Food and drink containers are forever
Food and drink containers may be out of sight when you throw them in the trash, but they don’t go away.
Many recycling advocates say there is no “away” when you throw something away – containers made from plastic, glass, Styrofoam, aluminum and tin used every day to contain food, water and other drinks stay in the landfill or somewhere for a long time. Plastic soda bottles take 450 years to decompose. Styrofoam used in cups, plates and to-go containers never decomposes.
Using these materials to contain food and water is more a matter of convenience than necessity. To limit use of plastics, glass, Styrofoam and metals, begin to be more aware of what you buy and how it is packaged.
- Get a good water filter for your home rather than using bottled water. Have one bottle that you carry with you, and refill it as needed
- Take reusable bags to the store when you buy groceries, and by fresh foods and foods in bulk rather than packaged foods
- Use cloth rather than paper napkin and towels
- Take your own plate or bowl, flatware and cup to potlucks instead of using paper or Styrofoam
When you can’t use a container that can be re-used, use containers that can be recycled, and be sure to recycle them. Just remember, when you throw something away, it has to go somewhere.