I know that these posts usually come at the end of the month, but the end of December was crazy and I figured I’d start off the new year talking about something that’s become very important to me over the past year: plastic and recycling
I should really say using less plastic has become important to me. My husband and I were contemplating when I’d become such a hippy, and we pinpointed it to the day I saw the video below. Many of you know I love turtles, so this hit me in a very sensitive place and made me cry for days. When I was done crying, I decided I needed to start reducing the amount of plastic I consumed.
Be warned, this video is rather graphic.
I knew I needed to do something to help me deal with a man-made threat to my favorite animal. So I started finding ways to reduce not only plastic but as much waste as possible from my life. None of these have been very extreme but together, I think they are making a difference.
- Brushing up on my recycling to make sure I’m recycling everything I can
- Bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner instead of plastic bottles
- Cardboard tampons instead of plastic (Diva Cup would be better… not there yet)
- Cloth napkins instead of paper
- Reusable grocery bags and produce bags instead of plastic
- Wearing clothes twice when possible/not dirty
- Wool dryer balls instead of sheets
- Buying products in recyclable packaging (ex. eggs in cardboard, laundry detergent in a box)
- Turning lights off when I leave the room
- Wrapping gifts in newsprint or using reusable bags
- SAYING NO TO PLASTIC STRAWS!
- Carrying a set of bamboo cutlery and metal straws in my purse
- Telling as many people as possible about the harm plastics are doing to wildlife and easy ways they can reduce their impact
I know these are small steps, but that’s the beauty of them. None of these have made large impacts on my life. They are easy steps that you can take if you want to which will positively impact the planet and help save turtles and other wildlife. If you’re interested in more information on any of these, please leave a comment. I’m no expert, but I can share with you what I know.
What do you do to reduce your impact on the planet? Is there anything else I should start doing?
Until next time, write on.
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Taking On a World of Words 
I have the same New Year’s Resolution 🙂
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Awesome! Good luck.
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Thank you for these important reminders!
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No problem! Every little bit can help.
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I’ve stopped eating meat, which can be helpful in reducing greenhouse gases. I started with “meatless Monday” during this past year, and it just sort of spread from there:)
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That’s awesome! I’m not sure I could do it but maybe a Meatless Monday would be a good start.
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Yes, that makes quite an easy modification to the way we eat.
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That poor turtle! I couldn’t watch all of it! This is so important, so thank you for posting about it. We all need reminders – we only have one planet, after all!
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Thanks for your support!
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Great suggestions for the new year through recycling.
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Thanks! I hope they help your efforts. Happy reading!
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I was gutted at all the plastic that appeared over christmas, I hate that toys and selection boxes have to be held in place instead of just placed in cardboard boxes. I also emailed our local supermarkets to say that they should consider having mini fruit (so lunch box size apples, bananas and mandarins) kept loose. I don’t know how things are going to change to be honest, people like their conveniences, but I think every person can help. Thanks for this post, we all need the reminder!
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Christmas was rough for me, too. I showed my parents that we can recycle wrapping paper and I think that made it a little better. How great that you reached out to the grocery store! I hope something comes of it. Happy recycling!
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My mam has made me a nut for recycling. I just moved in with my SO and his lack of recycling awareness drives me crazy so I’m “patiently” trying to school him. As for that video, I watched it months ago and I’m just glad that the crew made sure he was OK before putting him back in the water. The poor thing probably didn’t know what was going on 😦
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Good luck changing your SO’s mind! Seeing the turtle in so much pain was hard, I’m glad they did the right thing for it, too.
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That poor turtle. I never would have thought a straw would get up a nostril. I try to buy things in large bottles and pour them into the small ones. I use large reusable water jugs instead of individual bottle when I can. So much more I can do though.
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Those are great starts! Buying bulk is a good strategy as well. Happy recycling!
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