The low waste expert says the first step we can take as consumers to limit our waste is to shop as consciously as possible. “For me, that looks like opting for fresh, unpackaged produce at the grocery store,” she noted. “I really love shopping at the farmers market because it's so easy to shop plastic-free there. You go with reusable tote bags and reusable produce bags that can be washed and reused for years to come. The farmers have no problem with it. Plus, you won't find any annoying produce stickers on your items at a farmers market.”
“I also recommend shopping at sustainable online shops when you can, like EarthHero, Life Without Plastic, Tiny Yellow Bungalow, or EcoRoots. I have a full list of my favorite zero waste stores on the blog,” Ariana continued. “Shopping at stores and shops that are aligned with your ideals will only help create more of them. Another option is thrifting or asking loved ones for hand-me-downs: This gives items a second life and reduces waste/overconsumption.”
But all of the blame shouldn’t fall on consumers, companies should also be held accountable for their part in creating waste. “It's so important to write to businesses and corporations about their excessive packaging,” Ariana told Bored Panda. “I have a whole blog post that covers this topic. Making your opinion known is a great way to get the ball rolling. Signing petitions that are against plastic pollution and excessive packaging is another good idea. You can even start one yourself.”
“But most importantly, make sure to vote for people who have strong climate policy as part of their campaign,” Ariana continued. “Local elections are important and you can contact your local representatives about excessive plastic packaging and plastic pollution. Call or write to them and ask them to support things like the Break Free From Plastic Act (BFFPPA), a comprehensive bill that aims to reduce plastic pollution throughout the entire lifecycle of the material, from its source to waste.”
If you’d like to learn more from Ariana about how to start minimizing your waste, be sure to visit her blog Greenify-Me right here, subscribe to her newsletter, or check out her free e-book 10 Ways to Reduce Trash right here!
We know you’ve been told a million times to reduce, reuse and recycle, but those three R’s have never been more important than they are now. Keep upvoting the pics that you find most atrocious, pandas, and feel free to share this list with your friends to inspire as many people as possible to cut down on their plastic waste and vote for legislation that will do the same. And if you’re interested in checking out another Bored Panda article discussing minimizing waste, we recommend this list next!
