Eco-Consumers Trapped by Plastic Packaging

“I found a bright blue piece of plastic embedded in a piece of Whole Hearted dog food. Who all should I be notifying about this? submitted by /u/jilliancad [link] [comments]”

“Probably already been on here a million times but keep an assortment lids from jars and cans you recycle. There’s a size to cover anything and everything. Even found coffee tin lids work on my old Pyrex and mixing bowls. I can cover that bowl of cherry tomatoes I’m gonna finish eating later so the fruit flies don’t find it. As hot as it is right now, I can put a little water in one for easy access for my reptile friends. They really are handy for all sorts of things. submitted by /u/”

“I go through a lot of prescription medication and have a ton of empty prescription bottles. I always feel guilty throwing them away so I wanted to see if you guys have any ideas on how I could recycle them? I've called around a few pharmacies in my area and none of them have recycling programs. I use them around the house when I can, but I am out of uses. I saw a girl on Instagram who recycles them into sunglasses, but I didn't feel 100% certain about sending them to her. I am also money”

“If I bought one cotton bag and used it for my whole life, the argument would seem silly.In reality, a household can easily gain 5-10 new tote bags a year as businesses hand them out as swag or with legitimate collections of items or paperwork. There's no way to use them all enough to justify their manufacturing.The point the article is making is that the "use fewer plastic bags" thing was well-intended, but it incentivized an alternative with too many tradeoffs. Businesses could order a ton of”

“It sucks becayse nothing seems to be truly air right and im not sure i want these chemicals leaking into my indoor air :/ ugh”

“Could make template from the lid and make a plexiglass cover and spray paint it to match”

“I work at a vet clinic and our 3 cc syringes come packed in these polypropylene casings. We don’t have recycling (and even if we did it probably wouldn’t ever really be recycled), so what could I do with these? All ideas welcome! submitted by /u/Tharizin [link] [comments]”

“ive had mixed luck with fb marketplace for compost, sometimes its great and other times its full of wood chips and plastic bits. got a load last spring that was basically just mulch. not ideal when you're trying to level things out”

“I like to run my boxes through the shredder. Then into the worm bin or the yard.”

“Ahh, this is the info I was looking for. I wasn't sure if my vermicompost buddies would tackle that tape. I rip off all stickers and tape from boxes before I shred them because the worms don't touch anything synthetic. It would be nice to not have to struggle to get the Amazon tape off”

“I just got an IBC Tote. I was told it is food safe but I can't find anything on it indicating that it is. Where would it be on the tank? What can I use this for if not for water?? I don't want to poison my plants or animals. Can't use it for compost? The only thing I can think of is putting weeds in it to discard. Its a 300L tank. If I sold it, what would be a reasonable price? Its entirely functional but has a small crack at the top. submitted by /u/lavalavallama [link]”

Neither is gardening lmao

“At Costco I go to the back of the store by where they have the cardboard baler - there’s a chainlink fence marking off the employees-only area, but I just get someone’s attention back there and ask if they could please give me some cardboard sheets for my garden. At Sam’s I’ve had pretty good luck just walking around with a shopping cart and grabbing loose sheets here and there - sometimes there are a few stacked at the end of an aisle.”

“I’ve just seen that video, and the packages being placed directly on the cutting board immediately caught my attention. I don’t know if I’m being overly hygienic, but putting transportation aside, many people touch these packages in supermarkets as well. Shouldn’t avoiding direct contact between food-preparation surfaces and packaging be considered basic hygiene? Haven't seen him washing the vegetables either. He seems to be a pro and most likely working / worked in commercial kitch”

“I found this pic on Pinterest and I love how it looks. But I also know that the ribbons are probably polyester, charm is plastic and printing the holographic parts on the ribbons make a lot of waste. Do you have any ideas of how could I make something similar possibly out of more ecological materials? I thought of a glass/biodegradable plastic charm, textiles such as hemp or wool/cotton I could find at the thrift (although I'm not sure how could I trim the edges for it to not rip?). Well I g”

“I bought a big pack of healthistraw gardenstraw for my vegetable garden, I have a lot left over and am not sure of the best way to store it. It’s still in the plastic and I’ve considered putting that in a metal trash can in my outdoor closet. I’m a bit worried about moisture and critters so not sure of the best thing to do. It was expensive so I don’t want to let it go to waste, any advice would be appreciated! submitted by /u/savy91 [link] [comments]”

“Just asking since I have a 27 gallon container full of the stuff and have no idea what to do with it submitted by /u/xswords1 [link] [comments]”

“The type of bag is Quechua NH500. I am a very very lazy person that is trying to change, pls don't be mad at me for the condition of this bag :) submitted by /u/CM_Kisaku [link] [comments]”

“I've been trying to research this for a bit but it's so confusing... I figured I'd ask here and at least see if anybody can point me to a good direction. So I'm trying to learn more about recycling in the United States. I'm actually an artist and was thinking about making a lil recycling poster for my household and maybe for my mom's ministore that has what is recyclabale, what is not, and how to process certain stuff (like wash your cans and such). But... Well, since dif”

“Let me ask yall a simple question.. would you use a paper towel, let it dry and reuse it? No. so why would you do the same with a rag? people want to argue cost and that rags are infinitely cheaper.. heres the thing, even if you don't re-use a rag and buy a bulk pack of cotton towels to clean up with and throw in the wash after 1 or 2 uses.. guess what. you're still using electricity water AND detergent all of which cost money.. and id argue depending on the soap you use its more expensi”

“Plastic is a problem because you can't delete it. I think it being cheap and disposable are pretty good traits but you can't erase it once you dispose of it. You can delete slop.”

“I need to swirl the creamer in my coffee. These are the two options: Compostable spoon or plastic straw. I'm at work and I know that whatever I use will end up in the landfill. I kind of feel like the spoon is the better choice (and I touched it already anyway), but could the straw have been the right option? submitted by /u/Sea_Willingness1398 [link] [comments]”

“Hi everyone, ​I’m trying to manage my waste better, but I'm stuck on what to do with used plastic disposable razors. I know about TerraCycle, but their programs are either unavailable or limited to specific Western European countries (like France). ​I am based in Bulgaria, where standard plastic recycling and scrap metal yards do not accept them due to mixed materials and the safety hazard of the blades. ​Does anyone here from Europe (or specifically Eastern Europe/Bulgaria) know of any bran”

“But they're often made from recycled materials which include those inks and food container coatings and pfas whatnot no?”

Koch chemie

“My apartment doesn't really have recycling, and I've recently realized that mixing my diet coke cans with trash isn't really great. i believe tenets just put whatever in the two large garbage bins outside, its like whatever one is open they just throw away. I don't have one of those recycling bins that I could get change for putting in the boxes anywhere near me and the closet are next states away, and I don't have the transportation to get there. Would it be best for me to c”

“Not Costco but my store goes through a ton of perfect brown cardboard and we have a solid (enough) shredder. On slow days I'll shred a bunch of old boxes and take a garbage bag of it home for the compost”

“Multiple times last couple years have needed it to suppress weeds for pulling and to go under beds. It's oddly relaxing walking the stacks there hunting for cardboard lol submitted by /u/katzlover12 [link] [comments]”

“We didn't have enough proper food storage containers, so we started reusing these plastic buckets that originally held mayo, sour cream and pickles to store ingredients. Over time, it just became the default solution. The buckets get washed, dried, added to the pile and replaced when they break. Sometimes we throw the excess ones away. That's what happens when the cheapest solution becomes the default submitted by /u/StainlessCook86 [link] [comments]”

“So I’m a moderately granola mom and want to use non plastic and organic fibers. Would a silicon changing mat be good and then have a cotton or muslin cover for it? Then I could take the cover off if they have a blowup for easy wiping in the silicon mat. How did yall do it? Thanks in advance!! submitted by /u/Pizzaprincess87 [link] [comments]”

“With the sink plastic stuff, I have had success with hot/boiling water and gently shaping pieces . . It’s somewhat of an art, so I’m not recommending you burn yourself with scalding water. I am in fact telling you not to do what I have done I am merely saying it’s possible. Don’t restrict or kink anything just give them some gentle nudges in the direction I need em to go so they aren’t cranked over all stressed. I am not a plumber don’t trust me. Don’t do what I am describing.”

“this is mostly just a PSA. As FTM with existential dread about climate change, I was so excited to discover Hiro Diapers (biodegradable, mushroom diapers that are supposed to break down diapers in 6 mos vs. 500 years for normal diapers). Put them on my registry and was lucky be gifted plenty. TLDR: they are TERRIBLE. My 5 day old newborn peed through every single Hiro diaper... and like a LOT, soaking himself, whoever was holding him, the stroller pad, etc. We tried at least 4 of them thinking t”

“What do you do with opened packages of unused diapers that your little one has grown out of? I’d like to donate them and I’ve googled nonprofits in my area but can’t find anything. Any ideas? ETA: Solved! Thanks to everyone who posted for your ideas. I called a local church and food bank but couldn’t get a hold of anyone. Then called local library. Library directed me to our local county register of deeds office who were happy to take the diapers! submitted by /u/Different-Year838 [l”

“Unfortunately I don't have access to a local store, and I want to order from refill stores and be able to recycle/send back the packaging. I've heard about the GoodFill, Good Store, Great Fill, etc etc. Are there any favorites? I'm considering the GoodFill. Thank you in advance! submitted by /u/Queasy-Love-4073 [link] [comments]”

“Pretty much title, was expecting to reuse this once I depleted the filament. Looks like it will need to go into the recycle bin. submitted by /u/HelloVap [link] [comments]”

“We’ve been using Boon Nursh bottles but are having a hard time finding a cooler that fits them well to send them to daycare in. I see Dr. Brown’s now makes a silicone bottle, which would fit more easily in standard size bottle coolers, but people seem to say you can’t see how much is left if baby doesn’t drink the whole bottle because the Dr. Browns ones really collapse (sometimes the Boon ones do, but not always, although the markings on Dr. Boon’s are really hard to read). Any recommendations”

“I was gifted a nespresso esque coffee machine recently and don’t want to waste it. My question is, is it better to buy compostable coffee pods or recycled ones. Unfortunately my area doesn’t have a compost bin and I know that compostables can often still build up in a landfill, whereas recycled coffee pods are already reducing waste. Which one is better overall? submitted by /u/Antique_Hour_7683 [link] [comments]”

“An old pharmacist that was training me said this, that its just plastic. Can someone conform or deny this? submitted by /u/Formal-Lemon3145 [link] [comments]”

“I legit buy plastic everything. Cutlery plastic, paper plates, solo cups. My sink area is small and the actual starting anxiety and avoidance is a big issue. Things Iv tried, music, YouTube, dish washing gloves, spin brush washer. I need some hacks for washing dishes. I can’t do it anymore. Iv had moments where I have a pan and I look at it and just throw it over board (trash) because that’s more logical and realistic for me in the moment. It did save my son’s life though. He knows I’d get mad i”

“I’m looking to switch from regular plastic trash bags to compostable ones, mainly for kitchen food waste and small bins. I’ve read a bit about certifications and “compostable vs biodegradable,” but I’m still not sure which brands actually work well and don’t just tear or leak. Background: I live in an apartment and use a small countertop compost bin plus a regular kitchen trash can. My city has curbside compost pickup, but I’m not sure if they accept compostable bags or if I should just use pape”

And cleaning supplies

“Why waste money on paper towels?”

“hello, where do you guys recommend going to look for compostable, but affordable soap saver bags? i don’t want to spend $5 a bag since they have to be replaced every few weeks to months. asking bc i have bar soap that doesnt suds up enough and i often drop it. other solutions are welcome. submitted by /u/Maleficent_End_7366 [link] [comments]”

“My son's silicon food tray has not been the same since it went through the dishwasher at my parents house. It has the smell of the dishsoap they used and also imbues any food with that taste. I have tried washing it many times, soaking in hot water, salt/lime wash, but nothing has improved it so far. Any ideas why this happened or what we can do? Or should i just get him a new one. We try not to be wasteful, so if it's possible to save then we would like to. Thanks for any help and this”

“I bought these cups and they were taped together with the worst tape ever. I’ve used Dawn, very sparingly used Goo Gone on some of it, then scrubbed that best I could with Dawn. Threw them in the dishwasher and it’s worse than ever. I just can’t scrub it off and it’s starting to affect the design 😭 Please help! submitted by /u/violetskyeyes [link] [comments]”

“I added a local commercial compost into our households garbage routine. I figured it would be a good way to deal with meat and dairy scraps, but I saw they also take ASTM D6400 or BPI certified “plastics”. I would love some recommendations on grocery brands that use these for packaging! Not sure if it’s feasible but the thought of finally being able to kick our municipal trash service to the curb is the dream! All recommendations or advice is welcome. submitted by /u/alt0bs [link] &#”

“Buying in bulk CAN be better for the planet… if you do it this way…. buy stuff in bigger packaging I bought a 5 gallon pail of powder laundry detergent 3 years ago . it’s good for 1100 loads. this is less packaging, and it lowers emissions on transporting a bunch of smaller containers every couple months or so because it has lasted me years now. So there are transportation savings on both ends. one on my end, and the other on the factory to the stores end. if you buy from the bulk bins/ refiller”

This is my preferred method!!

“We got a bassinet from Marketplace, and I’m a little confused about how to clean the parts that aren’t washable. I washed the removable/washable pieces in the washing machine with baby-safe detergent, but I’m not sure what to use to clean and sanitize the rest of the bassinet. If you have any Amazon links for baby-safe cleaning supplies that would work, I’d really appreciate it! submitted by /u/Pinkcaramellatte [link] [comments]”

“I moved to my own place recently and have decided to completely banish plastic from my home, especially in the kitchen. I have achieved a plastic free kitchen, and one of the items I was struggling to replace were the dish sponges. I got the brilliant idea to cut my loofah’s into chunks and use as dish washing sponges. Best transition I’ve ever made. Here are some benefits I’ve noticed since the transition: It never smells. Loofahs have the ability to completely dry up, and therefore no yucky or”

“looking for practical changes that are easy to keep doing. what changes have actually saved you money over time? i'm thinking things like buying less, repairing things, using leftovers, or just getting more use out of stuff i already own. submitted by /u/MassahoHipsher-87 [link] [comments]”

Mystery solved, thanks

You’re exactly correct, thank you for the direction.

“My missus and I have arrived at a point where we're chucking giant amounts of unused plastic and dollar store junk. We've tried to be conscious when doing our kids parties, but we're fighting a battle with the other parties they get invited to. What do you put into party bags that kids enjoy which aren't plastic? Looking for ideas to be better! submitted by /u/tank_GB [link] [comments]”

“This feels like a stupid question to ask, but I'm relatively new to the Zero Waste lifestyle/journey. I decided to buy a stainless steel water bottle to replace it with the regularly used plastic water bottle I buy as it last longer and better for the environment. The company suggests to replace it every 8 years, but does anyone else do this? Do you replace it earlier than 8 years or would you keep it for as long as possible? Trying to not buy new water bottles every so often, so wanted to c”

“I would like to find a plastic free disinfectant solution that actually kills germs. Im picturing something that has the cleaning power of Lysol but in a concentrated tablet or liquid that I could dilute with water in a spray bottle submitted by /u/quick_hyacinth_2016 [link] [comments]”

“My friend is opening a Asian good retail store with some food but mostly more novelty items also plates and bowls and things like that all different shapes and sizes. They’ve asked me to do some research on where we can get bags for our customers checking out. She said she would prefer a paper over plastic and maybe down the road. We would get these bags printed but for now we’d be happy with the quality unprinted bags. Can anyone point me to a site to order bags? What do you use for your store?”

“Im looking into it to make things like wallets, bags, keychains, lamps, whatever is small but will need to be sturdy and pretty! Im thinking of doing orange peel, coffee grounds, banana peel, and maybe beetroot! Any help is greatly appreciated submitted by /u/thepinklemur [link] [comments]”

“Hello! Dumb question, but I’m trying to switch over wet cat food brands with my two cats and I’ve been kind of fixating on whichever would be a little less harmful for the environment. I’m torn between Sheba and Fancy Feast—I’ve used Sheba for years with my cats, the single use plastic pouches, but using that much plastic doesn’t feel right, and it hurts my hands more to open them anyway. I’ve been leaning more towards Fancy Feast since my cats like it and theres more content within one small ca”