In this day and age, many of us are hoping to adopt a minimalist lifestyle by owning less and, therefore, producing less waste. For many, the single biggest waste category is single-use plastic products. Although some are safe to use, a number of plastic products are actually extremely harmful to the environment—and ultimately, to our health when they break down into microplastic particles.         At first, I was anxious about the thought of going plastic-free—as someone who keeps her schedule tight, I didn’t have the confidence that I could always remember to bring a reusable cup or a glass straw with me at all times. But with some creativity and reliable products, making the switch was easier than I thought. Here’s what I used.

1. A set of reusable stretch lids to replace cling wraps 

I have to admit I’ve long used a ton of cling wrap because of its convenience. But when I came to the realization that those cling wraps are terrible for the environment, I felt guilty. Thankfully, I found these reusable silicone stretch lids that can seal my cans and jars air-tight. To reuse, just rinse them under water. There are six sizes to choose from, which covers almost all typical household needs, from proofing bread dough overnight to keeping leftovers separated from other foods in the fridge.

2. Our favorite reusable straws that you’ll never forget to bring along

Our favorite reusable straws, the Hummingbird glass straws are great alternatives to the single-serve plastic straws that are typically offered at restaurants. Although eco-conscious coffee shops are replacing plastic straws with paper ones, they still have an impact on  the environment and they easily break in half. The Hummingbird straw is lightweight and easy-to-wash, which means I can carry it anywhere.

3. A reusable sandwich bag that also holds snacks on the go 

A classic PB&J sandwich sitting in one of those single-use Ziploc bags just seems sadder than one wrapped in our favorite reusable sandwich bags. The Lunchskins have different patterns to choose from and they’re all absolutely adorable. This bag is the perfect size for packing sandwiches without the need to squish anything—no matter how thick your sandwich is. They’re dishwasher safe but also extremely easy to clean if you prefer hand-washing them. Packing lunch doesn’t have to mean a sad salad. Featuring a two-tiered design, this Monbento lunch box lets you bring a number of cold and hot dishes to work or school, making lunch more enjoyable. Plus, there are options to add a stackable cutlery set, sauce cups that fit in the boxes without taking up too much space, and cute lunch bags that make them easy to carry around. All materials in the Monbento boxes are biodegradable plastic or silicone. 5. Top-rated glass food storage containers for grocery shopping One of the biggest challenges to living plastic-free is dodging all the “plastic traps” at grocery stores. Meat-packaging, single-use produce bags, and all sorts of pantry items made me feel like achieving my plastic-free week would be mission-impossible. However, I found an easy solution when I started to bring my own containers instead of picking up pre-packaged cuts. The butcher will subtract the container tare to get to the gross weight of the meat, which is done on an electronic scale.   In our testing of the best food storage containers, we fell in love with these glassware containers that are perfect for keeping food safe and fresh. They’re not only a great alternative to the grocery store plastic packaging, but also perfect for meal-prepping.

6. An organic cotton mesh bag that’s better than store plastic bags

Although an increasing number of stores have been switching to biodegradable plastic produce bags, I’ve found they’re way too flimsy to hold anything substantial. One time I put an ear of corn into a store-provided bag and the cob immediately fell through it. This organic cotton mesh bag can hold up to three pounds of fruits and vegetables, and its stretchy material makes sure that it can fit large items.

7. A produce bag that catches small items 

While it’s easy to fit a butternut squash or three large tomatoes in a mesh bag, small vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and green beans, can’t be securely held in cotton mesh bags. These reusable produce bags are lightweight, featuring tiny breathable mesh that allows some necessary airflow to prolong the lifespan of fresh produce.

8. Our favorite water bottle that helped me ditch single-use bottled water  

If you’re hoping to break the bottled water habit, the Hydro Flask can help. Our favorite water bottle, the Hydro Flask scored high marks in a range of tests: It’s portable, versatile, durable, and well-designed. It’s the top performer in our temperature tests, too, keeping ice largely unmelted well past the 24-hour mark. Its patented double-wall vacuum enables the bottle to keep water cold, keep hot beverages hot, and prevents condensation from forming on the outside, keeping it slip-free, and safe to store in bags alongside papers and laptops.

9. A stainless steel travel mug to keep my drinks warm

Before I pledged to go plastic-free, I had been a loyal fan of our favorite travel mug, the Zojirushi stainless steel mug, because of its impeccable insulation and lightweight design. Whether I was on a long commute or I brought it on a hiking trip, this inexpensive mug kept my drinks at the desired temperature at all times. The trim build also allows it to seamlessly slip into cup holders and bags.

10. A set of mason jars to replace most household plastic uses

Mason jars are a durable and reliable alternative to using Ziploc bags for storing dry pantry goods. Additionally, they’re so versatile that you can use them for canning, storing jam, and making desserts. Bring these mason jars on grocery shopping trips, and you’ll find the store employees happily helping you fill the jars with nuts and cereal.

11. Solid bar shampoo and conditioners that are full of organic ingredients

I sometimes fail to notice how much plastic waste I produce outside of my kitchen. In fact, I never thought about the environmental impact I had caused by using bottled shampoo and conditioner. Using all organic, natural herbs, Aspen Kay Naturals is able to provide something more eco-friendly than the liquid version of haircare. Unlike the more common brands we’ve seen in stores, this shampoo is 100% soap-free, which means its gentle on the hair and scalp as no harsh cleaners, detergent, or silicone is included in the formula.

12. Beeswax wraps to keep produce fresh 

To stop using plastic wraps for half-cut lemons, onions, and other produce, I started putting these hand-crafted beeswax wraps to the test. Even after multiple uses, the beeswax wraps excellently retained the freshness of the foods I wrapped in them. They’re also odor-free, which is better than their plastic counterparts.

13. Use composting bin instead of plastic trash bags 

Much of the produce we toss away each year ends up in landfills, which produce a large amount of the greenhouse gas  methane. To reduce the use of trash bags, I started composting the daily food scraps, finger nails, hair, and tissue paper, which are otherwise destined to non-recyclable waste. With a little research, I was able to properly compost my waste without creating an unpleasant smell or attracting small animals. Plus, if done right, I can use the compost to enrich my soil for growing fruits and vegetables in a few months.  

What should I do with the plastic I swapped out? 

  I started researching what to do with the plastic packaging I’ve just swapped out. TerraCycle, a free plastic recycling platform, offers instructions for every type of recycling work. The site lists a growing number of participating businesses that allows me to send the cleaned, recyclable packaging back, free of charge.   For example, if I accumulate a good amount of Barilla pasta packaging, I can sign up the Barilla program and get a free shipping label to return the emptied bags and boxes. Once they receive the packaging, I’ll get reward points that can be used toward donating to non-profit organizations or schools of my choice. If you don’t want to separate the packaging, TerraCycle offers Zero Waste Box (purchase required) to recycle almost any type of waste.  

My final takeaway    

  Admittedly, there were still areas that I could use some improvements while attempting to achieve a plastic-free life: I brushed my teeth with plastic toothbrush heads and used makeup remover wipes wrapped in plastic packaging. These instances serve as a reminder of how ubiquitous plastic products are in our daily lives, and how challenging it can be to cut them out completely. To live completely plastic-free may still be a long shot for me, but it’s no longer some far-fetched, unachievable idea.

In this day and age, many of us are hoping to adopt a minimalist lifestyle by owning less and, therefore, producing less waste. For many, the single biggest waste category is single-use plastic products. Although some are safe to use, a number of plastic products are actually extremely harmful to the environment—and ultimately, to our health when they break down into microplastic particles.   At first, I was anxious about the thought of going plastic-free—as someone who keeps her schedule tight, I didn’t have the confidence that I could always remember to bring a reusable cup or a glass straw with me at all times. But with some creativity and reliable products, making the switch was easier than I thought. Here’s what I used.

1. A set of reusable stretch lids to replace cling wraps 

  I have to admit I’ve long used a ton of cling wrap because of its convenience. But when I came to the realization that those cling wraps are terrible for the environment, I felt guilty. Thankfully, I found these reusable silicone stretch lids that can seal my cans and jars air-tight. To reuse, just rinse them under water. There are six sizes to choose from, which covers almost all typical household needs, from proofing bread dough overnight to keeping leftovers separated from other foods in the fridge.    

2. Our favorite reusable straws that you’ll never forget to bring along

Our favorite reusable straws, the Hummingbird, ranked top in our tests. (Photo: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar)   Our favorite reusable straws, the Hummingbird glass straws are great alternatives to the single-serve plastic straws that are typically offered at restaurants. Although eco-conscious coffee shops are replacing plastic straws with paper ones, they still have an impact on  the environment and they easily break in half. The Hummingbird straw is lightweight and easy-to-wash, which means I can carry it anywhere.  

3. A reusable sandwich bag that also holds snacks on the go 

The lunchskins sandwich bags are a great alternative to Ziplocs. (Photo: Lunchskins)   A classic PB&J sandwich sitting in one of those single-use Ziploc bags just seems sadder than one wrapped in our favorite reusable sandwich bags. The Lunchskins have different patterns to choose from and they’re all absolutely adorable. This bag is the perfect size for packing sandwiches without the need to squish anything—no matter how thick your sandwich is. They’re dishwasher safe but also extremely easy to clean if you prefer hand-washing them.  

4. This bento box with a cult following 

The Monbento lunch box is the only thing i bring to work for lunch. (Photo: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser)   Packing lunch doesn’t have to mean a sad salad. Featuring a two-tiered design, this Monbento lunch box lets you bring a number of cold and hot dishes to work or school, making lunch more enjoyable. Plus, there are options to add a stackable cutlery set, sauce cups that fit in the boxes without taking up too much space, and cute lunch bags that make them easy to carry around. All materials in the Monbento boxes are biodegradable plastic or silicone.  

5. Top-rated glass food storage containers for grocery shopping 

The Pyrex food storage containers are our favorite in the roundup. (Photo: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser)   One of the biggest challenges to living plastic-free is dodging all the “plastic traps” at grocery stores. Meat-packaging, single-use produce bags, and all sorts of pantry items made me feel like achieving my plastic-free week would be mission-impossible. However, I found an easy solution when I started to bring my own containers instead of picking up pre-packaged cuts. The butcher will subtract the container tare to get to the gross weight of the meat, which is done on an electronic scale.   In our testing of the best food storage containers, we fell in love with these glassware containers that are perfect for keeping food safe and fresh. They’re not only a great alternative to the grocery store plastic packaging, but also perfect for meal-prepping.  

6. An organic cotton mesh bag that’s better than store plastic bags

This organic cotton mesh bag holds up to a few pounds of fruits and vegetables. (Photo: Amazon)   Although an increasing number of stores have been switching to biodegradable plastic produce bags, I’ve found they’re way too flimsy to hold anything substantial. One time I put an ear of corn into a store-provided bag and the cob immediately fell through it. This organic cotton mesh bag can hold up to three pounds of fruits and vegetables, and its stretchy material makes sure that it can fit large items.  

7. A produce bag that catches small items 

For produce that are smaller in size, these bags can help. (Photo: Getty Images)   While it’s easy to fit a butternut squash or three large tomatoes in a mesh bag, small vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and green beans, can’t be securely held in cotton mesh bags. These reusable produce bags are lightweight, featuring tiny breathable mesh that allows some necessary airflow to prolong the lifespan of fresh produce.  

8. Our favorite water bottle that helped me ditch single-use bottled water  

Our favorite water bottle, the Hydro Flask, keeps the water cool. (Photo: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar / Hydro Flask)   If you’re hoping to break the bottled water habit, the Hydro Flask can help. Our favorite water bottle, the Hydro Flask scored high marks in a range of tests: It’s portable, versatile, durable, and well-designed. It’s the top performer in our temperature tests, too, keeping ice largely unmelted well past the 24-hour mark. Its patented double-wall vacuum enables the bottle to keep water cold, keep hot beverages hot, and prevents condensation from forming on the outside, keeping it slip-free, and safe to store in bags alongside papers and laptops.  

9. A stainless steel travel mug to keep my drinks warm

For people who like their caffeinated drinks warm, the Zojirushi mug is perfect. (Photo: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar)   Before I pledged to go plastic-free, I had been a loyal fan of our favorite travel mug, the Zojirushi stainless steel mug, because of its impeccable insulation and lightweight design. Whether I was on a long commute or I brought it on a hiking trip, this inexpensive mug kept my drinks at the desired temperature at all times. The trim build also allows it to seamlessly slip into cup holders and bags.  

10. A set of mason jars to replace most household plastic uses

A set of mason jars can be versatile. (Photo: Getty Images / Olga Miltsova)   Mason jars are a durable and reliable alternative to using Ziploc bags for storing dry pantry goods. Additionally, they’re so versatile that you can use them for canning, storing jam, and making desserts. Bring these mason jars on grocery shopping trips, and you’ll find the store employees happily helping you fill the jars with nuts and cereal.  

11. Solid bar shampoo and conditioners that are full of organic ingredients

These solid bar shampoo and conditioner can keep your hair clean and smooth. (Photo: Aspen Kay Naturals)   I sometimes fail to notice how much plastic waste I produce outside of my kitchen. In fact, I never thought about the environmental impact I had caused by using bottled shampoo and conditioner. Using all organic, natural herbs, Aspen Kay Naturals is able to provide something more eco-friendly than the liquid version of haircare. Unlike the more common brands we’ve seen in stores, this shampoo is 100% soap-free, which means its gentle on the hair and scalp as no harsh cleaners, detergent, or silicone is included in the formula.  

12. Beeswax wraps to keep produce fresh 

Bee's wax wraps are amazing for keeping produce fresh. (Photo: Amazon)   To stop using plastic wraps for half-cut lemons, onions, and other produce, I started putting these hand-crafted beeswax wraps to the test. Even after multiple uses, the beeswax wraps excellently retained the freshness of the foods I wrapped in them. They’re also odor-free, which is better than their plastic counterparts.  

13. Use composting bin instead of plastic trash bags 

Compost bins can help you reduce waste. (Photo: Amazon)   Much of the produce we toss away each year ends up in landfills, which produce a large amount of the greenhouse gas  methane. To reduce the use of trash bags, I started composting the daily food scraps, finger nails, hair, and tissue paper, which are otherwise destined to non-recyclable waste. With a little research, I was able to properly compost my waste without creating an unpleasant smell or attracting small animals. Plus, if done right, I can use the compost to enrich my soil for growing fruits and vegetables in a few months.  

What should I do with the plastic I swapped out? 

  I started researching what to do with the plastic packaging I’ve just swapped out. TerraCycle, a free plastic recycling platform, offers instructions for every type of recycling work. The site lists a growing number of participating businesses that allows me to send the cleaned, recyclable packaging back, free of charge.   For example, if I accumulate a good amount of Barilla pasta packaging, I can sign up the Barilla program and get a free shipping label to return the emptied bags and boxes. Once they receive the packaging, I’ll get reward points that can be used toward donating to non-profit organizations or schools of my choice. If you don’t want to separate the packaging, TerraCycle offers Zero Waste Box (purchase required) to recycle almost any type of waste.  

My final takeaway    

  Admittedly, there were still areas that I could use some improvements while attempting to achieve a plastic-free life: I brushed my teeth with plastic toothbrush heads and used makeup remover wipes wrapped in plastic packaging. These instances serve as a reminder of how ubiquitous plastic products are in our daily lives, and how challenging it can be to cut them out completely. To live completely plastic-free may still be a long shot for me, but it’s no longer some far-fetched, unachievable idea.

In this day and age, many of us are hoping to adopt a minimalist lifestyle by owning less and, therefore, producing less waste. For many, the single biggest waste category is single-use plastic products. Although some are safe to use, a number of plastic products are actually extremely harmful to the environment—and ultimately, to our health when they break down into microplastic particles.   At first, I was anxious about the thought of going plastic-free—as someone who keeps her schedule tight, I didn’t have the confidence that I could always remember to bring a reusable cup or a glass straw with me at all times. But with some creativity and reliable products, making the switch was easier than I thought. Here’s what I used.  

1. A set of reusable stretch lids to replace cling wraps 

  I have to admit I’ve long used a ton of cling wrap because of its convenience. But when I came to the realization that those cling wraps are terrible for the environment, I felt guilty. Thankfully, I found these reusable silicone stretch lids that can seal my cans and jars air-tight. To reuse, just rinse them under water. There are six sizes to choose from, which covers almost all typical household needs, from proofing bread dough overnight to keeping leftovers separated from other foods in the fridge.    

2. Our favorite reusable straws that you’ll never forget to bring along

Our favorite reusable straws, the Hummingbird, ranked top in our tests. (Photo: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar)   Our favorite reusable straws, the Hummingbird glass straws are great alternatives to the single-serve plastic straws that are typically offered at restaurants. Although eco-conscious coffee shops are replacing plastic straws with paper ones, they still have an impact on  the environment and they easily break in half. The Hummingbird straw is lightweight and easy-to-wash, which means I can carry it anywhere.  

3. A reusable sandwich bag that also holds snacks on the go 

The lunchskins sandwich bags are a great alternative to Ziplocs. (Photo: Lunchskins)   A classic PB&J sandwich sitting in one of those single-use Ziploc bags just seems sadder than one wrapped in our favorite reusable sandwich bags. The Lunchskins have different patterns to choose from and they’re all absolutely adorable. This bag is the perfect size for packing sandwiches without the need to squish anything—no matter how thick your sandwich is. They’re dishwasher safe but also extremely easy to clean if you prefer hand-washing them.  

4. This bento box with a cult following 

The Monbento lunch box is the only thing i bring to work for lunch. (Photo: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser)   Packing lunch doesn’t have to mean a sad salad. Featuring a two-tiered design, this Monbento lunch box lets you bring a number of cold and hot dishes to work or school, making lunch more enjoyable. Plus, there are options to add a stackable cutlery set, sauce cups that fit in the boxes without taking up too much space, and cute lunch bags that make them easy to carry around. All materials in the Monbento boxes are biodegradable plastic or silicone.  

5. Top-rated glass food storage containers for grocery shopping 

The Pyrex food storage containers are our favorite in the roundup. (Photo: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser)   One of the biggest challenges to living plastic-free is dodging all the “plastic traps” at grocery stores. Meat-packaging, single-use produce bags, and all sorts of pantry items made me feel like achieving my plastic-free week would be mission-impossible. However, I found an easy solution when I started to bring my own containers instead of picking up pre-packaged cuts. The butcher will subtract the container tare to get to the gross weight of the meat, which is done on an electronic scale.   In our testing of the best food storage containers, we fell in love with these glassware containers that are perfect for keeping food safe and fresh. They’re not only a great alternative to the grocery store plastic packaging, but also perfect for meal-prepping.  

6. An organic cotton mesh bag that’s better than store plastic bags

This organic cotton mesh bag holds up to a few pounds of fruits and vegetables. (Photo: Amazon)   Although an increasing number of stores have been switching to biodegradable plastic produce bags, I’ve found they’re way too flimsy to hold anything substantial. One time I put an ear of corn into a store-provided bag and the cob immediately fell through it. This organic cotton mesh bag can hold up to three pounds of fruits and vegetables, and its stretchy material makes sure that it can fit large items.  

7. A produce bag that catches small items 

For produce that are smaller in size, these bags can help. (Photo: Getty Images)   While it’s easy to fit a butternut squash or three large tomatoes in a mesh bag, small vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and green beans, can’t be securely held in cotton mesh bags. These reusable produce bags are lightweight, featuring tiny breathable mesh that allows some necessary airflow to prolong the lifespan of fresh produce.  

8. Our favorite water bottle that helped me ditch single-use bottled water  

Our favorite water bottle, the Hydro Flask, keeps the water cool. (Photo: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar / Hydro Flask)   If you’re hoping to break the bottled water habit, the Hydro Flask can help. Our favorite water bottle, the Hydro Flask scored high marks in a range of tests: It’s portable, versatile, durable, and well-designed. It’s the top performer in our temperature tests, too, keeping ice largely unmelted well past the 24-hour mark. Its patented double-wall vacuum enables the bottle to keep water cold, keep hot beverages hot, and prevents condensation from forming on the outside, keeping it slip-free, and safe to store in bags alongside papers and laptops.  

9. A stainless steel travel mug to keep my drinks warm

For people who like their caffeinated drinks warm, the Zojirushi mug is perfect. (Photo: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar)   Before I pledged to go plastic-free, I had been a loyal fan of our favorite travel mug, the Zojirushi stainless steel mug, because of its impeccable insulation and lightweight design. Whether I was on a long commute or I brought it on a hiking trip, this inexpensive mug kept my drinks at the desired temperature at all times. The trim build also allows it to seamlessly slip into cup holders and bags.  

10. A set of mason jars to replace most household plastic uses

A set of mason jars can be versatile. (Photo: Getty Images / Olga Miltsova)   Mason jars are a durable and reliable alternative to using Ziploc bags for storing dry pantry goods. Additionally, they’re so versatile that you can use them for canning, storing jam, and making desserts. Bring these mason jars on grocery shopping trips, and you’ll find the store employees happily helping you fill the jars with nuts and cereal.  

11. Solid bar shampoo and conditioners that are full of organic ingredients

These solid bar shampoo and conditioner can keep your hair clean and smooth. (Photo: Aspen Kay Naturals)   I sometimes fail to notice how much plastic waste I produce outside of my kitchen. In fact, I never thought about the environmental impact I had caused by using bottled shampoo and conditioner. Using all organic, natural herbs, Aspen Kay Naturals is able to provide something more eco-friendly than the liquid version of haircare. Unlike the more common brands we’ve seen in stores, this shampoo is 100% soap-free, which means its gentle on the hair and scalp as no harsh cleaners, detergent, or silicone is included in the formula.  

12. Beeswax wraps to keep produce fresh 

Bee's wax wraps are amazing for keeping produce fresh. (Photo: Amazon)   To stop using plastic wraps for half-cut lemons, onions, and other produce, I started putting these hand-crafted beeswax wraps to the test. Even after multiple uses, the beeswax wraps excellently retained the freshness of the foods I wrapped in them. They’re also odor-free, which is better than their plastic counterparts.  

13. Use composting bin instead of plastic trash bags 

Compost bins can help you reduce waste. (Photo: Amazon)   Much of the produce we toss away each year ends up in landfills, which produce a large amount of the greenhouse gas  methane. To reduce the use of trash bags, I started composting the daily food scraps, finger nails, hair, and tissue paper, which are otherwise destined to non-recyclable waste. With a little research, I was able to properly compost my waste without creating an unpleasant smell or attracting small animals. Plus, if done right, I can use the compost to enrich my soil for growing fruits and vegetables in a few months.  

What should I do with the plastic I swapped out? 

  I started researching what to do with the plastic packaging I’ve just swapped out. TerraCycle, a free plastic recycling platform, offers instructions for every type of recycling work. The site lists a growing number of participating businesses that allows me to send the cleaned, recyclable packaging back, free of charge.   For example, if I accumulate a good amount of Barilla pasta packaging, I can sign up the Barilla program and get a free shipping label to return the emptied bags and boxes. Once they receive the packaging, I’ll get reward points that can be used toward donating to non-profit organizations or schools of my choice. If you don’t want to separate the packaging, TerraCycle offers Zero Waste Box (purchase required) to recycle almost any type of waste.  

My final takeaway    

  Admittedly, there were still areas that I could use some improvements while attempting to achieve a plastic-free life: I brushed my teeth with plastic toothbrush heads and used makeup remover wipes wrapped in plastic packaging. These instances serve as a reminder of how ubiquitous plastic products are in our daily lives, and how challenging it can be to cut them out completely. To live completely plastic-free may still be a long shot for me, but it’s no longer some far-fetched, unachievable idea.  

A few years ago, looking for solutions for some everyday items, I discovered TerraCycle boxes . These boxes available for purchase online or at Bureau en gros met a need especially that for the need that I had at that moment, I could simply go to Bureau en gros and drop off my pens and ink cartridges. No cost and no hassle!    TerraCycle was founded by Tom Szaky in 2001. While a student at Princeton University, he created the company to divert waste from landfills. Quickly, TerraCycle has become the world leader in the collection and processing of hard-to-recycle waste. Currently operating in more than 20 countries, TerraCycle reaches more than 200 million people. This project gives a second life to billions of pieces of waste. Zero Waste Boxes allow us to create recycling solutions for almost all kinds of waste! These boxes can be ordered in different sizes. Thanks to Terracycle coffee pods, used pens, plastic gloves, batteries, etc. have a recycling solution which has the effect of diverting billions of waste from landfilling and incineration. To learn more about the company: Terracycle.ca

Rock Rose has signed a deal with the Royal Mail which will make it the first gin to offer fully recyclable 70cl refill pouches.   Under the agreement, Rock Rose’s gin pouches can be returned to its distillery via the Royal Mail’s standard Freepost service.   Once returned to Rock Rose’s Dunnet Bay distillery in Caithness, the pouches will be recycled by Terracycle.   The new packaging solution has been developed by Dunnet Bay in partnership with innovations consultancy PA Consulting. After 12 months research, the final product is a four-layer laminate pouch with a plastic spout closure.   The pouch, which is also delivered by post, weighs 65 grams, as opposed to the 700-gram weight of the Rock Rose ceramic bottle, thereby offering significant reductions in energy use during shipping.   The cost-savings generated by the new shipping and packaging process are being passed on to consumers with a 70cl pouch of gin retailing for £4 less than its bottled equivalent.   Martin Murray, co-founder of Dunnet Bay Distillers, said: “We take sustainability incredibly seriously and have been working hard on our first-to-market recyclable pouches for over a year now.   “We are absolutely thrilled to be the first brand to have secured the support of Royal Mail for a postal recycling scheme, which we believe will be embraced by our customers.”   Ryan McGinley, product design expert at PA Consulting, said: “We are delighted to have helped Dunnet Bay Distillers create an environmentally friendly solution that delivers real value to its distillery and customers.   “It took ingenuity to develop a flexible pack that could be sent direct to consumers, which not only eradicates the need to use a single-use bottle but also reduces their costs.’’   Dunnet Bay plans to extend the scheme across both the on- and off-trade and to apply it to the other spirits in its portfolio, which include Old Tom Gin and Holy Grass Vodka.   It is also offering in-store refills of Rock Rose to distillery shop customers.

Your efforts to help the planet don’t have to take a vacation just because you are traveling. Many West Michigan destinations, businesses, and organizations are making sure to do their part to promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices to conserve energy and minimize environmental impact.  

Eco-friendly lodging 

  Crystal Mountain’s village in Thompsonville has been built iteratively, piece-by-piece, over time and the same approach has been applied to make meaningful strides toward a more sustainable future, such as:  

• Designing the resort as a pedestrian- and bike-friendly village, reducing use of carbon-emitting transportation
• First resort in Michigan to invest in wind energy credits, offsetting the carbon footprint of the Crystal Clipper high-speed quad chairlift to help supply the grid with more clean, renewable energy sources—reducing CO2 emissions by 174,000 pounds annually
• Building the first LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) spa in the Midwest—one of only four in the nation in 2009—that uses 28% less energy than a baseline structure
• First northern Michigan resort to provide complimentary electric vehicle charging stations
• Including a closed-loop, geothermal heating and cooling system as part of a $12 million expansion to the Inn at the Mountain (2018), reducing CO2 emissions by 150,000 pounds per year
• Setting aside a 30-acre wooded preserve leased to Michigan Legacy Art Park for $1 per year
• LED lighting in accommodations and public spaces, including the resort’s 33,000 square-foot conference facility
• In-room recycling, electric golf carts, re-fillable bath amenities, efficiency sensors for irrigation and snow-making and more

  Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association   Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Green Committee is dedicated to creating a sustainable vacation experience. Here are just a few of the ways Grand Traverse Resort, located in Williamsburg, works to improve their carbon footprint:

• Partnership with TerraCycle, to recycle partially used and empty toiletry bottles. TerraCycle provides the Resort with a penny for each bottle, saved up to donate to local green nonprofits.
• Partnership with Eminence Organics, which plants a tree for each product sold. To date, over 3,500 trees have been planted.
• A composting program with Bay Area Recycling for Charities that directs roughly 100 tons of food waste from the Resort’s dining outlets away from landfills.
• In 2016, the Resort replaced an aging boiler with a Micro CHP (Combined Heat and Power) unit with an engine that runs on natural gas to generate electricity with useful heat—clean hot water—as a by-product of cooling the engine. The Micro CHP is estimated to save up to $20,000 in electric energy each year, and received an EPA certificate of approval for commercial emission standards.
• The Golf & Grounds team has won numerous awards for their eco-friendly approach; resort is certified as a Michigan Turf-grass Environmental Steward; is adding space to the no-mow natural zones on the 900-acre property.
• The Resort is eliminating single-use plastic products from the property—a work in progress.

In Mecosta County, being eco-friendly is something that hospitality businesses are familiar with—most hotels have a detailed Green program as part of hotel policy. The Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Big Rapids has an eco-friendly initiative known as the “Green Engage”, striving to provide a sustainable environment. This particular hotel achieves these policies through the maintenance of the building as well as housekeeping—ensuring that there is energy-efficient output on all room units, light bulbs, furnaces, etc. Housekeeping offers guests opportunities to re-use personal items like towels and toiletries. Be sure to check out CityFlats Hotel in Holland, the First LEED Gold-certified hotel in the Midwest.  

Green activities and events 

  Your headquarters for Upper Peninsula outdoor adventures in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale National Park, the Keweenaw Adventure Company hosts Lake Superior sea kayaking and world-renowned Copper Harbor mountain biking. Environmentally conscious and community players, the Keweenaw Adventure Company celebrated their 25th Anniversary this season, and are proud to be “ultimately contributing to the region’s well-being through education, stewardship, conservation and sustainable tourism.”   Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association   For over 30 years, Inland Seas Education Association in Suttons Bay has been teaching people about protecting the Great Lakes through their programs on tall ship schooners. Participants engage in hands-on activities as they collect lake samples and analyze them to determine the health of the Great Lakes. Some of the programs also collect microplastics. Individuals also get a chance to raise the sails and steer the ship. Click through to find more information about ISEA public programs. A hidden gem tucked behind tall dune hills, Lost Lake at Muskegon State Park is a botanical treasure with plants found in both bog and coastal plain marsh habitats. A three-mile, unpaved trail leads around Lost Lake, easily accessed from the Snug Harbor parking lot. A wheelchair-accessible trail from the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex leads to an accessible overlook and viewing scope on the wetland’s north side. John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids is committed to conserving resources and in doing so strives to make all of their operations as green as possible. The Zoo stays green by diverting 80% of waste from landfills through compost and recycling. They offer compostable straws and other plastics at the concession stands and have a variety of sustainable gift options in the gift shop. The Zoo is also committed to conserving endangered species around the world and right here in West Michigan. Every year John Ball Zoo sends zookeepers out into the field to help native species like the Kirtland’s warbler, Massasauga rattlesnakes, piping plovers, and wood turtles.  

Sustainable eating and shopping 

  Going Green in Ludington is made easier with a number of restaurants using compostable containers, utensils, bags, and straws, or implementing a no-straw policy. Stores use biodegradable paper bags, eco-friendly cleaning practices, and some businesses have promotions in place with donations going to local eco-minded organizations. When visiting Mt Pleasant, grab a snack and refreshments and know you are helping local businesses with their sustainability practices. Visit the Mt. Pleasant Convention & Visitors Bureau site to learn more. Visitors looking to minimize their impact on the planet can feel good about visiting the BarFly Ventures restaurant family, which includes HopCat locations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, East Lansing, and Holland, as well as Stella’s Lounge in Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Brewing Co. The businesses recycle all metal, plastic, cardboard, and glass and locally compost all food scraps, napkins, straws, and any other organic materials, diverting up to 90 percent of their waste from landfills and incinerators and helping to create soil instead of trash. BarFly has helped raise more than $50,000 for local clean-water nonprofits.   Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association   Visit the Holland Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays 8am-2pm and support local agriculture. By purchasing locally grown produce, shoppers and vendors cut back on packaging and emissions that would otherwise be used to transport goods to grocery stores from across the country. Crane’s Pie Pantry in Fennville has gone strawless. Paper straws are only available on request. If you refuse a bag in the bakery or bring your own reusable bag, you leave with a free donut.  

When Fort Greene wood-fired restaurant Metta closed this summer, the team behind the sustainability-minded restaurant hinted that a future project was in the works: “We will see you in September with what comes next,” read the message on its website.   What came next is owner Henry Rich’s strongest statement for sustainability and its impact on climate change yet: It’s called Rhodora, a zero-waste natural wine bar that Rich hopes will help further the conversation around sustainability at New York restaurants. The wine bar at 197 Adelphi Street, at Willoughby Avenue, opens tonight with pours from small-farm natural winemakers accompanied by tinned fish, oysters, cheese, and vegetable snacks. Beer, cocktails, and a nonalcoholic drink menu of teas and kombucha is also planned.   Rich, who also runs popular Brooklyn hangouts like June and Rucola under his company the Oberon Group, created a food menu inspired by the tapas bars of Portugal and Spain, where drinks are paired with conservas (canned seafood).   “We went to great lengths to avoid plastic and avoid waste,” he says. “How do we do the most basic kind of wine bar food without creating trash? That is the challenge for us.”   Part of that feat was finding suppliers willing to ditch single-use plastic and styrofoam packaging; Rhodora’s oyster vendor, for example, agreed to ship them in reusable containers that can be washed and returned.   Liz Clayman   Rhodora replaces the group’s prior restaurant Metta, which was converted to a carbon-neutral restaurant in 2017. Rich worked with nonprofit Zero Foodprint, founded by Mission Chinese Food co-founder Anthony Myint, which helps restaurants offset their greenhouse gas emissions by sourcing locally, buying renewable energy, and investing in carbon-negative initiatives.   “Talking to him, I came to understand what impact our industry was having on climate change. I hadn’t understood that food as a whole actually had a greater impact than transportation,” Rich says.   Last year, after hosting a pop-up with chef Doug McMaster, the man behind UK’s acclaimed zero-waste restaurant Silo, Rich says he learned about the effects that food waste has on the environment and felt the need to make Metta a zero-waste space.   Working backwards with Metta wasn’t doable, though, he says. “We realized we had to start from zero, no pun intended. Everything from our food program, beverage program, and staffing model has the zero-waste mission as its deciding factor,” he says.   Buying a composter, a dishwashing machine that electrocutes salt into soap, and a cardboard shredder are all investments the team made to get the wine bar open. Any food diners leave will be fed into that composter, and there aren’t any trash cans around the restaurant, including in the restrooms. Instead, there will be two boxes from a company called TerraCycle, which specifically deals with hard-to-recycle items.   Rhodora has a unique staffing model, too. The wine bar does away with the traditional hierarchy among front- and back-of-house staff and instead has every employee trained for every role. That means there’s no executive chef, sommelier, bar manager, host, or server, and every staff member shares a tip pool, plus owns a profit share in the restaurant.   Rich says he started with a wine bar because it’d be too difficult to open a zero-waste full-service restaurant in NYC at this time. Meanwhile, his team is working on converting his other restaurants into carbon-neutral establishments by the end of the year.   “Once you go zero-waste, you kind of just see waste everywhere,” he says. “We would like to continue opening zero-waste projects, but for now we really have our work cut for us with Rhodora.”   Rhodora is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight; Friday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday from 2 p.m. to midnight.

Sustainability is a buzzword that seemingly every corporation is promoting nowadays.   Green initiatives and waste reduction plans can be found on nearly every corporate website, but how many companies are really making a difference in their communities?   Johnson Automotive is taking its latest environmental cause seriously and inviting the community to take part in it, even if they aren’t Johnson customers.   The initiative is a partnership with TerraCycle, a recycling company that eliminates barriers to safely return hard-to-recycle waste. This means everything from plastic packaging to one-use coffee capsules can be collected and recycled without having to worry about it being accidentally sent to a landfill.   “It’s pretty cool – anyone can buy a TerraCycle box,” explained Katelyn Paul, marketing communications manager with Johnson Automotive. “You can buy them and have them for your house. When it’s filled up, the shipping is already prepaid, you just have to mail it back. The TerraCycle box is for things that are hard or impossible to remove from the waste stream on your own.”   TerraCycle’s home-use boxes range anywhere from $81 to $199, depending on the size and how much your household plans to recycle. You just select which type of waste you’re looking to dispose of and order the correct box. Options include one-use coffee capsules, general kitchen waste, art supplies, disposable gloves and more. There are a variety of different sizes available, so everyone can find a box that fits their lifestyle.   Don’t think you make enough waste to justify a box at your home? That’s where corporate partners like Johnson come in.   “We have our big boxes, and you can bring the things that go in them,” Paul said. “We’re having people bring bags of K-cup pods from nearby offices. They’re bringing them in to our store. A lot of people are saving disposable cups, straws, soda and coffee cans, and bringing them in – we also have a snack wrappers and bag box. I haven’t run into a situation where somebody brings something we can’t take.”   The boxes are all labeled, but separation is still an important part of ensuring the TerraCycle process is a success. When you’re conditioned to just toss a wrapper in the trash, it can be a hard habit to break. Johnson ensures that all of its employees are trained on properly sorting so that they can answer any questions customers might have and they make use of the boxes themselves.   “It’s an awareness thing,” Paul said. “We do a really good job making sure someone’s been trained on the boxes. We wouldn’t want someone to throw their chip bag into the trash can when its right next to a TerraCycle box. We are one of the largest Subaru dealer in North Carolina, so we have a lot of people visiting our dealership. That means a lot of coffee and snack-related waste.”   The word has spread; not only are employees and customers taking advantage of the TerraCycle boxes, community members who have no interest or desire to buy a car have been dropping off their recyclables.   “I have people call, and they come and bring [recyclables] in, and fill our boxes,” Paul said. “You don’t need to want to buy a car, we won’t sell you. Just bring us your recycling.”   The outreach has worked, with Johnson returning thousands of units of recyclable material as of April 2019. The TerraCycle boxes have become such a draw, the dealership has given some of its boxes to Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, creating another easy drop-off point.   The TerraCycle partnership started as a part of the Johnson Subaru’s “Subaru Loves the Earth” initiative, which has now placed the zero waste boxes in Subaru dealerships around the country. The partnership, which began in 2018, has proven incredibly popular, and Johnson Subaru is committed to continuing it.   “When we initially discussed TerraCycle, it was born out of Subaru corporate’s zero waste initiative. TerraCycle is a boots-on-the-ground example of how the brand itself is really committed to that. We love being able to share and tell people about it,” Paul added.

People have opinions about the ways we should address the climate crisis. There are many possible solutions, but however we decide to change, we have to do it now.   People have opinions about the ways we should address the climate crisis. From planting trees for sequestering carbon to updates to the Endangered Species Act, the effectiveness of different initiatives is often questioned. Because time, money, and human resources are needed to implement any plan, it’s a conversation about whether an option is “worth it.”   If we take away one thing from this week’s climate observances, it should be that there is no one silver bullet. Mitigating today’s environmental challenges needs work in many areas.   As climate scientist Michael E. Mann says, “Any viable climate solution must be multi-pronged … [and] fire on all cylinders.”   Here at TerraCycle, our focus is eliminating the w-word (waste) and collecting difficult-to-recycle materials through brand-sponsored recycling programs and our comprehensive Zero Waste Box system. Diverting items from landfills and incinerators, and educating about recycling is our specialty, but we know there are other concepts in the sustainability space with great potential.   Here are just a few interesting things happening around the world:  

Putting captured carbon into new products

  Seltzer and sparkling water fans rejoice: Valser, a beverage company and subsidiary of Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland, is set to release “the world’s first water bottled with carbon dioxide (CO2) pulled directly from the air.”   Beverage companies are among the world's largest users of carbon dioxide; it had been common practice to use the CO2 byproduct from power plants for carbonation  By using direct air capture (DAC) technology to develop food-grade CO2, the industry is poised to offer a way both sequester carbon in the atmosphere and source a key ingredient for their products.   Speaking of carbon capture, another positive production practice picking up steam is a new method of creating concrete (a material that touches nearly every aspect of global infrastructure), which conventionally has a significant carbon and materials footprint, releasing staggering amounts of CO2 in the air.   A company called Blue Planet uses a “low-energy mineralization” process that takes climate-changing carbon out of the atmosphere, dissolves it into a solution, and produces a bicarbonate used for building materials. In addition to doing less harm, this production is one of a growing number that creates a benefit by creating a positive (new product) out of a negative (CO2). Win, win.  

Learning from the experts

  There is no waste in nature, and the earth cycles nearly everything it sustains (if you don’t count humans and all the unabsorbable “stuff” we produce). Recycling is one way we try to better fit in with nature’s activities, and carbon capture is a form of this. Needless to say, nature inspires some of the coolest ways we might fight climate change.   In an increasingly warm world, our day-to-day often entails indoor climate control, which is a matter of public safety and health, and extreme cost. Mick Pearce, an architect from Zimbabwe, is taking a biomimetic approach to designing buildings, inspired by termite mounds and cactus spikes that self-cool by tapping into the science of surface area, absorbing and regulating heat and cold.   Whatever we do about the climate crisis, we have to do it now.   Published Sep 25, 2019 8am EDT / 5am PDT / 1pm BST / 2pm CEST