Worried about the environment? Sick of me talking about polystyrene?
Take Action!
Challenge yourself in July to change your consumption habits.
Don’t use a single-use or take away plastic bag for one month.
Instead you can:
-own and carry a re-usable sack
-re-use your old plastic bags
-use bio-degradable corn based bags
-compost
-wrap and tie refuse in old newspaper
I have been using a fabulous black KILL SHOP KILL canvas tote bag and it’s perfect for my library books, small groceries and more. There is so much we can do, but trying to not use a single plastic bag in July is my simple challenge to all of you. Once you stop relying on plastic it is easy to see how much of it is wasted. It can even be frustrating! I would love to see some of your comments as the month goes by regarding this effort and I hope you’ll give it a try.
Composting alone reduces so much waste at the curb AND in our landfills, and the benefits also include rich, nutrient soil for your garden. Local coffee shops can help get you started and provide grinds, and all sorts of your own kitchen waste – pretty much everything BUT meat and dairy products – can go right in the compost. Even paper towels, tea bags (staples removed) and egg shells. This can even be done in your apartment. That’s right, New Yorkers! Reducing waste, without odor, is as easy as using two utility buckets stacked atop one another. The first is for your green or wet (raw kitchen waste, coffee grinds) and brown (newspaper, paper towels, dry twigs and leaves) scraps to compost, the second for your topsoil to cover it when you throw a good amount in there. I like to leave a screw-top plastic jar or Tupperware container on the counter and collect scraps to compost until I have enough and then “bury” it. In the spring you can donate your compost to plants, trees and gardens on your block, in your neighborhood and on fire escapes and rooftops. Here is a great example of a “small apartment compost” with plenty of Q&As in the comments beneath the photo.
If people in big cities can compost, those of you lucky enough to have a yard should DEFINITELY be composting. It’s easier than you think, and all you need is a small patch of land in a corner, beneath a porch, anywhere! Whether a country mouse or a city mouse, I have found an incredibly comprehensive list of 163 things you can compost. I am so excited! This July 4th let’s celebrate our independence from the people who are too lazy and too stupid to do their part and make a difference. It feels good to be more conscience about my consumption AND my waste and I hope you’ll try it and feel this nerdy high with me.
