- Invest in a re-useable mug and water bottle. I'm a big fan of my glass water bottle for work, and have decided to never buy coffee without my re-useable mug. That means I produce less waste in cups and lids, and spend less money on coffee. Both because I'm notoriously forgetful, and because when I do bring my own mug, I save 10 cents!
Tap Water Bottle My Travel Mug - Use handkerchiefs, either home-made or purchased, rather than facial tissue. My grandma has already promised to will all of her hankies to me. Use re-useable make-up pads rather than disposables. They can all be thrown in the washing machine, I put mine in a mesh bag to try to keep them together for longer. To sanitize, just use your iron and some steam! My hankies usually come out of the dryer pretty wrinkled anyways, so the ironing does double duty!
Ironing makes hankies flat and sanitary! - Shop at Bulk Food stores for basics like flour, sugar, and rice. Plus candy, chocolate and nuts! Blog TO did a great review of the top 10 bulk food stores in Toronto. I'm partial to Domino's foods in the St. Lawrence Market because they're so close to my house.
Candy at Domino's - Use re-useable bags everywhere, not just the grocery store. I found this amazing idea for turning old t-shirts into bags, and will be trying it soon. I have a t-shirt from my Inka Trail trek to Machu Picchu that I can't bear to throw out, but will never wear because it's yellow!
There are also some great re-useable produce bags available on the market. I got some thin mesh bags from President's Choice, and I love them. I also made some bags for bulk items that could double as produce bags as well.Great use for old T-shirts! - Use microfibre cleaning cloths rather than paper towels. Use wash cloths rather than disposable sponges. I found this 'worlds best pot scrubbers' at the St. Lawrence Market. They're machine washable, dishwasher safe, and can be used on glass stovetops and non-stick pots. I used mine to scrub my favourite pan (which I am VERY picky about) and it's still fabulously non-stick.
World's Best Pot Scrubber
Friday, November 11, 2011
5 easy ways to reduce waste
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I love the t-shirt idea! I actually have this book of how to make tons of stuff out of old t-shirts....now I just have to learn how to use a sewing machine. I rarely buy coffee in the store's cup but it does happen sometimes :( i have been eyeing this ceramic travel mug that has two fish KISSING <---- so me :) for a while but it's $30 b/c it's an artists work. I'll ask for it for xmas and hope it's still there
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