http://www.care2.com/greenliving/whats-in-your-bag-ideas-to-help-you-waste-less.html
What’s in Your Bag? Ideas To Help You Waste Less
Whenever I speak to groups, one of the biggest hits is always my backpack. It’s quite odd because it’s something I never even intended as a teaching tool, yet somehow has become synonymous with my attempts to curb my waste. I think the reason it works is because it’s so specific, pragmatic, and doesn’t take a lot of thought, just a little forethought.
I’ve carried a backpack for pretty much as long as I can remember and like many of you, have been hauling around things I never need for quite some time. Let’s face it, the road flares from that spelunking craze you went through last year aren’t really doing a lot of good to you these days are they? So last year, while saving all of my trash, I decided to take out some of the stuff I didn’t need, and start carrying around some things that I actually could use, and in more than a few instances, could even make me money.
I posted up a video about this last October, but figured I’d bring it around to the top of the order as people seem to like it. So without further ado, the stuff I carry in my backpack.
1. Steel water bottle. The reasons for this are myriad, and I won’t go into them here. This cost me about $15 over a year ago and compared to the money I would have spent on plastic water bottles, I’m way ahead of the game. I went with steel because aluminum and plastic are a little bit scary leaching-wise. And in case I decide to hit the spelunking craze again, I can always use it as a tool to pull myself up into tight spaces.
2. A reusable coffee mug. Bought this for about $10 over three years ago. With coffee shops giving me 10 cents back per fill up, this paid for itself a long time ago so essentially it was free. Make sure to use a good sturdy one that will last.
3. A reusable bag. I have a small bag that folds into a little pouch, but any will do. I get 5 cents back every time I use it, and will keep heading to the store, so again, its paid for itself and I never have to take another plastic bag.
4. Cutlery. Nothing special here, just an old set of metal utensils in a travel toothbrush holder I wasn’t using. I’ve never understood the idea of using a plastic spoon for five minutes and then putting it in some landfill where it will sit for 500 years. If you don’t have an old toothbrush container that fits, you can always just wrap it in an old towel, which I also carry so I don’t’ have to use paper towels when out and about.
5. A reusable bowl. This one is probably the biggest crowd-pleaser. Its called an Orikaso bowl and sadly the company doesn’t make them anymore. That said, head to any camping supply store and they are chock full of bowls and plates that fold, smoosh, and contort into small spaces.
So there you have it. The list of things you can carry is endless and only limited by your ingenuity. Take a week and make a mental list of what you are using and disposing of on a daily basis and my guess is you’ll come up with reusable alternatives in no time.
As always, post up about what you carry along in order to waste less and we’ll see who’s got the best ideas.
Dave’s Bag
Dave Chameides is a filmmaker and environmental educator. His website and newsletter are designed to inspire thought and dialogue on environmental solutions and revolve around the idea that no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. “Give people the facts, and they’ll choose to do the right thing.”
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25 comments
add your comment »I've actually been carrying around tupperware containers for the last few months now. Anytime I'm eating out (which is less often now than I used to), & have food left over, I put it in a container instead of asking for a to-go box. I've probably saved about 20 "boxes" from the trash now, give or take a few (I haven't been counting). At least 3 times, the Waiter/Waitress has commented on what a good idea that is; so hopefully a trend will develope soon that will dramatically reduce the amount of trash going into the landfill.
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Interesting and good tips specially the foldable reusable bag
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Thanks Dave those are great ideas...I'd like to share your video on my website...builditgreenconcepts.com
Thanks again!
Build Green. Live Green. Do it Green!
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Thanks Dave!
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Excellent ideals People. I always carry a large purse with me that holds all my stuff; such as a reusable water bottle,refillable coffee mug,cloth hankercheif, my personal silverware for one,a wet washcloth in a small plastic container for those sticky fingers,an a reusable cloth grocery bag which folds up nice and small.I have done this for years now. Also I reuse the large pop bottle containers to start my seeds in every year for the garden.When done I wash them all up and keep for the following year.
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Anouther reason to clean out your backpack, it improves the fuel economy of a car, if you have a bunch of extra wieght that isn't nessary.
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Another cool thing I have been checking out is furoshiki... an old art of folding kerchiefs for gifts and as carrying bags... on one of the sites they show a vid ofa bunch of groceries being tied in one of these 1ydX1yd scarves. So you ladies especially... if you don't know what to do with those old large silk scarves, look no further! If you have none, ask grandma or go to your local second-hand store!
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I'm a big fan of good ol' handkerchiefs. I have two nice ones (for weddings) and several plain ones. I always have one or two to use as napkins and/or tissues. I think a lot of people are turned off by the idea of carrying a "snot rag" around, but, especially if you're not contagious, handkerchiefs are not that unsanitary. It's MY mucous, after all. Just think about the boxes of tissues you won't go through at the height of allergy season.
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As someone who thinks outside the box, I wanted to note that I bought a collapsible small dog bowl at the pet store that I use as a travel bowl. Its washable and takes up much less space than all the small camp style small bowls. Also have a combo spoon fork that folds up. Although I prefer a set of chopsticks.
One of my favorite buckets is from WW2 and its made of canvas which holds water, and when empty it folds down. Army surplus stores and Scout sites are where we have gotten some of the best stuff. REI is another great site where we have bought back packing water filters and other compact items.
Haven't used paper napkins of paper towels in years. Instead of paper napkins I use tea towels and old fashioned napkins. And I buy old fashioned washable dish towels.
When eating out I carry a collapsible food bowl for a doggy bag, although I try had to not over order to begin with.
This is the one thing Americans need to learn. Just don't order to much to begin with.
Lastly, I use old fashioned washable hankies rather than Kleenex tissues.
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You're right. There would be much less waste if everyone would do as you do. Especially all the plastic bags and bottles are needless. I always have a bottle of water with me which I fill up over and over again. I also avoid using plastic bags by carrying a bag (for example my schoolbag) when I go shopping or by taking a bag with me. But you can also use them differently. I have been carrying my sport-shoes in the same plasticbag for two years now, so my bag doesn't smell. :)
Another thing. A friend of mine always has a heavy schoolbag, even if there is not much to take with her. I have been telling her to clear it out but she won't hear. That's why she has already an aching back.
It is also good for you health to know exaxtly what your bag contains.
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