Ditch These 6 Disposable Items

We live in a throwaway society. Disposable items are everywhere – from convenience water bottles and kitchen wipes to disposable diapers and paper towels, people are using disposable items left and right. But the truth is, these disposable items are not good for the environment and are contributing to landfill and pollution problems. Fortunately, there are several steps we can take to reduce our waste and make more sustainable choices. Here are six disposable items you can ditch for good:

1. Disposable Water Bottles: Instead of buying disposable water bottles, opt for a reusable one. It only takes a minute to fill up a reusable container with quality, purified water, and with the many water purification methods available you can easily do this in your own home. Not to mention, depending on your region, bottled water can cost 300-2000 times more than tap water! So not only is it better for the environment, it’ll save you money too.

2. Disinfectant Wipes: These store-bought wipes may be convenient, but they are completely unnecessary. Believe it or not, a wash cloth with a little soapy water will be just as effective at cleaning your surfaces. Plus, you can save the money you would use on purchasing wipes and spend it elsewhere.

3. Paper Towels: Paper towels are great for convenience, but there are many reusable alternatives that won’t help the paper waste accumulate. Dish towels, for example, can accomplish all that the paper towels can do, but with the added benefit that they can be washed and reused again and again – plus they can add a little class to the dining area!

4. Disposable Diapers: Disposable diapers are unfortunately a must for many parents, but luckily there is a better alternative – cloth diapers. Not only do they keep babies dry, comfortable and healthy, but when the child outgrows them, you can donate them or use them as cleaning rags.

5. Plastic Shopping Bags: Most of us have good intentions when it comes to reusing and recycling these bags, but it’s not always possible. Invest in a few good-sized, stylish tote bags instead – they’re more durable, can be washed and reused over and over again, and some stores even offer them as incentives for customers to stop using throw-away bags.

6. Disposable Dishes and Utensils: Yes, these are convenient, especially during picnics or large gatherings, but instead of taking the easy option with disposable items, do the responsible thing and wash dishes instead. You probably have a dishwasher or usable kitchen sink to do this.

Do your part for the planet and ditch these 6 disposable items for good. Not only will it reduce landfill and pollution, it’ll save you money and preserve our natural resources. We all have the chance to make a positive difference, one small step at a time, and this is one of the most important ones!