This week’s green challenge is to learn about packaging and its impact on the environment. In the process I have learned just how horrible Styrofoam is to our landfills and ultimately for the environment. Well, I am pleased to say that I have not used any Styrofoam or have purchased anything that used Styrofoam as packaging. I have, however, used some packaging. Today, I am going to do a small review of the packaging I have accumulated this week…. My naughty list
- I bought my wife some flowers this week. No, I did not get in trouble, but like doing this kind of stuff for Ashley on occasion. It is me paying her off for putting up with me.
Seriously though, there was a wrapping around the flowers was packaging. There was some paper wrapping which we kept for future use. Also, there was some plastic wrapping that we had to throw away. - Weather stripping – I bought some weather stripping that had a hard clam plastic wrapping. This will go into the garbage. Hopefully, the offset will be made by the energy savings
- Grocery Shopping – This was likely my biggest contribution to packaging throughout the week. Here, I accumulated the wrapping for cauliflower, box and wrappers for Popsicles, package for Jell-O, some Gatorade containers, a plastic milk container and a can for Pizza Sauce. Much of the packaging is due to a special diet I need to follow this week for a medical procedure, but some was not. Also, much of the packaging will be recycled, but not all.
I think that is about it for the packaging I have brought into my home and know I can still improve. Tell me your story in the comments area below.
Have you seen the site http://www.takeoutwithout.com yet?
And, follow me on twitter @lisaborden – i’m all about eliminating senseless packaging!
Your blog is great!
Thanks for the comment and complement. I have looked at the site and what a great idea. We are now following http://www.takeoutwithout.com and look forward to seeing future updates. Also, @guygoesgreen has started following you on Twitter. Have a great day Lisa!
Wow, for a week’s worth of rubbish, I think this is great – well done you. It’s no where near as much as the average household will produce.
Was it cellophane on the flowers? If it’s natural cellophane it can be added to the compost heap. Lovely to buy your wife flowers
The plastic for the flowers can be washed and reused for future gift wrapping.
The cauliflower can be placed in a reusable produce bag. They can be bought at some grocery stores and online.
I follow http://www.easyecotogo.com/. I think that you might like this blog, especially for your current green challenge. She started by taking a zero waste week challenge. She has turned it into part of her life. She inspired me to do the same. When I am really good about recycling and composting everything that I can, I can go 3 weeks without emptying the trash can. The trash is mainly filled with plastic packaging.
We all just need to be more aware of what we are buying and how it is packaged. How much trash are we buying just to throw away as soon as we get home? You should also check out a 20 minute film called The Story of Stuff. http://www.storyofstuff.com/
Mrs. Green, she beats me up if I dont. KIDDING Ashley!
Kristy, the film I will definitely check out. Probably after this week’s task is over, “No TV” since that would be considered TV. I love that more people are changing their habits by way of reducing waste and packaging! I will enjoy learning more and practicing it in our daily life.