Over the past few years, more and more awareness has been raised regarding the issue of plastic waste and the pollution it creates.  In fact according to a study taken place at the University of California Santa Barbara, approximately 300 million tons of plastic is produced each year and of that, only 10% ends up being recycled.  What’s more is that of the 300 million tons, half of that is only used once by consumers before being discarded and thrown away.  Crazy right?

Because of these alarming statistics and the fact that March is all about going GREEN at FIP, we’ve decided to spend the month focusing on ways in which we can be kinder to our planet starting in our homes.  

While reducing our plastic waste may be one of the most challenging steps to becoming more sustainable at home, it’s certainly one of the most important.  Everyday we use cheap, disposable plastic without giving it a second thought--grocery bags, ziploc bags, straws, cling wrap, water bottles, etc.  While each of these items are definitely convenient, their impact on the environment is harmful enough to encourage us to change our ways. 

Maybe we don’t have to deny ourselves use of all plastic, but surely we can begin reducing our carbon footprint by taking small steps towards less plastic at home.  The following list lays out changes you can make to say hello to a GREENER future. 

1. Say goodbye to plastic bags.  We know it isn’t easy, but the amount of plastic bags we accumulate each week buying groceries adds up.  In fact, by switching to reusable bags the average American family saves 1,500 plastic bags from being thrown away each year.  While it may be a hard habit to form, try keeping your reusable bags consistently in your car to avoid forgetting them when you are out.  And if it helps, always return the bags to the car right after you’ve unloaded your groceries to ensure they are always ready for your next outing! If that doesn't work move to CA with us. We pay .10c per bag!

2. Switch to reusable water bottles. It might be convenient to have a pack of plastic water bottles ready to go whenever you need them, but reusable water bottles are a much GREENER choice.  Not to mention, they can be fun!  With such a large variety of options differing in design, color, and function, everyone in your family can have a water bottle that’s unique to their style. We  just sent all of our box babes reusable bottles.

3. Try using reusable mesh bags for your produce.  Instead of placing your fruits and veggies into the plastic bags conveniently located in the produce section of grocery stores, think about purchasing eco-friendly bags for this too!  Just type in ‘reusable produce bags’ on Amazon and you’ll have an assortment of bags to choose from. 

4. Buy in bulk.  We can’t always buy our food this way, but when we can, we should!  Buying items such as rice, nuts, pasta, oats, and quinoa in bulk helps to reduce the packaging waste you bring into your home.  Just remember to bring in your own containers for these purchases and you’ll be one step closer to reducing plastic for your family!

5. No more plastic straws.  Americans currently use about 500 million plastic straws each day, posing a real threat to the wildlife that mistakes these straws as food.  By switching to paper straws or purchasing reusable straws, we can cut back on our dangerous waste by 584 plastic straws a year per person! Just imagine the amount of straws your 3 year old uses in their drinkable yogurts....Yeah we know you basically are about to save the world.
6. Use alternatives for food storage.  Instead of using ziploc bags and cling wrap for snacks, leftovers, and food packaging at home, try using more reusable containers or eco-friendly reusable wrap.  You can check online for a selection of wax cloth designed to protect and preserve food without damaging the environment! We've recently fell in love with the Grove Collaborative where we discovered wax paper. 

Plastic is everywhere and there’s no doubt that using it is the more convenient and quick option.  But the impact of our plastic waste on the environment has never been more severe.  While you shouldn’t feel pressured to implement each of these changes into your daily routine, now is the time to start giving them a try!  

If you and your family already have plastic reducing practices in place, we would love to hear about them!  Flex it Pink owners have already made some big changes. Anna's family grows their own vegetables to say goodbye to plastic grocery bags, Elisha’s family said goodbye to water bottles and Amber’s family has said goodbye to plastic bags and straws.  What will you choose to do??

Share with is we'd love to hear your going green hacks!