MSL Bags

It’s everywhere…And it’s overwhelming.

The thought of how to remove this convenient, highly pervasive, completely entwined product from your life can seem like an impossible task.

So right off the bat, I want to say…

I understand…I’m right there with you…so let’s figure this out.

Let me propose this…

You don’t need to tackle it at ALL. You can just start with ONE area.

But first…you need to get clear on WHY you are doing this.

I know guilt can be a motivating force, but don’t let it be THE motivating force behind your changes.

Actions associated with guilt become burdensome. That’s when good intentions are abandoned.

We are trying to make a sustainable lifestyle change, so let’s all acknowledge that if something is too hard, too expensive, or too anything, you are going to be less likely to keep it up.

So, you have to make it a process that works for YOU and your life.

The plan I propose will be a phased process, meaning, it won’ t happen overnight.

With that in mind, let’s start with the Kitchen because it probably has your highest concentration of plastic.

Yes? Yes.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Buy plastic baggie alternatives immediately!

If you think about it, you probably have SO many different ways that you use plastic baggies. Can you think of just 3 right now? Take a quick minute and write down all the different ways you use them.

Here are a few of the subs I am currently using:

• Compostable Sandwich Baggies from Biobag
• Paper Snack Bags from If You Care and Lunchskins

*Fun Fact: I used Lunchskins for a picnic with tofu salad sandwiches that I took to Tippi Hedron’s big cat sanctuary, Shamabala. That was a cool trip.

• Silicon Bags for the Freezer.

I’ve found that there are no real large freezer bags in the compostable options, so the Silicon bags from Stasher are my absolute favorite right now.

• Glass or Metal storage containers for leftovers or lunch items. I took these Ello containers to the beach with my family. They held our food perfectly and worked back at the hotel to keep our leftovers too.

The point is, it’s not a one size fits all situation, so find the product(s) that fits your needs best.

2. Take a deep dive! 

Go through your kitchen and take out ALL of your plastic items. Tupperware, cups, water bottles, bowls, spoons, spatulas…everything!

Don’t be worried if it’s something you use ALL THE TIME, or a commemorative or keepsake type of item. You are not going to throw them away just yet. So, for now, I give you permission to be ruthless!

3. Banish them! 

Put everything in a box, or in a room out of sight. You are going to hold onto them for a little while longer (for now), but it’s important to make them hard to get to.

We’re trying to break the dependence on these items, so you want to make it inconvenient for you to get them. This will also further encourage you to seek another solution or different (plastic-free) tools.

4. Live your life! 

You are quickly going to start finding out where you need to fill in the gaps. So, when the moment arises where you do not have the proper non-plastic receptacle, start a list.

I love a good Post-it note, but whatever you write your list on, stick it somewhere easily accessible, so you can easily continue adding to it when another thing comes up.

Only THEN should you go ahead and go grab your plastic item, use it, clean it, and return it to the ‘banish box’ as soon as you can.

5. Let the transformation begin! 

We are not trying to break the bank here. If you can afford to get three new non-plastic storage items a week, awesome! If you can afford to get one new non-plastic storage item a month, that works too.

Remember, you don’t have to buy everything either. Living sustainably means trying NOT to buy so much stuff.

There are actually some pretty cool ones out there if you start looking out for them. Like this wooden box that a gift of olive oil came in.

It’s now my mini desk when I’m working at the downstairs table.

And these Rao’s spaghetti sauce jars.

I like them because they are tall and hold a decent amount of stuff.

I also like them because I always buy Rao’s spaghetti sauce, so I know I will have a steady influx of jars that all match!

So, look out for the non-plastic receptacles that come into your life.

Remember, like any new habit, it’s going to take a moment to establish new ways of doing things, so don’t stress about doing a ‘good enough’ job.

Tackle one area at a time, stay committed, and take as long as you need.

Then just apply the same process anywhere else you need a plastic purge.

Just keep at it and you’ll get there.