The one thing I do to prevent plastic waste, that actually works well - both for environment and for my family - is simply to bring reusable hard plastic containers to a butcher or supermarket meat counter. They can tare the scale to zero, then put in whatever I am buying. The plastic disposable bag is then unnecessary - the repetitive waste is out of the loop.
Then you can put the containers in the freezer as they are. Ha ha.
(I do sometimes get complaints if I use the meat container to pack a lunch or something. Best to keep these ones as meat containers only I guess.)
Recently though - the grocery store they built which was closer to our home was made without a meat counter, and the butchery I went to closed (likely put out of business by the grocery store, which did have alot of meat - just all on polystyrene/styrofoam trays). So I was SOL. And driving for a half hour to go to a grocery with a meat counter would not get me anywhere as I would, too ironically, create more greenhouse gas pollution. But I am proud of the fact that I went and explored and found a new place to go and do this, a pretty close drive away in our 2nd nearest shopping area. The Butcher Lady in Orewa, NZers. She'll even let me text her to make sure she has what I need unpackaged.
So just explore - I am sure you'll find a place near you that will let you do this.
Just wanted to say quickly - go you!! It's an awesome step to make.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! Going to the store prepared with your containers means you are less likely to be offered plastic and will invariably meet less resistance from the shopkeeper.
ReplyDeleteWell Done - great suggestions!
Thank You
Bren