Refuse: Bring your Own
#Skip the Stuff
Skip The Stuff is a movement that has become public policy to only give single-use plastics when they are requested, specifically within the take-out industry. Most take-out is eaten at home where we already have our own utensils. So why add to the single-use plastic stream? If you notice any businesses giving single-use plastic utensils without being asked, remind them to #skipthestuff.
Hold the Plastic, Please
This guide by the Beyond Plastics organization based out of Bennington College in Vermont helps restaurants reduce the number of plastics distributed. Similar to the #skipthestuff movement, their packet is aimed at reducing plastic at the source, particularly in restaurants. This information-packed guide goes over everything from dishwashing to condiment packaging. Please share with any restaurant owners or people in the industry interested in reducing the amount of plastic their business produces.
Reusable Essentials
Reusables are the foremost essential to living a low-waste or conscious lifestyle. Four items can make a significant impact on lowering the amount of single-use plastic that we consume on a daily basis. Those 4 items include:
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A Reusable Water Bottle
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A Cutlery Set (including a silicone or metal straw!)
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A Reusable Tote Bag
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A Reusable Coffee or Tea Mug
While the list of reusable items is never-ending, many agree that these 4 make up the bulk of plastic waste people produce daily and can make a big impact.
Use Alternatives
Check out LASAN's handy guide to completely cutting out single-use expanded polystyrene (styrofoam)!
There are many easy, non-plastic alternatives to completely cut out styrofoam and this guide outlines them along with their cost, the temperature tolerance of the material, and how to dispose of it once the product has ran its course.
