Living a Low Waste Lifestyle
Humans create a lot of garbage and often toss things that can be repurposed or reused. This consumption harms our environment. From landfills and streams to airways and the ocean, trash pollutes our planet. While the problem is vast, there are simple things that each of us can do to lessen the waste produced. Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to our global waste stream. They include straws in the drive-through, coolers full of plastic water bottles, or the cutlery you get with your to-go meals. When you start looking, you will find that single-use plastic is everywhere. As we work to provide alternatives at the Co-op, you can help, too.
Each July, over 100 million people worldwide pledge to combat plastic pollution and eliminate their use of one type of single-use plastic at a time. The Plastic Free July movement helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have clean streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.
Here are a few ways to participate when you are at the Co-op:
Go straw-free. Our coffee and smoothie cups come with a convenient sip lid, eliminating the need for a straw. However, if you still prefer to use a straw, we offer cardboard straws as an alternative option.
Bring your own coffee cup. Our baristas will gladly prepare your drink in a freshly washed coffee cup.
Carry your silverware. To keep your silverware easily accessible, wrap it in a napkin and carry it with you in your backpack, car, or purse.
Buy in bulk. Choose as much or as little as you need in our bulk foods department. We have paper bags to use for your convenience. You can also bring your own clean reusable container from home. Then at the Co-op, it's as easy as weigh and fill!
Bring your reusable water bottle and fill it up for free! The Co-op eating area has a filtered water station to help keep you hydrated - 20 ounces or less.
Bring your grocery bags or use a paper bag or recycled box from the Co-op. We eliminated single use plastic grocery bags in 2006.
Skip the produce bags or bring your own cloth produce bags.
Discover brands that prioritize sustainable packaging and consciously choose to support them. Look for our staff picks throughout the store this July to get you started.
Plan ahead. Skip convenience foods and the single-use packaging they come in, pack a snack, or make a sandwich to get you through the day.
Learn more about Plastic Free July (plasticfreejuly.org), discover alternatives to single-use plastic, and build new lifelong habits that positively impact the local and global environment.
