Sustainability and Accountability

Environmental responsibility is something that has become a passion of mine in recent years.  I continue to become more and more interested in the importance of being aware and intentional especially when it comes to the products that we buy and use. I cannot point to a specific moment that sparked my interest and realization of the importance of sustainability, being an educated consumer, and reducing my use of plastic. But I continue to be on a journey to reduce, reuse, recycle, and want to share my experiences along the way. I’m currently about a year into this journey, and I have really begun to understand and experience (global warming) and why Mother Earth needs us to be accountable to each other and save her. When I first started this journey, I wasn’t sure how it would go, but I have found that I truly love learning about the topic and sharing the insights I find along the way.

The first place I started was with eliminating non-reusable items. One of my New Year resolutions for 2019 was to reduce the amount of plastic and paper products I use. The kitchen and bathroom were the most logical places to start, since both are where I use the most non-reusable items. This may seem like a silly idea, or a daunting task, but I knew they were places where I could begin to make the most impact on the environment. One of my first steps was to stop buying paper products like napkins, paper towels, paper plates, plastic cups, and Zip Loc bags. I also stopped using plastic bags from the grocery store and instead I either bring my own reusable bags, or I ask for paper bags. There are times when I forget my reusable bag and the store doesn’t have paper bags, so I take the plastic bag(s), but then recycle them at the grocery store. Most, if not all grocery stores have plastic bag recycle bins just outside or inside the entrance.

In this transition there wasn’t a sudden change, I used the items I already had and just didn’t buy any more of those products. I had already been using Tupperware containers, so I used those to replace Zip Loc bags. For items that fit better in bags or needed to be easily transported, I bought reusable bags. Additionally, because I use Tupperware containers and am able to put leftovers in them, I stopped buying plastic wrap or even tinfoil and parchment paper. Once I made these changes, they became part of my everyday routine and I don’t even think about it anymore. As an added benefit, I am saving money in the long-term by not having to buy all of the reusable items.

In the bathroom, I now use bar soap and bar shampoo. I will soon be buying bar conditioner after I use what I currently have. I was hesitant at first to make the switch to bar soap and shampoo, but haven’t had any issue and know that I am doing my part to be environmentally responsible. I have experimented with eco friendly toilet paper; I no longer buy feminine products and instead use washable items. I haven’t yet, but I plan on buying toothpaste in a glass container. These are just some of the simple changes I have made so far. It is a constant work in progress to eliminate plastic and paper products. My goal isn’t to ever be perfect at this, but I have become much more aware of my footprint on Earth and want to do my best to minimize the damage I am doing.

A really good resource I have found is https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog as well as their Instagram page. I really enjoy Kathryn’s honesty in sharing and how she keeps things both relatable and in perspective.

Since starting this journey, I have begun learning more about sustainability in other areas of life (clothing, jewelry and make-up to name a few), and what chemicals are in the everyday products we use. In this sustainability blog series, I will share what I have learned and continue to learn. I know there are some plastic items that I use daily, and I may not ever find an alternative for them; but that will not prevent me from striving to be better, becoming more aware and accountable.

With Courage,

Katie