My quest to be more mindful of what I’m consuming has not only changed my eating habits but also the products that I’m purchasing. I’m trying my best not to be a wasteful person but at times I feel like the world around me is pushing (sometimes forcing) me to produce a lot of unnecessary trash.

A few months ago I watched a great documentary on plastic called “Bag It”. It’s all about one man’s quest to see the real impact single use plastic items have not only on the environment, but our health and pocketbooks too. If you have the time, watch it. (It’s available on Netflix)

Bags

I have been bringing my own bags to the grocery store pretty consistently for the last few years. In April, I made the choice to rev up my efforts to no longer take any plastic shopping bags. It has been an interesting transition and I have gotten some strange looks as I’ve carried purchases out of the store sans a bag. I made a pact with myself that if I somehow forgot my reusable bags and couldn’t carry what I purchased I would have to buy new bag. This has actually really help me. I’ve had to purchase a bag 3 or 4 times and I finally found a great one that’s thin enough to carry in my wallet.

Bottles

I saw this commercial the other day and it really bothered me.

I know the convenience of bottled water is great and can be super helpful at times but it’s odd to me that you wouldn’t drink from a cup at home. I know that there are all kinds of reasons people choose to drink bottled water. My hope is that people really start to think if they should drink bottled water.

Cups

Last but not least are disposable cups, especially the ones from those famous coffee shops. I love to sit at a coffee house chatting it up with friend. I’ve taken to ordering my drink in a mug instead of a disposable cup that I might use for a half hour. It’s a small change but I know the impact is great. If each one of us would transition to reusable mugs we would literally start a revolution that impacts the entire world.

Ok. I’m done standing on my soapbox for the day. I make no claims to be an expert. I’m just doing my best to sort through all the facts, filters, and propaganda out there. I hope that you will join me in being a more mindful consumer. Here’s to no plastic shopping bags, plastic drink bottles, or disposable cups.

Much Love, B