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Isn’t it interesting that unhealthy food is often cheaper than food that is good for you? The same goes for products that are good for the environment. That means that low income families are disproportionately affected by the plastic crisis. They have less access to non-toxic, plastic alternatives and unpackaged, healthy food. As the economic disparities worsen due to the COVID-19 pandemic and job loss, this is going to be an even more important issue to address.
Today’s challenge: If you are privileged, own it! Here are some ideas:
- Donate to the Fairshare CSA Coalition, who partners with farms to offer fresh (usually package free) food straight from the farm to low income families. If you are part of a CSA and you are going on vacation for a week, ask the farm if they will donate your share to a local food bank.
- Give reusable bags, reusable water bottles, and sustainably packaged food to food pantries.
- Donate plant-based diapers, cotton menstrual products, or a menstrual cup to a women’s shelter
- Check out Polly Barks on Instagram or on her blog. She is very passionate about this topic and has concrete ideas about how people can help.
- Support companies that are doing good. I’ve mentioned Patagonia, Who Gives a Crap, Lusa Organics, Brush With Bamboo, Bulk Green Cleaners, Equal Exchange, and Chocolove. There are countless others. Do a little research and find out which companies are working on making better packaging, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting local economies around the world. If you can afford it, buy their products!
On the flip side, if you are on a budget, there are plenty of economical ways that we can all reduce plastic. Here is a recap of some that we have already touched on during this challenge:
- Switch to bar soap. It lasts longer and is cheaper than liquid soaps.
- Give up single use wipes, disposable cleaning cloths, make-up removers, paper towels, cotton balls, and earbuds. Use a washcloth instead.
- Shop secondhand for everything.
- Cut back your consumption
- Cook at home. You will save a TON of money and bypass all the waste involved in fast food restaurant operations.
- Meal plan. This will ensure that you eat all of the food you buy and that you don’t buy anything that you won’t eat.
- Reuse plastic bags
- Save glass food jars for storage and lunch containers
- Choose aluminum, glass, or plastic #1 or #2 containers when possible
- Make your own cleaner with vinegar
- Fix things when they break
There are a lot of things we all can do to help each other and the environment!!
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