Find Reusable options

Did you know:

• 80% of US products are used once and then thrown away. (from cenyc.org)
• If someone were to load all of the disposable wipes purchased by consumers in North America last year onto 18-wheel semis, the caravan would number 9,000 trucks and stretch for 68 miles (from greenhome.com)
• If 25% of Los Angeles residents make 1 pot of coffee in the morning using a paper filter, (one used filter measures 5cu. Inches) this amounts to 81,159 cu. Ft. of trash per DAY. 81,159 cu. Ft. is aprox 10,000 sq. ft. an area, the size of two McDonald buildings. (from ecofilter.com)
• use and toss products are alluring for their convenience but is a multi-million dollar industry with lasting environmental impacts.

There are many options out there for those of us looking to "go green" in our lifestyle. Some of these are really simple to switch to, and some take a little more effort. But think about the amount of waste you generate by using disposable items, and see where you can make little changes to make a big impact! Maybe you didn't know there were reusable alternatives out there for some of these - take a look! Check out the links for more information and ideas!

• baby wipes - washcloths or handmade cloth wipes and wipes solution
  
• baby food  - homemade baby food has no packaging!
• batteries - use rechargeable when you can!
• coffee cups - bring your own travel mug!
• coffee filters - reusable fabric coffee filters, permanent reusable filters, or a filterless coffee system.
• cotton pads/cotton balls - crocheted facial scrubbies
• disposable diapers - cloth diapers (or even elimination communication)
• dryer sheets  - dryer sachets, wool dryer balls
•  food "doggy bags" - bring your own container if you think you may have leftovers
• gift wrap - reusable fabric bags, furoshiki
• kleenex - super soft handmade hankies are much nicer on the nose too - use once and wash 
• menstrual products - cloth pads, menstrual cup
• napkins - use cloth napkins instead 
  
• nursing pads - check out lilypadz or cloth nursing pads (some even with waterproof backing)
• one time use cleaning products - use a rag with vinegar and baking soda instead, or rubbing alcohol and water to disinfect
• plastic produce bags - use reusable produce bags
• paper towels  - un-paper towels, washcloths, Skoy cloths
• plastic baggies - reusable baggies/sandwich bags
• razors - may be hard to eliminate but try to make them last longer
• shampoo bottles - solid shampoo bars eliminate the need for bottles.
• shaving cream cans - solid shave bars and old-fashioned shave brush
• shopping bags - reusable bags are more and more popular. Get into the habit of bringing them!
• sponges - crocheted kitchen scrubbies and dish rags
• swiffer pads - handmade cloth pads can be washed and reused!
• water bottles - always have one (or two) on hand and keep them full

What other things have you found that can replace disposable items?? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!