One Small Change:: May Update

For those of you who haven't joined the One Small Change project I'd love to invite you to become a part!  Originally it was started at the beginning of the year and was to end on Earth Day this April. I had decided that we were still going to do something each month and was very happy to find out that there are plenty others who are doing the same.

This month we're tackling a rather large change.  Initially, I thought it'd be a small one, until I got started and realized just how big it was.  We are removing plastic from our lives.  Since plastic so such a part of our lives in the house as well as everywhere else, we are taking things in small chunks.  I started reading awhile bag that plastic is forever, even if it's recycled.  Plus there are chemicals that leach into our food when cook & contained in them.  Things that don't leave our bodies.

So far, I've changed out our cups, plates & bowls.  They were mainly the children's things.  I got a nice little matching set of 8 bowls & 6 saucers just the right size for kid portions at a local thrift shop--for about $3.  Just last week I made a run to IKEA to get some kid-sized glasses for $1.50 (6 of them!).  They kids LOVE having glasses instead of plastic (plus it cuts out all the fussing over who gets what color--a bonus for me!).  A month or so ago, I purchase two produce bags from Gypsy Forrest (which I LOVE, by the way!) and have been using them instead of the plastic bags offered at the store. I've also changed our water bottles to one without BPA--found some at a local health food store for under $2 a piece.

We've been asking for paper bags instead of plastic for awhile now.  I've been using re-usable cloth bags and am making a few more so I don't have to even use the paper ones.  I've even started getting wax paper bags to replace the plastic baggies that are easy to hold that last cookie or left over tomato.

Now, we're at the point of getting containers to hold leftovers.  SMH.  I am amazed at how hard it is to find substitutes.  I'm putting some money aside for some pyrex or corning wear.  I'm definitely hitting the thrift stores!  I've moved a lot of our storage to glass, you know, those big jars with airtight lids?  I'm purchasing jars with wide-mouths (salsa jars, peanut butter jars) and reusing them when we're finished. 

I've been thinking about how we even purchase our food.  Almost everything comes in a plastic container.  I am noticing that when I get things from the smaller health food spots here, there are some better options.  SMH.  I've just stumbled upon a blog, Life Less Plastic.  There are so many other things I haven't yet thought about....Yeah, this is a big one that we're taking in small steps.  One month at a time.

Granted, we may never be plastic-free.  At this point, I don't think that's where we're heading.  I do want to make better choices, especially with regards to how it comes in contact with our food.  As I continue to change, read and learn I'm open to letting it evolve into what it needs to be for my family!  I will definitely keep you posted on our progress.



If you're interested in reading more about the health related concerns about plastic click here, here, here, here, and/or here.  [Yeah, there are times I question myself as to why I read so much.  I won't ruin things for you if you'd rather not know.  But I will say that from what I have read, the way we live is not only killing us but our environment!  We've been given the responsibility of doing better by it all.]

For those who prefer to view: