas bags for your purchases. You buy by weight so you only buy what you need and you’re not paying for the packaging that comes with a lot of dry good items.

 

I hope this list helps make the idea of an eco-friendly life more approachable. Hopefully you can work a few of these into your every day life to help protect our planet!

 

If you need inspiration on why you should change these few things in your life, check out this link here, here, and here.

My Experience Curating a Minimal Wardrobe

The Issue

     Not so long ago, I looked at my closet and realized I didn’t wear many of the clothes I owned. I have talked to many women who share the same sentiment. I tried my best for months to force myself to wear those pieces, but put them on to always take them right back off. Then I asked myself, “why am I keeping clothes I hate?” That, paired with moving into a smaller home, inspired me to take on an entire wardrobe overhaul.

The Process

     I started first with ditching all those clothes I hadn’t worn and seeing what I had left. I chose to keep it simple with primarily black and white, along with a few pops of color. I did the same for my drawers. I got rid of all my old, stained socks and underwear, ill-fitting, faded sports bras, and got rid of the t-shirts and pajamas I never wore. The feeling of letting go of old clothes is so liberating! I highly recommend it.

The Revival

     After this major clean out, I was in need of new pieces to round out my wardrobe. I gave myself some shopping rules so I didn’t fall into the same black hole again.

1. Don’t go shopping without a purpose. This means I don’t go shopping for fun, only when I have a piece in mind to purchase. This expedites my shopping experience and keeps me from looking at items I may not wear. For example, if I’m looking for a black blouse, I’m not going to let myself wander into the dresses or active-wear aisles.
2. Don’t buy pieces unless they match what you have. Simply put, if I can’t picture it with some or all of the pieces I already have, it’s staying on the rack. It also helps to go shopping while wearing a staple piece to match it with, like black pants or a simple blouse.
3. Only have one of each item. I only need one pencil skirt or white button down, so there’s no point in shopping for another. I already have a pair of ankle boots, so I’m not looking for another. I only need one long dress, one short dress, etc. This rule help me the most, because it helps me skip over items too similar to things I already own.

The Benefits

     Aside from more room in my closet, I’ve seen a lot of benefits in my day-to-day life:

• getting ready in the morning is a breeze! Sometimes I don’t even look in the mirror before heading out the door because I know all my pieces work together.

• I don’t spend much time (or money) shopping. I can get in and get out because if I’m adding a new piece to my collection, I know exactly what I want. This also saves me money since I don’t often purchase pieces, and the ones I do bring home are of a high quality. It also helps that I buy many pieces secondhand at my local consignment shop.

The Question

     Other than the comments of, “I wish I could think of my clothes like that” and, “how do you do it?” I often get asked, “does it get boring wearing the same stuff?”

     I’ll admit that it sometimes gets monotonous, but I have fun accessorizing. I opt for either delicate gold accents or bold statement pieces within my color palette– silver and gold, black beads and stones, pearls, or sometimes a more colorful pendant necklace.

     With a wardrobe full of classic pieces, my statement accessories can really stand out without being too over the top. Even if I get a little bored, my style is steadfast so I’ll never get caught on the end of a trend.

The Exception

     Whenever there’s a rule, there’s got to be an exception. Mine is that I have many pieces of active-wear. I live in Florida, so every time I exercise I sweat enough to make me wash them after every wear. I have three pairs of athletic leggings and a pair of shorts, and several t-shirts I’ve cut the sleeves off of.

     When you minimize your wardrobe, you still have to keep what you need. If you do a lot of yoga, you probably need 4 pairs of yoga pants. If you’re a runner you probably need several pairs of running shorts. If you wear them, keep them. Just don’t let it get to excess.

     Another great tip is that if you have clothes you’re on the fence about, put them in a bag and put them away. Preferably in a closet other than the one you access every day. If you leaves them there for 6 months and don’t wear them, you’ll know it’s time to let go.

     Remember, your wardrobe can say a lot about you. If you wear a lot of floral or bright colors, rompers or sweaters, absolutely work those into your closet! Just try your best to pick versatile pieces that you love to wear.

     I hope my experience helps you reflect on your own wardrobe and possibly inspire you to make a change. If you do get rid of your old clothes, consider donating them to a local thrift store or homeless shelter, or consigning them if they’re good quality and in good condition. (Tip: old t shirts make great household rags!) Happy shopping!

Bonus:

Here’s a list of my main pieces (not including active-wear, swimsuits, sleepwear, and intimates):

I should mention that I work in a place where my dress code is all black.

> Pencil skirt – black

> A-line skirt – black

> Boot-cut pants – black

> Skinny-cut pants – black

> Long sleeve blouse – black

> Tank-sleeve blouse – black

> 3/4 -sleeve tunic blouse – black

> 1/2-sleeve button down – white

> long-sleeve button down – chambray

> Sleeveless blouse – red with white polka dots

> Sleeveless short dress – black

> Sleeveless midi dress – white with black stripes

> 3/4 -sleeve midi dress – black

> Long-sleeve cardigan – black

> 3/4-sleeve cardigan – black

> Blazer – black

> Blazer – grey

> Blazer – white

> Cocktail dress – royal blue

> Cocktail dress – red and black

Starbucks is Making Headlines but The Real Problem is Everything Else

     It seems like every other post on my Facebook and Twitter is the “landmark” news that Starbucks is kicking their green straw to the curb.

     While this news is good, Starbucks is only submitting to social pressure being felt by many restaurants and fast food chains to help improve the health of our oceans and planet as a whole. It’s true Americans use 500 million straws daily and many of them may end up in the ocean, but plastic bags, cups, bottles, and many other items end up in the ocean every year— 8 million metric tons of it. Straws are a great start, but is a very small step toward solving a very big problem.

     Does this mean the #banthestraw movement is in vain? No, though it is a movement at times deaf to the needs of disabled people. However, focusing on one thing in a (literal) mountain isn’t the ideal way to approach the issue.

     So what do we do? Where do we go from here?

     You won’t like it, but we have to start blaming ourselves. It’s always noble to hold restaurants responsible for their end of the Earth-saving bargain, but when we utilize these services we’re increasing demand for them.

Here’s a few things you can do right now to help reduce plastic waste on the planet:

• If you don’t need it, don’t use it.

     This goes for straws, bags, to-go containers, even the things you buy at the grocery store wrapped in plastic. If you must use these items and are able to, grab the reusable version. Straws come in a variety of materials, and just about every grocery store has a display of 99 cent reusable bags near the register(Target will give you 5 cents off per reusable bag you use). There are those who need these items or are at a point in life they they’re not capable of reducing the use of these items, and they shouldn’t feel guilty about that. If you’re perfectly able to but don’t want to or feel it’s worth it, I’d highly encourage thinking about how your actions effect the world around you.

• Drink tap water.

     Put down the case of bottled water! Tap water is just as safe as bottled, but If you prefer extra filteration, invest in an attachable filter or a filtration jug, or get a 5-gallon water cooler. It’s estimated that there are enough plastic bottles in the ocean to wrap around the world four times. The excuse I often hear as to why people don’t want to switch is the “burden” of carrying around a reusable bottle as opposed to tossing a “disposable” one when they’re done. But taking on this burden can help prevent animals being killed by plastic waste.

• Slow down and eat in.

     I know it’s unreasonable to ask everyone in the world to cook at home every night of their lives. Instead of getting food to-go, enjoy a meal on-site. This way you can use the restaurants dinnerware which can be washed and reused hundreds of times, instead of tossing a polystyrene container after a very short “working life.” Polystyrene (also called Styrofoam, though it’s a brand name) isn’t very easily recycled, either. Alternatively, you could also bring your own containers for leftovers.

• Keep up the pressure on big business.

     I know I said at the beginning that we have to blame ourselves, but we still have to hold accountable those businesses who are also responsible. By voting with our dollar, we can demand business do better. We can lessen demand for wasteful products and inspire them to make better choices to help our planet. We also have to make our voices heard– if you utilize a service and are unhappy with the waste created, tell them. And ideally not use them again until change is made, though I understand that can be difficult. It also helps to shop locally when you can to cut down on shipping packaging.

     Even by doing these few things, we can help keep waste out of our oceans and waterways. It may take some doing and you may have to go out of your way, but it’s all for good. If you want a few more tips on how to live a more eco-friendly life, check out my post about it here.