Eco-Consumers Trapped by Plastic Packaging

I don't want textured drinks.

I need a lighter like the regualr BIC but non toxic plastic. refillable. thx submitted by /u/IllPop3591 [link] [comments]

“I’ve been washing out and taking my cat food pouches to my local co op to recycle in their soft plastic bins. My wife thinks I’m wasting my time and I’m not convinced it doesn't all end up in a big skip or incinerator if there is a tiny bit of food waste still in the pouches. I’m also wondering if in turn I am now wasting more water rinsing them out. So the question is, is it a waste of time? Should I just bin them? submitted by /u/Character-Ad3913 [link] [comments]”

“Hi all, Have just moved house with my fiancé. We recycle pretty much everything we can involving soft plastics. However, we previously had two separate households as we lived apart, and now combining our households means we've got a lot more single plastic waste between the two of us to keep on top of. We also now have a total of 5 cats (I have 3, she has 2), so their food pouches stack up pretty quickly. Previously I would just have a separate bin bag under the sink for it, it wasn't a”

“Edit: it has now come to my attention that this method is introducing microplastics in the water. Thus, it’s not a very good re-use method. I appreciate learning this as I have not realized it. Original post text: Perhaps many are already doing this. Just want to share a re-use method for those produce mesh bags (avocados, onions, potatoes etc.) they are great pot scrubbers! submitted by /u/enneyehs [link] [comments]”

“Is there any real difference between the yellow and blue ones? submitted by /u/AlrightAaron [link] [comments]”

“I just learned that you can recycle your makeup containers once you’ve finished using it at Sephoras. Many locations (call your location beforehand to confirm) have Beauty (Re)Purposed bins where you can just drop off your used-up makeup! Just rinse the container, and drop it all in the bin (unbagged)! submitted by /u/stock-sophie [link] [comments]”

“Are you guys putting your plastic containers in the dishwasher? I'm finding that they make my food taste like soap. Seems like I have hand wash them. What detergent are you using? I'm currently using the blueland one. Finding that it leaves white residue. submitted by /u/mangosteenfruit [link] [comments]”

“I had been keeping a bunch of clothes along with a leather item in a plastic bin. I didn't open it for a few months. When I finally opened it, I discovered that a strong leather odor had permeated everything. The clothes have been laundered and are back to normal. Is there a way to get leather smell out of the bin itself? submitted by /u/bohemianish [link] [comments]”

“Hello, I HATE the plastic bottles of liquid laundry detergent that are all that's for sale at my local grocery store. I live in a rural area so don't have a lot of options. I used to be able to order All Free and Clear powder online, but they don't seem to make it any more. I was able to just compost the cardboard packaging it came in in our little forest out behind the backyard. Now I'm reduced to using the liquid version of the same brand and plastic bottles are being thrown in”

“I'm ditching paper towels as the primary source of wiping things, switching to 100% cotton rags and flour sack towels (I've bought more than enough to last for years). * What's a good way to accumulate dirty rags until biweekly (or even monthly, since I'm often away from home) laundry cycle? If the towel is relatively clean (i.e. drying produce), I will likely quickly hand-wash, air dry, and re-use (not sure how I'd feel about doing the same with towels involved in meat juice”

Costco water bottle packs enter the chat.

Better than piss jars

“I have some of those reusable silicone bags and one for stained with oil from sauce. Amy tips on how to clean it? submitted by /u/UnicornTech210 [link] [comments]”

“Hello looking for some new flip flops after my old (plastic) ones broke but I want to go for a plastic alternative that will hold up for the beach, pool, walking, whatever Or if is it better to just buy a single plastic pair ? I reuse mine over and over again until they literally break past the point where super glue can fix them so idk, I want some advice please submitted by /u/OkPiece2890 [link] [comments]”

“Idk why any parent wouldnt prefer to send a nalgene anyway. Theyre less expensive, lighter, and last ages. Ive dropped mine who knows ow many times and it never dents or cracks.”

“My faith community is handing out water bottles with the crazy temperatures. I started looking for bulk aluminum water bottles or cans. I avoid plastic since aluminum is more recyclable and less harmfull when discarded. I've found a few sources for bulk delivery of canned water. Even when buying a 1000 at once it cost more per can than buying canned Coke. What's up with canned water costing more than canned soda? Any good sources for 1000+ canned water? submitted by /u/Lumber”

“We’re traveling by train this weekend and I wanted to share this as a way to reduce (but not eliminate) spills with young kids. Obviously better to use a dedicated bottle but sometimes you’re left in a tough spot and something like this approach can help. Nothing terribly clever or original but maybe helpful to one of you. Also, no, I didn’t hold the knife this way to puncture the cap. It’s just meant to be demonstrative. submitted by /u/BadHombreSinNombre [link] [comments]”

“I meal prep a lot and made a big batch of curry a few weeks ago. The food is long gone, but a few of my plastic containers still smell like curry every single time I open them. I've already washed them multiple times with hot water and dish soap, ran them through the dishwasher twice, and even left them open to air out for a few days. They're perfectly clean, they just still smell. I'm starting to worry that anything I store in them is going to pick up the odor. Before I give up and”

“I just moved into a new house and we hauled our groceries over in a day. This bag was accidentally left in a car with yogurt in it and it spoiled and spilled inside of it. It's one of those insulated grocery bags meant for cold foods, with a fabric exterior. I have wiped the inside with a clorox wipe but the smell is still pungent. Brcause of the insulating liner my normal go-to's for smell (baking soda, vinegar) I'm unsure how to apply. Any help would be much appreciated! subm”

“Started out thinking food miles were the biggest factor in sustainable grocery shopping. But after some great discussions here, I’m now thinking carbon emissions, water use land impact and production are what actually moves the needle on people’s choices. Is that the general consensus? Is there anything supermarkets/producers can do to provide more insight into this? How can we consolidate globalised data? And if you had easy access to that data for every item on your grocery receipt — would it”

“I decided to make the switch to refillable sustainable floss and I really want to love it, but so far I hate it. I think the problem is that my teeth are tightly packed, so it's hard to get the floss between my teeth. There are a few gaps where it's so tight, I end up breaking the floss most of the time. I have to very carefully floss that section (and the floss is still fraying and trying to break). And now my gums are irritated too, I guess maybe from the force of the floss after I get”

“I really hate throwing away plastics or any other recyclables. It really hurts me what we are doing to the planet, the ocean, animals…. I collect recyclables and categorize them and recycle them at Houston Westpark Consumer Recycling Center but when my friend told me yesterday that they are scamming us it really disappointed me. submitted by /u/Master-Success-8143 [link] [comments]”

“Hello! My first post here, thanks for having me! I’ve been trying to find a more sustainable way to create acrylic keychains for my business. I’m thinking about reusing number 6 plastic containers since those shrink like store bought shrink plastic. I would be shrinking them by heating them up in a small oven (not food oven haha). My concern though, does shrinking number 6 plastic release harmful fumes or pollutants into the air? I’ve read that it’s not toxic to humans unless you shrink a large”

“I have a habit of keeping things because they might be useful later, especially containers and anything with metal or solid wood. Right now I just saved my empty earplug container with a lid that flips up on one side. The problem is, sometimes I just have no idea what to do with them. Like I have sooooo many glass jars from pasta sauce that my husband won’t let me keep any more. And I’ll have the urge to keep some things that I don’t think have *any* purpose, like a broken globe. (My husband sai”

“By 2032, CA will no longer accept non-recyclable materials (by their definition), which currently includes ALL Flexible Plastics - ie, polybags. I’ve been struggling to find alternatives that won’t scuff and scratch up products with nice surface finishes…. And can be purchased affordability. Fiber based bags seem to scuff our product finishes and cotton bags are an astronomical cost up when multiplied across the company. Plus, I’m not even sure cotton bags are an ‘acceptable’ alternative for CA”

“Ok, we have tons of plastic tupperware. It can be recycled. I dont know if its more wasteful to throw it all away (in the recycle bin) and get glass with plastic lid or just keep and use the ones we have? I could also give them away. I am a little concerned about microplastics and heating up food, but its not a huge concern. Mainly, storage space is limited. submitted by /u/Toodlesxp [link] [comments]”

“Hi! I run a small 3D-printing business in Argentina, and I’m trying to compensate for the unavoidable use of plastic by reducing waste in every other part of the business. For my packaging, I use simple kraft paper bags. Instead of printing labels or using ink, I made a reusable two-part 3D-printed embosser. That works well for my logo, but I don’t want every part of the packaging to use the same embossed effect. I would also like to add: a small QR code linking to my Instagram short thank-you m”

“I've seen this asked previously on this sub (specifically Ridwell), but want to open up the discussion to see if anyone has any new promising info/experience/resources with addressing single use poly bags. I'm finding myself throwing away a ton of single layer plastic bags, specifically from the grocery store—vegetables, fruit, dried nuts and fruit, so much! Why does America have to package EVERYTHING, and in plastic!?! 😔 Try and try as I might, it's so difficult to avoid a”

“Hey all, I’m looking to eliminate plastic bottles entirely, and I drink a lot of water around 3-5 liters per day as an athlete. I’ve heard of Berkey and Reverse osmosis, unfortunately can’t do reverse osmosis right now. Is Berkey still a good option? What would you guys recommend? submitted by /u/Promptaaa [link] [comments]”

“Hello , trying to declutter and living more sustainable. Recycling more and giving a lot to charity , I have found a few dvds without cases , just the discs what can I do with these ? I have about 20 the charity shop won’t accept them without cases or inserts ? submitted by /u/UnfairHoneydew2856 [link] [comments]”

“A few things I wish I knew when I first started trying to live more sustainably: Aluminum is infinitely recyclable. Plastic usually isn't. Black plastic packaging often can't be sorted properly at recycling facilities. Most "bamboo" fabric is actually rayon. Paper receipts are often coated with BPA/BPS and usually aren't recyclable. A used cotton shirt is more sustainable than a new "sustainable" shirt. Reducing consumption is usually more impactful than recycling”

“I just received a bag of used microfiber cloths (polyester.) All things considered should I use them until they are worn out or would it be better to just send them to a fabric recycler? Or would the landfill be a better option? I'm concerned about micro plastics and my overall environmental impact. submitted by /u/No_Appointment6273 [link] [comments]”

“One of my medical supplies that has no alternative comes wrapped in a plastic film to protect against humidity. The plastic film recyclers in my town only recycle "plastic film that stretches instead of tearing" but this film tears. What do I do with it? Is there maybe anywhere I can send it? submitted by /u/ConfusedAlienGirl [link] [comments]”

“I’ve been researching foodservice distributors lately and noticed a pattern. A lot of companies talk about sustainability on their websites. But when you actually look at their disposable product catalogs, many still rely heavily on plastic products. I’m not saying that’s wrong. Switching an entire product category is expensive and complicated. I just found it interesting that there’s often a gap between sustainability messaging and what customers can actually buy. For those working in foodservi”

“I bought this from shein years ago (I know, I no longer shop there). It lasted an about a year hold our occasional plastic shopping bags and it has now fallen apart and I just want ed some advice on what to do with it now. Is there anything I can do with it or is its life over? submitted by /u/Swiftie0802 [link] [comments]”

“I'm curious as well. I just saw a Ridwell commercial on TV, and it indicated that it uses a pre-labeled bag to send in plastics. I'm wondering if they're the same or, they're "recycling" their image?”

“Thanks for the wishes! As for the material, it’s mostly plastic but aluminum and chemicals fit into that box too. Things like pvc resin, polypropylene, etc. Mostly it’s been due to the straight of Hormuz and indexes are reaching COVID levels as well! Crazy how much a horrific president can do lol.”

“https://preview.redd.it/x85m5x18xh6h1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2c653c1df98865ce18c8a5d4cd18b163a5e1b258”

“We have a BlueVua counter top RO system and we love it. Still has plastic but it has seven layers of filtration. We aren’t planning to stay in this house or we would have done the under counter system.”

“Fair. But at least it doesn't come on a giant plastic spool with a fat plastic handle. Just a cardboard circle.”

“I change my baking soda every 3 months fridge and freezer. (i use the fridge boxes) You have to shake it up every now and then to keep it working well. After the 3 months, I open the box and pour it into an old ice cream gallon bucket. they seal the best. When I go to clean and I am making a paste for the stove or something like that, I use this baking soda. If I was going to bake or use it for coating chicken, I grab a fresh box out of the spice cabinet.”

“I saw recently that you can by reusable filters that are compatible with brita jugs. You keep the filters housing and just replace the filter medium on the inside. The brand I saw is Phox, but I've not used it so would suggest looking around too see if there's anymore that might work well for you. Another option, as another person has said, is putting in a filter tap. We have one that does filtered water along with boiling water, though we can't use it currently as the housing for th”

“I think the take away is to not think you're buying something completely eco just because it's in glass. And that we still need to move towards other non-plastic eco solutions.”

“Are they really environmental friendly tho? It’s a lot of one use plastic tubes.”

“I have been using shampoo and conditioner bars for a while now. Sometimes I just use a small a”

“Yeah but they are made of mostly recyclable plastic (yes yes I know they are not always recycled) with the proper markings on the tool. With those 3D prints and no system to recycle PLA and other materials and no markings, they end up 100% in the landfill. Regular toys have at least a chance to be grinder back into something else.”

“This. Recycled plastic markets just can’t compete with virgin plastic markets given the current recycling technologies and overproduction of virgin plastic feedstock due to it being a fossil fuel byproduct. I’ve concluded that the best way we can individually combat the plastics industry is not just to reduce our plastic consumption, but also to reduce our fossil fuel usage. Simply going zero waste doesn’t address the overproduction of plastic feedstock, so theo”

“You could check if they offer refills; some brands like Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier often do for their perfumes. On another note, a while ago someone in the [ r/FemFragLab ]( r/FemFragLab ) made a series of string lights using empty Mugler’s Angel perfume bottles .”