First I wanted to share a video I recently saw called “Story of Stuff” by Annie Leonard. This video makes you re-think all of the “stuff” you own and where it came from.
Secondly, plastic.
Ever wonder what those numbers on the bottom of recyclable plastic containers really mean? Me too.
Upon learning that my recycle drop off site accepts #1, #2, #3, #5, and #7 plastics I began researching what these number really mean. There is a lot of great information about the type of plastic that these numbers are referring to, but I was less interested in the scientific name of the plastic and more interested in exactly what household and food items actually fall under each category.
Here is what I discovered:
#1: soft drink and water bottles, salad dressing bottles, peanut butter and jam jars
#2: clear and colored bottles and jugs, shampoo and toiletry bottles
#3: blister packaging and cling film from non-food use
#4: squeezable food bottles and container lids
#5: reusable microwaveable ware, yogurt containers, margarine tubs, plastic plates and cups
#6: egg cartons, packing peanuts, disposable cups, plates, cutlery, and take-away containers
#7: lenses and plastic housewares
Plastic Bags: plastic grocery bags, Ziploc bags, and plastic wrap can be recycled at your local grocery store.
Packing Peanuts: packing peanuts can be recycled at many UPS stores.
Last weekend I watched the movie Bag It – a documentary film about the production and disposal of single use plastic. It’s quite shocking how much plastic we use in the United States just for the sake of convenience. If you haven’t seen this movie, you’ve got to watch it! After watching this movie, my eyes were opened to how much plastic I actually use on a daily basis and have been inspired to live more sustainably when possible.
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About Me
My name is Amari Cheffer and I am a Registered Dietitian, blogger, and food enthusiast! I started blogging back in 2009 to document my lifelong love affair with food and nutrition. I am a licensed Registered Dietitian with a Master's in Nutrition Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Things I hate most include tasteless diet foods, excuses, hopeless weight-loss advice, and quitters. If you have time to breathe, you have time to eat healthy. It's all about problem solving and planning ahead for your one-of-a-kind lifestyle.
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