The Last Straw – Tip of the Week

May 16, 2019

Wrap a rubber-band around the stem of the liquid soap (or washing-up liquid / dishwashing detergent) dispenser to reduce the amount of soap dispensed with each push... very handy when you have eager kids or the habit to use a lot of soap when only a little bit will do.
Keep some plastic bags handy for when you buy loose fruits and vegetables. Re-use them again and again and keep them with your grocery carry-bags. Label with a permanent marker so you remember what they are for.
Generally, the larger the container, the less plastic per unit of volume. Buy a large container and refill a small one from it. Having a large container out is awkward and you automatically use more.
Consider NOT lining your waste baskets with plastic bags… people in many places have re-adopted this old habit. Try to make sure items you put in the bin are dry. Empty the dry bin directly into your trash can.
If you buy bottled water, consider getting a quality filter – it will pay for itself in just a few months. If you “need” to buy bottled water, get large bottles and fill a reusable bottle from the large bottle. This uses less plastic per volume of water than small bottles.