Day 1: The Dilemma of Containers & Packaging

Day 1 has been full of many revelations and challenges.

1) I own a plastic Nalgene (BPA free) water bottle, which is used for everyday water consumption. On the plus side, they are reusable and durable, which is much better than using a one use disposable plastic water bottle.  However, they are still plastic and go through the manufacturing process.  According to this article, and many others - aluminum bottles appear to be a better choice.  I will definitely take this into account whenever I have to purchase a new water bottle.

2) Rubbermaid Containers: I packed my lunch for the day thinking knowing I would not be able to purchase any packaged food during the day since it would most likely be packaged in plastic. My alternative: Rubbermaid containers, which are still plastic but definitely reusable. I am definitely in the need for more Tupperware, so I need to look into glass alternatives. Or even these cute tiffins/bento boxes.

I have also started collecting glass jars/containers for storage rather than putting them straight in the recycling bin.

3) Food: I have had to think a lot more about my meals than I normally have. Single serving meals consist of a lot of plastic. And many other items I buy (cheese, sour cream, ketchup, bread) come in plastic packaging as well. Tomorrow begins the quest of finding alternative food sources! I will most likely be cooking more from scratch, buying bulk, buying from the farmers market. It is interesting how reducing plastic consumption is weaving itself into other positive environmental habits.