Looking back the gender-environmental issue that is most important to me was ecofeminism and nature. My idea is to use as many reusable products as humanly possible, and if it is not reusable to recycle them. I believe many companies are trying their very best to eliminate waste, and honestly I think it’s the “cool/on trend” thing to do for those who aren’t really invested. However, this is something that I have slowly been transferring my way of living to and trying to be a “lead by example” type of person rather than telling others to do so. I feel most people are more likely to invest or do something when they see someone they know do it.
So, my plan is going to be to make a list of things that I currently use that are NOT reusable and find an alternative that is reusable or at least recyclable to reduce waste. Once I make these switches I will then make note of what I used before (how many, how often, and how much waste it was creating) and then I will make note of the alternative in comparison. In the end I will total all of my waste and cost from my old products to the new ones to see the difference I have made! I believe that recyclable, especially reusable products are a great way to lighten your environmental footprint and save money! Sometimes, reusable products cost a little more than the one time purchase in that moment, but majority of the time you end up spending the same amount if not more when buying single use products!
STEP TWO!
Here is a list of things that I switched over from one time disposable to reusable!
FIrst on my list, was kind of interesting, I have this bad habit of cleaning my ears numerous times a day .. I say bad habit because according to my ENT you shouldn’t even be using q tips.
I purchased what is called “the last swap” . It retails for USD $12.00 before tax + shipping. I probably go through about a box of qtips maybe every month and a half, two at most. A 500 count box of q tips ranges from USD $3.00-$5.00. So within about 3 months, I would have already spent that $12.00 anyway and you know, harming the Earth in the meantime while doing it.
I also invested in reusable cotton rounds, I love me some cotton rounds. I use them for many things, but mostly one on my face every day for my skin care. The reusable cotton rounds retailed for USD $14.00, the one time use cotton rounds that I normally buy from target retail for about USD $2.69 for a 100 count. Although it may take me longer to even out the spending of this one, over time it’s a one time purchase that essentially can last me forever if I take very good care of it.
Another thing I decided to give a gander was a menstrual cup I had purchased one months ago but they take getting used to. Of course, what a “better” time to try it than pretty much being stuck in the house! When I initially bought the cup I wanted to save money, it’s beneficial for myself and it will save me in the long run. I was purchasing organic cotton BPA free (& all that good stuff) which range anywhere from $5.99-$7.XX and change before tax, so buying two boxes every month ranges anywhere from $12.00-$15.00 roughly. The menstrual cup I purchased a few months back was the intimina lilly cup compact retailing for $29.95, which means I would even out the cost of it within 2 months!
I also have been using metal straws, if you’re a big straw user I highly recommend purchasing reusable straws, or even cups! They’re sold everywhere and I love using them, I do not remember the cost or where I bought them from (I think it was amazon), but I felt like I should add that in here!
I feel as though me explaining the ONE time cost of something (that may be a little pricey at the time), but will save you hundreds in the long run is a no brainer! It doesn’t have to be done all at once, you can slowly switch your life around to reusable items! Maybe purchasing once a month would help soften the spending, in the long run you’ll get your money’s worth and end up saving and not spend your hard earned cash on something you will throw in the TRASH!
Greetings Juliana.
Are any of the people around you environmentally conscious? With Covid-19 the new norm, how would you be able to led by example? who would see your project? Will you take the recyclables to a recycling center? you did not mention that. Or does your city’s sanitation pick them up separately from regular house hold trash? If many of those around you are not as conscious, then after Covid-19 ends, to follow up- you could perhaps do what I often do when I go to relatives or friends’ homes, who are not as environmentally conscious. I dumpster dive when we have a gathering, complain about their lack of environmental concern; pull the recyclables out, and take them to a center.They feel less guilty for that moment, that all that recyclable will not end up in a land fill. Georgia is slowly becoming more environmentally aware, and many cities offer recyclable pick up-we have a special bin. Good luck, and ‘mother earth’ and ‘father sun’ will thank you.
bridget.