As city councils and state legislatures continue stalling on legislation that could help the environment, many people are looking for ways to live greener without the need for laws. In fact, there are many ways for business owners and families to eliminate waste and pollution, from using reusable wholesale shopping bags to considering the groceries you buy. Here are four things to do today. 1. Bring reusable containers to shop. Plastic bag bans across the country remind people to bring a reusable bag when going to the store, but what about the countless produce bags being used for fresh items? In fact, there is no need to use a new plastic bag for every batch of celery or every few apples you buy. Reusable containers do the job much better. Simply wash them after use and bring them to the store to avoid plastic waste. 2. Compost biodegradable materials. Many cities have municipal composts for biodegradable items such as apple cores, food scraps, lettuce stalks and coffee grounds. Composting these items reduces the amount of plastic trash bags you need to use as well as the amount of waste that goes to landfills. In places where there are plastic bag bans and there are fewer bags to waste, start composting and bring reusable wholesale shopping bags to the store for a plastic-free solution. 3. Consider disposal for every purchase you make. This green tip takes a little more thought, but once you start considering how you’ll dispose of packaging after purchase, you will live greener. Do you need an apple cut into pieces and packaged in plastic? You don’t when you can buy a fresh apple. The same goes for any item you buy. If you cannot recycle the packaging or give away the item you are replacing, it will become waste and a burden on the environment. Stop it before it starts. 4. Institute your own plastic bag ban. Why wait for politicians to act when you can start yourself? Business owners and community leaders have the tools to begin a plastic bag ban in your community. When you are tired of bags blowing through town and polluting the area, order reusable shopping bags that tell your customers and employees you are taking action. There is no point in waiting for laws with strings attached. Going green is simple when you look at the entire life cycle of products you buy or use. It’s something anyone can start today. For more information on premium eco-friendly reusable shopping bags please visit www.HoldenBags.com or contact us at 800.255.0885.
