Mother Earth Needs Us

Did you know??

• In the last 10 years, we have produced more plastic than during the whole last century.
• 50% of the plastic we use, we use once and throw it away.
• The average American throws away approximately 185 pounds of plastic per year.
• It takes 500 - 1,000 years for plastic to biodegrade.

​(Source: EcoWatch)

• 1 in 3 species of marine mammals have been entangled in marine litter.
• 90% of all seabirds have plastic pieces in their stomach.

​​(Source: PlasticOceans)​

​The statistics are mind blowing! Want to help save our environment, while reducing household costs? Below are a few simple ways, we can help save our planet. It takes a conscious mind shift, but with a little practice it will become second nature to all of us.

• Do you buy bottled water? Americans throw away 35 BILLION plastic water bottles every year! (Source: Brita) There are some simple solutions. Eliminate disposable plastic water bottle usage by using your own portable water bottle. Let it become your new best friend! Take it with you wherever you go. You can fill it up almost anywhere! I was so pleasantly surprised to see water bottle refill stations at the airport. If you're worried about water quality in your home, buy a filtered water pitcher or a sink filtration system. There are many on the market that work, but if you're worried about Flouride, lead and other contaminates, you'll need to step it up a notch with the type you purchase. There are several on the market that takes filtration to another level. One is Aquagear.
  

• 500 MILLION straws are used daily in the US alone! Straws are a single use item (use once and throw it away) and they do not biodegrade. (Source: One Million Women) Straws are one of the most lethal products to our oceans and their inhabitants. Do you really need to drink from a straw? If you're worried about the sanitation of your glass while out, the powerful dishwashing sanitizing systems in our restaurants do the trick. If you must use one, there are some great reusable stainless and bamboo straws that you can take with you.

• Approximately 500 BILLION plastic bags are used worldwide annually, with more than one million being used every minute. (Source: EcoWatch) How many plastic storage, sandwich and snack bags and food wraps do you use? This is another example of one of the biggest single use products that bring harm to our planet. Reusable covers, wraps, and bags are abundant on the market now. You can eliminate the use of food wrap by the use of containers or jars with lids for storage or by just adding a plate on top of a bowl for a lid to store leftovers in the fridge. Convenience vs. Environmental friendly and Cost efficient?? I know which one I chose.

• Going to the grocery store? How many plastic bags do you really need? Bring your own shopping bags for your grocery and store purchases. They actually hold more and are more durable. When buying produce and you reach for the plastic bag, stop and think. Do you really need to put everything in individual bags?

• While visiting your local coffee shop in the mornings, do you think the paper cup they hand you is recyclable? If your answer is yes, think again. Most are actually coated with a plastic or wax lining for temp control and durability that make them extremely hard to recycle. The next time you head into your local coffee bar, bring in your travel coffee mug. There are places that even offer discounts for this. ​​

• Some simple changes for eliminating household paper waste include using cloth napkins, real plates, cups and silverware as often as possible and drying hands with a towel instead of using paper.

• What waste you are unable to eliminate, RECYCLE! RECYCLE! RECYCLE! If you're not sure what is recyclable in your area, look it up. I bet you'll be surprised to really how much can be! ​​ Do you see businesses or facilities that do not recycle? (Post offices, pools, coffee houses, restaurants, clubs, gyms, entertainment facilities, etc.) ADVOCATE! It only takes a few seconds to plant a seed by speaking to a manager or sending an email.

WE CAN HELP! Every small change we make, makes a difference. It's contagious! By being a good steward, we are teaching others that this big beautiful planet and all its inhabitants matter!

​Mother Earth is depending on us to make the change! Let's show her WE CARE.