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Today I was scrolling through facebook and I noticed an infographic comparing the use of reusable versus disposable items. I am always looking for ways to help the planet and reduce the effects of plastics on animals and the environment, so this caught my eye. I decided to dig in and find a few products that will be easy swap outs from disposable products and have a huge impact on the environment. So, read on and learn how I am Shopping to Save the Planet.

Shopping to Save the Planet

1 Bamboo Toothbrush = 4 Plastic Toothbrushes

I am always concerned about the use of toothbrushes as we each use at least 2 a year, and throw them away after use. Just in our family that is 12 toothbrushes a year. Over time, this will add up to a mass amount of toothbrushes. In fact, over 4 billion plastic toothbrushes are produced each year. That is a lot of waste! Thankfully, Bamboo toothbrushes are growing in popularity. Bamboo is a prolific plant that grows up to 3 feet per day and is easily composted. Most of the brushes require that you recycle or dispose of the bristles before composting, but the reduction is plastic will make a large impact. My daughter started using one this week and loves her new Bamboo toothbrush. I hope you will as well!

“I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” 

Shopping to Save the Planet

1 Glass Floss Container = 7 Plastic Floss Containers

When I first started searching for Glass Floss containers I was surprised by all of the eco-friendly options available on Amazon. Truthfully, I don’t think I had ever thought about it. I found bamboo and silk options, as well as reusable containers. Flossing is so important to dental hygiene, it is awesome that it does not have to have a negative impact on the environment.

1 Reusable Water Bottle = 167 plastic one-use bottles

As I have confessed before in the post I wrote on Shopping to Save the Ocean, I love drinking water out of bottles. But, I am always trying to reduce my use of plastic, by opting for reusable options. It is staggering that 1 reusable bottle can equal the use of 167 that are then thrown all too often into the trash. Luckily in the last few years, amazing and even fashionable options have arrived to save the day!

1 Reusable Shopping Bag= 170 One use Shopping Bags

I live in California where it is mandatory to bring reusable bags for shopping. Or, you are required to pay between 10 and 25 cents per bag at the store depending on where you live within California. Our trunks are filled with reusable bags. I, of course, am always more inspired by fancy or fun bags with great color. So, below is a collection of bags to help you be inspired to reuse.

1 Reusable Coffee Cup = 500 Plastic or Paper Disposable Cups

When I look back on my childhood, we rarely ever used disposable cups. Typically when we would go out to eat we would be served our drink with a glass. When we went to peoples homes we used glass, and at school or work, people used thermoses. That is not the case anymore, and it is having a negative effect on our environment. To change that around and have a positive change on the environment, we need to go back to these practices of not using so many disposable cups. The statistic that 1 reusable coffee cup can reduce the waste of 500 plastic or paper disposable cups seems like an easy way to make a difficult impact.

1 Metal Straw = 540 Plastic Straws

Many communities are working to ban plastic straws. If you watch the effect of plastic straws on baby turtles via viral videos, you will want to skip the straw too! Every year approximately 500 million straws are used in the US. That is a lot of straws! But, there is something easy we can do to make a change. For years, my sister has been using stainless steel straws. She loves to drink out of straws but wants to help the environment. She has a little cleaning brush to help with clean up, but typically just rinses her straw.

I love to drink with a straw, but because I don’t carry a stainless straw with me, I opt to go straw free at restaurants. The first few times were truly hard, because I love straws, but it is just too easy a way to help reduce my plastic use. With this in mind, I am including Amazon links for stainless straws. Some even have carrying cases if you want to keep them in your car or purse.

1 Cloth Towel = 7,300 Paper Towels

It is so easy to get into the habit of using paper towels, but not always easy of getting out of it. Our family has used them for years, and in fact, call them Scott Towels. Scott Towels were the brand we used growing up, and so myself and siblings all call them Scott Towels. I do think there is a time and place for Paper Towels. For instance, when one member of the family is sick. It is better for them to use paper towels, instead of the towel the family is using. It is difficult in a large family to have separate towels for everyone. So, when sick, or if the mess would destroy the towel, I think Paper Towels have a good use.

Shopping to Save the Planet

But for Everyday…

But for everyday hand drying, wiping the counter, and little cleanups, tea towels, or hand towels do the job, and reduce the overall impact on the environment. I have found too that by storing the tea towels in the kitchen, it is easier to grab one to dry hands or clean up a spill. Below are a few great choices for upping your supply of reusable towels, and also a few sets of paper towels to have on hand for when they are needed.

“I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”

When I sit back and look at all of the plastic use, pollution, and piling up landfills, I often am a bit overwhelmed. But then I remind myself that every little bit counts. Every time I don’t use a plastic straw, I make a difference. Each time I reach for a tea towel, instead of a paper towel, I am doing the right thing. And when I choose to use a reusable water bottle, instead of purchasing another bottle of water from the store, I am choosing to be a part of the solution. So I urge you to do your part too! Each small act, can over time make a huge difference.

I always say that we need to use our Time, Talents, and Money to make the world a better place. What is your favorite item that is helping to save the planet?