For your next adventure in the summer Try these eco-friendly options.
If the weather is ideal and you're all set to have a blast when the weather is perfect, it's easy to slip into a series of naive and wasteful behaviors when making preparations for an outdoor adventure as well as planning an outdoor blastout. It's easy to believe that plastic products are cool since they ease the burden of life however, they can cause more harm than good.
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Plastic can take up to 1000 years to degrade. It's not just dangerous for the environment's health but also for our personal health. In a study conducted in 2019 conducted by the World Wildlife Fund uncovered that people could be swallowing 5 grams on average which is roughly equal to one credit card -- of microplastics per week. In 2050, there'll be more plastic floating in the sea than there will be fish. It's good news that there are small steps you can make to have lasting, positive changes.
Plastic-Free July is a global effort that runs throughout the month, and you can take part in the effort by signing the pledge and committing you and your family members to limit your use of plastic when you go camping and picnics, as well as hikes and on days at the beach. Erin Levine, resource recovery manager at World Centric, offers several tips on how to reduce the use of, recycle, and reuse this summer.
Food
Be a savvy shopper and shop for fresh and whole foods in order to be sure to avoid packaging that is unnecessary or unnecessary. "A large portion of our ready-to-eat food is packaged in plastic," Levine notes. You can reduce the amount of waste by buying watermelon or pineapple at-home and then taking the time to cut it to your taste rather than buying plastic containers that have cubes of fruit. It's less expensive healthy, more nutritious, and better. (Don't forget your reusable tote bag.)
Bottles
You're planning to take a walk going for a hike? Get rid of the plastic water bottle and go for one that is reusable. "You can drink water from the glass that is reusable," Levine says. There are a myriad of options in the search for bottles that meet your needs for travel for example, an auto-purifying water bottle for when you're out in the wild or a bottle that has a fruit infuser for those who want to spice things up.
Utensils and Servingware
If you're planning for a barbecue or picnic take your time avoiding cutting boards and plastic dishes and instead, use straws, cups, plates and other utensils that are made of sturdy, multi-purpose materials. "Stainless steel or products made from bamboo are fantastic alternatives," Levine says. If you're not keen on taking these items to your home, consider buying utensils and serving dishes made from recycled paper or other compostable materials made from renewable plants which you can safely dispose of. Also, try replacing napkins and paper towels for lighter, reusable linens.
Beverages
To enjoy refreshing summer drinks Make your own lemonade. Then serve it in an old mason jar or a reusable bottle or refillable Jug. If you choose to go with the supermarket drink, go with aluminum, as it can be recycled easily and is more sustainable than plastic. "Make sure it's clean, dry and unfilled," Levine says, "and you're putting it in the proper recycle bin." If you're using straws make sure you bring a straw that is reusable or choose alternatives that are made of paper or non-plastic or eliminate entirely.
Snacks
Are you in search of a nutritious treat? Purchase trail mix and other snacks in bite-sized portions and put them in your own containers or jars. Levine suggests swapping bags for freezers and sandwiches made of plastic to reusable silicone bags and make smaller space inside your bags. "You could wash them over and over," Levine says, "so you won't need to spend the entire amount on the package you've created from plastic."
Batteries
Make sure you buy rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones to conserve energy and avoid the need for gadgets that require power, such as lights as well as Bluetooth speakers. "There's solar-powered chargers can be taken to take on hikes in case you require it," Levine suggests.
Soap
If you're looking to get dirty, be sure to bring non-chemical biodegradable soap. "Just consider the runoff and being kind to animals and plants when you're outside," Levine notes. "[It'sconsiderate of nature."
Businesses
Be a part of a plastic-free business and decline politely when presented with plastic bags or plastic utensils. "If you don't require this item" Levine says, "just say no." The expert suggests you also offer an encouraging word about making the switch to more sustainable alternatives. "When you decide to not use the use of one plastic bag, imagine what would happen if all of humanity decided to not use one plastic bag," Levine says. "The decisions you make can have more impact than you realize. It all adds up."