Op-Ed: Silver linings to mid-challenge mopes
Heading into last weekend, the forecasted increase in temperature had me plummeting into some mid-challenge blues in a classic inverse relationship. However, the break in the heat wave also brought with it some wonderful reach-outs from new and old friends, reminding me of all of the positive actions that have resulted from taking on the Plastic Free July challenge.
Like my wonderful co-worker, Lisa, for example, who reached out to let me know she has ordered metal straws for future beverage purchases. Or John, a member of my public speaking group who mentioned he now keeps a reusable cup in his car so that he doesn't need to use disposables any longer. He is the fifth person to mention this change in habit to me. I can't wait to hear from the sixth!
And then there are still more who have connected, not to share habit changes, but to share an increased awareness of plastics and how they are a part of everyday life or favourite pastimes. My co-worker, Kati, shared an interesting infographic with me that outlines how long it takes for a variety of items to decompose. She has been following along throughout the challenge (taking her reusable mug on every coffee run) and thought the graphic may be of interest for a future blog post - it certainly will be! A friend and former co-worker (the one who makes her own dog treats mentioned in the previous pet post - recipe forthcoming!) connected just yesterday to say she's trying to figure out how to minimize the number of reusable plastic bags used when she and doggie go backwoods camping. She jokingly berated me for now seeing just how much waste less conscientious campers create. This time around, I'm grateful to have gotten under someone's skin!
There are also many people, near and far, who are sharing tips and tricks for reducing our environmental impact. Zero Waste Insights, for example, shares local places to find sustainable goods as well as businesses that are supportive of sustainable practices (and can be found on Facebook and Instagram). The Rogue Ginger is a blog based out of Australia that shares many strategies for minimizing waste in our everyday lives and embracing a simplified lifestyle. And there are so many more out there - please feel free to share some of your favourites!
So there you have it, at least 3 reasons to smile for every previous reason to frown. And a million thank yous to everyone who has reached out and made a change - big or small - in support of fewer single use plastics.
More plastic free info and tips arriving here later this week. Stay tuned and stay committed!
Like my wonderful co-worker, Lisa, for example, who reached out to let me know she has ordered metal straws for future beverage purchases. Or John, a member of my public speaking group who mentioned he now keeps a reusable cup in his car so that he doesn't need to use disposables any longer. He is the fifth person to mention this change in habit to me. I can't wait to hear from the sixth!
And then there are still more who have connected, not to share habit changes, but to share an increased awareness of plastics and how they are a part of everyday life or favourite pastimes. My co-worker, Kati, shared an interesting infographic with me that outlines how long it takes for a variety of items to decompose. She has been following along throughout the challenge (taking her reusable mug on every coffee run) and thought the graphic may be of interest for a future blog post - it certainly will be! A friend and former co-worker (the one who makes her own dog treats mentioned in the previous pet post - recipe forthcoming!) connected just yesterday to say she's trying to figure out how to minimize the number of reusable plastic bags used when she and doggie go backwoods camping. She jokingly berated me for now seeing just how much waste less conscientious campers create. This time around, I'm grateful to have gotten under someone's skin!
There are also many people, near and far, who are sharing tips and tricks for reducing our environmental impact. Zero Waste Insights, for example, shares local places to find sustainable goods as well as businesses that are supportive of sustainable practices (and can be found on Facebook and Instagram). The Rogue Ginger is a blog based out of Australia that shares many strategies for minimizing waste in our everyday lives and embracing a simplified lifestyle. And there are so many more out there - please feel free to share some of your favourites!
So there you have it, at least 3 reasons to smile for every previous reason to frown. And a million thank yous to everyone who has reached out and made a change - big or small - in support of fewer single use plastics.
More plastic free info and tips arriving here later this week. Stay tuned and stay committed!
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