Use real plates instead of paper ones. For traveling or picnics, get washable plastic ones. They last longer and are more sturdy.

In China, there is an abundance of disposable chopsticks in the trash. That’s a lot of wasted wood and/or bamboo. Let your Asian food delivery person know you don’t need the disposable chopsticks with your order or be sure to wash them and reuse them for next time.

Forgo bottled water and use tap. Bottling companies are not required to list the source of the water. In many cases, it’s municipal tap – the same kind that comes out of your faucet for free. If you still aren’t convinced that tap water is filtered enough, consider an in home water filter system. It can be as simple as a pitcher with special fitted filters or one that attaches to the sink faucet.

Buy in bulk when at all possible.

Packaging is the worst. Most cardboard can be included in the curbside recycling bin but some have a coating that doesn’t allow it to be recycled (some cereal boxes, definitely pizza boxes). Same for plastics. In most neighborhoods, only numbers 1 & 2 can be recycled. But check out the plastic # on your products such as shampoo and deoderant. There is a lot of health & beauty products that are packaged in unrecyclable materials.

It’s the responsibility of the manufacturer for better sustainable design. If we the consumer don’t have better choices, we can’t be part of the solution.

Instead of Kleenex – use a hankie!

Many meant for one-time use plastic containers with fruit salad or veggies can be washed and re-used over and over and over instead of buying other plastic containers.

Wash and re-use plastic cutlery.

Wash and re-use plastic bags that used to have frozen fruit or seaweed or quinoa, bags that “zip” up can be re-used many, many times.