single use plastics

I Already Use a Reusable Water Bottle, What Else Can I Do to Reduce Single Use Plastic for Beverages

I Already Use a Reusable Water Bottle, What Else Can I Do to Reduce Single Use Plastic for Beverages
Many of us have adopted the habit of bringing our own water bottle with us rather than purchasing bottled water when we are out and about. If you already do this, go ahead and pat yourself on the back. It's a great step toward sustainability!
 
If you haven't started using your own water bottle, look into how you could make that change. If you’re looking to purchase a water bottle, the best version will be stainless steel or glass. There are some great insulated stainless steel bottles on the market across a wide price range, so as we move into the warmer months of the year, that insulation factor will come in handy and purchasing one or two won’t break the bank. Beyond that, let’s look around at the other beverages that we might be consuming that are packaged in plastic. 
 
When my kids were younger, playing soccer, parents would always bring bottles of sports beverages or juice boxes for the kids to drink after games. I thought it was a waste of money and not necessarily healthy, but I didn't ever think about the plastic issue. The sports drinks come in plastic bottles and the juice boxes are either plastic or have a plastic straw in a plastic sleeve attached to the box with glue. Of course the whole bunch of juice boxes or sports drinks was wrapped in plastic as well, so there was a lot there.
 
Are there drinks that you consume regularly that are in plastic containers? If that is the case, is there a way for you to decrease the amount of plastic that you consume with them? For instance, is the beverage offered in cans or glass instead of plastic? That could be one way you could make a change. I know that for us, one beverage that we drink often is milk. We purchase milk in plastic jugs. This is something I will be looking into changing.
 
Is there a powdered form to the drink mix that you prefer that could be added to water instead of buying it premixed in plastic containers. I know a lot of people like to add some sort of flavor to their water, so buying small packets reduces the amount of plastic you are purchasing and throwing away. 
 
Do you purchase hot or iced coffee from a chain store like Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts? Have they started back with the ability to bring your own reusable cup? Once that changes back, consider bringing your own cup with you rather than using their single use version. Typically, during the holidays, Starbucks gives out reusable coffee cups, so they want you to use them. Take them up on it. Also, what about getting a reusable straw for that iced coffee. It’s a small gesture, but if lots of people did it, it would make a difference.
 
The first step in changing a habit is noticing what you’re currently doing and becoming aware of areas in which you need or want to change. So, take some time to observe your current habits and pick one thing you want to change. Make that change stick for 90 days and then move on with the next.


Meet Paula Henry

 
As a teenager, I was encouraged to go to college, find a career and go out into the world to make a difference. For many years, I had no plans to have children because I had one focus - my career.  

As I neared the age of 30, I started thinking about what I wanted my life to look like in the future. Where did I want to be in 20 years and what did I want my life to look like. That's when I felt a pull at my heart to have children. 

I continued to work in my career while my kids were infants and toddlers. It wasn't until they were both in school that I felt a huge tug to stay at home. But, I had worked so hard to go to school, spent so much money and now I was thinking of throwing it all away? What would people think? Was the money and education a waste? 

I remember having more days at work when I wanted to be home than days at home when I wanted to be at work.  And, that's when I knew things had to change. It didn't happen overnight. We put together a plan so that we would be able to live comfortably on a single income and then we moved forward with that plan.

Once I left my job, I experienced a full-on identity crisis. No longer did I have my career to define me. Now, I had to figure out who I was. It was challenging, and I dove into different projects and small jobs. I was looking for fulfillment in motherhood...and something else. 

I didn't know about personal growth programs. It wasn't until I went to a conference and heard to speakers present on a framework that everything fell into place. Here was a system that I could use to pull my life together. I could use it to determine my identity. I could set goals for myself and have a plan to reach them. I embraced the system and it worked. 

Are you ready to start your own journey to a happier life with more balance between family obligations, self care and everything else in your life? Join me and my group of friends. Contact me now!

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