Straws\n
Americans use an estimated 500 million straws a day\u2014that\u2019s a lot of plastic going into landfills! If you like sipping your beverages through a straw, switch to a reusable glass, metal or bamboo straw, says Jonathan Zaidman, head of regional expansion for\u00a0The Ecology Center. Even if you stock reusable straws at home,\u00a0you can\u2019t control\u00a0restaurants that deliver\u00a0a straw for every drink and refill, whether you use it or not. But you can ask\u00a0your server not to leave any when you get your drinks. \u201cIt takes a little time to get used to remembering to ask, and oftentimes you ask and the server will still bring you a straw,\u201d says Zaidman, \u201cbut we think \u2026 taking that first consumer step forward is a beneficial and impactful way to make change.\u201d\n
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Takeout containers\n
Not only does a meal out cost about twice as much as a home-cooked meal, but those takeout containers take a toll on the environment. Eating at home puts you in charge of ingredients so you can eat healthier, plus you can reduce waste by washing those plates and utensils when you\u2019re done. Beres suggests preparing freezable meals on the weekends if your weeknights get too busy to cook. When you do eat at a fast-casual restaurant, bring your own reusable plate and silverware, says Zaidman. Some restaurants even offer discounts for people who bring in their own takeout containers, he says.\n
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Grocery bags\n
If you live in an area with a tax on shopping bags, you might already be in the habit of bringing your own reusable sack to the grocery store. But don\u2019t stop there\u2014you can cut more waste by avoiding plastic bags other places, too. Use reusable bag for produce like apples and tomatoes, and bring a tote for retail stores, says Zaidman. If those totes aren\u2019t your thing, feel free to use one that\u2019s more your style. \u201cMaybe you don\u2019t have a tote, but you probably have a backpack or some type of sack,\u201d says Zaidman.\n
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