30 Day Challenge: Ditch the Plastic Bag

Photo from Life Without Plastic

Another Challenge?

By now you may already know that each month here at Conscious Living, I'm challenging myself AND you to a new 30 day challenge every single month. Last month, we did the Ditch the Straw challenge and this month we are ditching plastic bags.

If you're reading this blog, you're probably aware of our global plastic problem or are getting yourself more familiar with it (I am too!). That said, when a lot of people think of bringing a reusable bag, they think strictly about shopping, but there's more to it than that.

Below I'm including some things we use on a daily basis that often lead to the use of a single use plastic bag. PLEASE remember, in an effort to ditch ANYTHING, it's important to remember to use what you already have. If there's a bag that isn't 100% organic cotton, but is already in your closet, use that first. If you have a bag that isn't your "favorite" style, but still does exactly what you need it to do, use that first. While we want to use reusable items, it's important to remember to reduce waste by using what we already have first and foremost (and then dispose of them properly at the end of their use life).

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Lunch Bag

While my current United By Blue lunch bag is no longer being sold on their website, I've got a hunch they have some more on their way with their new Everyday Reusables line. Gone are the days when we had to use a plastic Ziploc or paper bag. Reusable lunch bags are not just for your school days anymore (though they are STILL also for those school days).

Image via Google Images

Photo via Highway1Made on Etsy

Grocery Bags

Any bag is a grocery bag if it tries hard enough! Say adios to the plastic grocery bag. It's SO easy to bring your own grocery bags when you need to go food shopping. I started doing this a while ago and now find myself carrying 10+ items home BY HAND if I forget to bring my own bags. It gives everyone a good laugh (and me a good cry if I drop my eggs). Take a note from Highway1Made on Etsy with this "NO THANK YOU" tote.

Produce Bags

Putting your produce directly in a cart or hand cart without a bag is harmful because of the amount of bacteria that can grow in the carts. However, that doesn't mean you have to use the grocery stores plastic produce bags. That's where these produce bags come into play. Easy to store in your reusable grocery bags, they wash well, keep your produce bacteria free, and keep plastics out of our ocean.

Photo via Package Free Shop

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There are all sorts of ways to avoid plastic bags in your daily life. It can be a bit of a challenge, but I promise you, it gets easier with time. Let me know how else we can avoid plastic bags. What are your tricks for avoiding plastic garbage bags for those of you that aren't waste-free? Will you be joining me for this July challenge? Let me know over on our Facebook page!

- jamie

Please note: The only product pictured above that I personally own is the navy United By Blue lunchbox. I own other totes, reusable grocery bags, and produce bags from local companies and shops. These are simply suggestions to get the ball rolling!