So, about 2 weeks ago, I noticed I was going through about 48+ water bottles every month. I would buy a pack of 24 and use them to shake up my flavor packets and then discard them. Not only that, I would keep a case in my car for easy access.
And then 2 weeks ago, I noticed I was using way too many for it to be normal or okay. I decided to not purchase any more water bottles (as long as I can help it) since then and so far? It’s worked.
What do I do then? I fill a pot with tap water and let it boil a few minutes. I do this to let any bacteria that may have contaminated the water die. That’s it! Every since I lived in China, I’ve been iffy about water quality, no matter the country but if it’s ‘safe enough’ to easily boil, I’d much rather do that.
So what do you use then? Stainless-steel water bottles and a glass jar. I have one Hydroflask, a S’Well bottle, and one huge bottle my previous company gave me. I use these because if I needed hot water, they’d keep it hot. I also use my Yeti cup that a friend bought for me. That’s mostly used for what I call ‘current water’, it’s ready to drink and accessible.
Since I do live with my parents and those Mason jars can get bulky, I only put the Mason jar in the ‘fridge. I’m more okay with room temp. water than I am with too cold or too hot (that’s why I was able to keep water in my car with no problem). Since I’ve been trying to control myself more, I’m also looking at ways to avoid generating so much dang plastic waste.
But getting things in bulk or ‘package free’, can be a hassle depending on where you live. I know, I know Wal-mart, but a lot of their fruits and veggies are non-packaged (as with some other local grocery stores). I would much rather travel to the Neighborhood Walmart than buy an entire bag of kale when I’m only going to use 2 leaves.
It’s also about balance. Living a more structured lifestyle has helped me eat more veggies! I try to make them about 85%-90% of my entire meal. I do have gastrointestinal issues so this amount works perfect for me AND I don’t have as many dairy ‘flare ups’ as I used to. I’m learning to manage myself by managing what I use.
What about your future? I hope that when I do move out, I’ll have enough storage to easily keep myself plastic bottle free. I plan to get different sized jars (I have the large mouth ones). And using them for canning, and just plain storing. I would like to start composting too! My mom wouldn’t let me make one here but if I plan on buying a house, I can take the opportunity to explore that side.
What are some tips that you have for lightening your ecological footprint? Drop them down below! And also, how can you make it work with feeding dogs? I’ll never try to give them any diet they can’t (or I can’t) handle but I would like some ideas (I know I could cook for them but I just got a job so there’s not a lot of funds going around).
Picture from: https://aquariumworks.org/2014/06/06/how-to-celebrate-world-oceans-day-and-raise-ocean-conservation-awareness/
A Shi Life 