‘Reduce and Reuse’ are the Real Solutions to the Planet’s Plastic Problem.

It may surprise you, but the vast majority of plastic you toss into your recycling bin each week actually ends up being dumped in a landfill. 

Greenpeace, an international non-profit devoted to raising awareness about environmental issues, reports that only about 5-6% of U.S. plastics are recycled each year.  This number is down from a high of 9.5% in 2014 and 8.7% in 2018. 

Considering that the world now produces more than 380 million metric tons of plastic every year, it’s easy to see how quickly waste can add up.

Single-use plastics have exploded in recent decades. In the U.S. alone, plastic waste generation has increased 263% since 1980.  According to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency, plastic waste increased to 218 pounds per person per year in 2018.

Recyclable? Maybe Not…

Contrary to popular belief, not one single type of plastic food service item – including the polypropylene cup lids that Starbucks touts as recyclable – has ever been able to be recycled per the FTC Green Guide legal definition, according to the 2022 report, The Real Truth About the U.S. Plastics Recycling Rate.

Toxicity risks in recycled plastic prohibit “the vast majority of plastic products and packaging produced” from being recycled into food-grade packaging, the study further explains. 

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates plastic pollution to triple by 2060 if we don’t take action to curb demand, increase product lifespans, and improve waste management and recyclability.

In its report, Global Plastics Outlook: Policy Scenarios to 2060, several high-level solutions are presented to control the rising volume of plastics plaguing the environment, including:

• Taxes on plastics and plastic packaging 
• Incentives to reuse and repair plastic items
• Targets for recycled content in new plastic products
• Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes
• Improved waste management infrastructure
• Increased litter collection rates

While these solutions could make a significant impact, they could take years – if not decades – to come to fruition.

But fortunately, individuals can implement changes into their everyday lives right away that can help cut down on consumption and create a future less cluttered by plastics. 

While using a plastic fork on your lunch break may seem harmless, the total number of single-use utensils that end up in landfills each year is staggering.  The toll: 40 billion plastic forks, spoons, and knives. On top of that, the U.S. alone tosses 500 million plastic straws every day, according to Habits of Waste.

How Can I Cut My Dependency on Single-Use Plastics?

Changing habits isn’t always easy. However, the team at One Planet Life shares their personal journeys on how they shifted focus to living more sustainably, hoping to offer a few tips on how to make the switch. 

Lorie Buckingham, the founder of One Planet Life, started her journey by eliminating single-use plastic from her life. 

“It was easy when going to the grocery store, as I would keep my reusable shopping bags and my reusable produce bags ready to go in my entryway closet,” she said. “I grab the set and head off to the grocery store or farmers market. I love coming home with fruit and vegetables not covered in plastic and without a pile of waste.”

Making spur-of-the-moment purchases still plagued her with waste. “The problem was solved when I started carrying a foldable, reusable bag in my purse or backpack,” she said. “Voila, I pull it out and, once again, get home with my purchase – no single-use plastic bag needed.” Shopping weekly, Buckingham estimates saving at least 600 plastic bags per year.

Switching to a reusable water bottle, on the other hand, was a bit more difficult. “I am picky about the taste of my water,” she shared. “This was resolved with a countertop Berkey Water Filtration system, glass bottles that fit perfectly in the refrigerator, and several to-go water bottles. Now, I have great-tasting water at home and on the go.” Since changing her habits four years ago, Buckingham estimates saving over 4,000 water bottles from going to the landfill.

Yvonne Dwyer, One Planet Life’s Naturalist, switched to a refillable water bottle after seeing how many empty plastic water bottles ended up in her weekly recycle bin.

“It was time for a change,” she said. “I learned that not all plastic is recycled, and the expense of paying for bottled water just seemed baffling. Instead, I could use my reusable hard plastic tumbler cup, which I eventually changed to a Nalgene bottle, and then to Hydro Flask and Corkcicle bottles, which keep water cool. My Hydro Flask, Corkcicle, and Yeti bottles go with me on whatever adventure I pursue.”

Amy Bates, CMO of One Planet Life, reduced dependency on single-use plastics after seeing the sheer volume of plastic her family was throwing away. 

“I made three simple changes that significantly reduced our plastic waste and saved money and effort,” she said. “First, I switched to reusable k-cups to make our coffee. Not only could we enjoy any coffee, but it was also much less expensive. Second, I stopped buying plastic ziplock bags for snacks and storage. Now, I use reusable snack and storage bags, I prefer the Russbe brand, and they work great. I wash them in the dishwasher and enjoy another cost savings! Finally, we use our reusable water bottles daily, for travel, and while on our boat at the lake.”

Her family went from buying a couple of cases of water in plastic bottles each weekend to using quality, insulated bottles on their boating trips. 

“It’s much easier to know which drink is yours, and we significantly decreased the amount of waste to clear off the boat at the end of the day,” she shared. “These joyful changes were easy to make and delivered many benefits.”

As the OPL team shared, switching to reusable options often carries more benefits than just reducing waste. 

With a reusable water bottle alone, two fill-ups daily would save 720 plastic bottles per year or 0.63 pounds of carbon emissions. 

If communities worked together to lower their dependency on single-use everyday items by substituting reusable alternatives, the hope of a cleaner future unmarred by mountains of plastics could become a reality.

Learn more about plastic production and America’s recycling programs with these helpful articles: 

• How Microplastics Devastate Health, Disrupt Ecosystems, and Threaten Biodiversity
• Plastic Production has Skyrocketed Since the 1950s. Most Ends Up in Landfills.
• America’s Recycling Programs are in Disarray, You Can Help

Reduce Waste in Your Kitchen with These Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Small changes make a difference. Here are some simple tips to help you reduce waste in your kitchen and live more sustainably.

Do you find yourself pulling several paper towel sheets off the roll for every mess? Do you reach for single-use plastics like water bottles and plastic wrap often? Is your trash overflowing with smelly food scraps? Start living more sustainably with these eco-friendly alternatives.

Ditch Paper Towels for Good

Americans use 13 billion pounds of paper towels a year, nearly two rolls of paper towels a week, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. A whopping 110 million trees are felled annually to produce paper towels. Thankfully, there are many eco-friendly alternatives to help clean up messes in the kitchen and beyond.

Swedish Dishcloths are super absorbent, compact to store, and easy to keep clean for everyday use.  “Invented by a Swedish engineer in 1949, the rags are made of 100 percent naturally biodegradable cellulose or a combination of wood pulp and renewable cotton,” writer Ashlea Halpern noted. “They are superabsorbent, able to soak up 20 times their own weight in liquid. They are soft and pliable when wet but dry quickly in between uses.”

Cut your old bath towels and cotton t-shirts into squares for a cheap and simple solution to replace paper towels.  Give your fabrics a second life with this completely cost-free solution you can implement immediately.

Say “Bye Bye” to Plastic Wrap

Sticky, flimsy plastic wrap cannot be recycled because it contains PVC.  Once it reaches a landfill, it takes about 450 years to decompose. Reduce waste by trying beeswax wraps, which are fabric squares (often organic cotton) that are coated in naturally produced beeswax to create a seal and protect the food within.  Rinse them off and use them over and over again!

Replace Plastic Water Bottles and Single-use Cutlery with Greener Options

Plastic water bottles and single-use cutlery items are notorious for overloading landfills and aren’t easily recycled. Instead, encourage your household to use a water filtration system and reusable water bottles for that same fresh taste that stays colder longer. To cut down on single-use cutlery, try substituting a sustainable set.  There are lots of different designs and styles online.              

Replace Disposable Plastic K-Cups with Reusable Single-Cup Brew Pods

Disposable plastic k-cups may be convenient, but they’re terrible for the environment and your wallet.  Single-use coffee pods account for 576,000 tons of waste globally.  In addition, disposable pods are five times more expensive than drip coffee beans.  Reduce waste in your kitchen by replacing single-use k-cups with washable, reusable k-cup pods for a greener, more sustainable cup of joe.               

Give Composting a Try

Despite our efforts to combat the food waste problem, we inevitably end up with bits and pieces of food that get tossed into the trash can.  Decomposing food waste in landfills produces methane gas, which is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. Before you toss food waste into the trash can, consider composting it. 

Starting your composting journey may seem daunting, but there are a lot of resources out there to help.  We recommend the book No-Waste Composting by Michelle Balz for a comprehensive guide to composting.  Or try vermicomposting, a type of composting that uses earthworms to speed up the decomposition process.

If you have space, consider setting up a compost pit in your backyard. And if you live in an urban area, check out our helpful map to locate composting services in your area.  Many states are investing in infrastructure to divert unnecessary food waste from landfills. Learn more about which states are leading the way. 

Other Ways to Reduce Waste and Save Energy in Your Kitchen

• Upgrade Old Appliances with Energy-Saving Ones. If you’re in the market for a new kitchen appliance, look for the blue “Energy Star” designation for energy-efficient models. The United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have created a free online resource to make it easy to search for efficient models.
• Use Specialty Appliances. When possible, utilize specialty appliances like rice cookers, slow cookers, and electric kettles to cook your food.  They are generally more efficient than ovens and stovetops.
• Prepare Meals More Efficiently. The Energy Saving Trust has a list of tips to help you maximize your energy savings while cooking. Covering your pots while you cook and avoiding opening the oven door can add up!

These tips are just a few simple ways your family can reduce waste and be more sustainable in the kitchen. Track and measure your efforts today with the One Planet Life app!

Enjoy these OPL recommended reads!

You can declutter with a little creativity and care while reducing your landfill impact. 

Clutter happens!  The longer you live somewhere, the more likely you are to accumulate things around your home. When you’re in the middle of cleaning, you may not give a thought to throwing away the things you no longer need.  But in some cases, there may be opportunities to give your unwanted items a new purpose or a second life.

Clear your clutter today with these sustainable tips and tricks! It’s amazing what a little organization and open space can do for your mental well-being.

Still have recycling questions?  Jennie Romer’s Can I Recycle This? is an excellent resource and a comprehensive guide to all things recycling.

One of my favorite networks is my neighborhood mom group text thread. Over the years, we’ve exchanged clothing, toys and games, snacks our kids didn’t care for, even wrapping paper left by a certain jolly individual that we didn’t want to risk retaining until the next holiday season.

If your local network has no use for your items, consider donating items to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, local foster program networks, shelters, or other non-profits in your area.  These organizations rely on the generosity of others to make a difference in our communities.

Consigning unwanted quality items is a great way to turn your discards into literal cash.  Seek out your local consignment store or search for pop-up events in your area to buy and sell goods for your home and family.  One of my favorite pop-ups to consign with is Just Between Friends, which specializes in clothing, gear, and toys for babies and children.

But the ultimate clutter-busting habit is…

Ultimately, the secret to a minimalist, clutter-free life is to be a mindful, more purposeful shopper.  Avoiding unnecessary items altogether is the best way to live a sustainable life.  There are many ways to do this:

• • Only buy goods that you truly need.  
  • Resist the consumerist temptation to purchase many low-quality items.  Instead, spend a few more dollars to purchase fewer high-quality items.
  • Shop consignment sales to support secondhand markets and acquire higher quality goods at a fraction of the cost.
  • When an item becomes damaged, take the time to research whether a simple repair can make the item usable again. If you can’t do it yourself, seek a local repair shop’s help to make your item new again.
  • When possible, purchase items in sustainable or reusable containers, which last longer and are better for the environment.
  • When giving a gift, consider purchasing something that your recipient can use, experience, or consume.  Or donate in the giftee’s name to a cause that is dear to them.

Think outside the box this year while you spring clean and declutter your home.  Then, sit back and enjoy your minimalism, knowing you made space in your home without sacrificing the environment.

Looking for more?  Check out other articles from One Planet Life that may interest you:

• Let’s Start Really Thinking About Our Trash
• Spring Clean More Sustainably with Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Written by Kristina Shane

Content Manager and Editor

Discover South Korea’s Inspiring Food Waste Recycling Solution

Food systems have a high environmental cost.  More than 820 million people go hungry every day and many food producers are struggling to stay afloat. In contrast, it’s estimated that 30-40% of food is thrown out by consumers in high-income countries.

The World Economic Forum set a global sustainable development goal to reduce food system waste by 20 million tons by 2030. Let’s explore how South Korea’s food waste recycling program is leading the way to a greener future.

South Korea had a big food waste problem, with 130 kg of food waste produced by an average adult every year.

In comparison, the average food waste produced by a European or American is around 95-115 kg of food per year. Why was waste in South Korea so high to begin with? In the late 90s, the standard of living in the country rose, leading to more single-occupant households and an increase in dining out.

Additionally, meals in South Korea are traditionally served with banchan, which are multiple side dishes that accompany a main dish.  Some meals in South Korea come with as many as 20 banchan.  Side dishes like kimchi, seasoned soybean sprouts, and radish salad are delicious, but eating them all can be challenging.  Uneaten banchan, unfortunately, was a contributing factor that led to excess food waste in South Korea.

Dumping food waste in landfills in South Korea was banned in 2005.  A food waste recycling program was later introduced in 2013.

Because so much food was going to waste, the South Korean government stepped in to save food from going to landfills.  This, in turn, changed the behavior of South Korean citizens. South Koreans now purchase special biodegradable food waste bags at local supermarkets and convenience stores at a cost of around $6/month.

Food waste scraps are placed into special biodegradable food waste bags, which are then placed into designated collection buckets.

The rate of recycled food waste in South Korea has increased from 2% to 95% today.

Collected dry food scraps are then recycled into fertilizer for use in urban gardens.  Any remaining moisture squeezed out of the bags is turned into bio gasses and oils. And although the system isn’t perfect – South Korea has created more fertilizer than can realistically be used – these changes prove how much of a difference small changes can make.

Does your city or town compost? Have you ever tried composting? Check out our Easy Guide to Backyard Composting to learn more about starting a home composting system.  Or find a composting service near you that would be happy to do the dirty work for you.

Learn more about food waste management and recycling in America:

• Tackling the Food Emissions Crisis
• OPL Insight: U.S. Food Waste by Category and Sector
• Composting Champs: US Cities and States Leading the Way
• An Easy Guide to Backyard Composting
• Learn About the Crucial Pillars of a Sustainable Food System
• Urban Composting is Possible
• America’s Recycling Programs are in Disarray, You Can Help

Raising chickens has picked up steam as a popular hobby in recent years, with big benefits including fresh eggs and a better environment.

Taking a stroll through many neighborhoods, it’s becoming more likely you’ll see a flock of hens exploring suburban – or even urban – backyards. Raising chickens has picked up steam as a popular hobby in recent years, especially among millennials and Gen Z. Since the pandemic, many have started to explore backyard farming not only as an enjoyable pastime but a way to feed their families and make a positive impact on the planet.

In its 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, the American Pet Product Association (APPA) estimated an increase in ownership of backyard chickens from 8% of American households in 2018 to 13% in 2020. It’s no surprise that when people start their own backyard coop, it’s usually because they want fresh eggs.

Eating Locally Reduces Environmental Impact

When keeping your own coop, you can easily produce 200-300 eggs per year. These eggs are coming from chickens that have room to stretch, forage, and socialize (chickens are surprisingly communal!). Both eggs and chicken meat bought from the supermarket are often sourced from industrial farms. These farms, built with profit in mind, usually keep chickens in cramped cages. In a lot of these operations, a chicken might go through its entire life without ever exploring the world beyond its cage.

Humane animal conditions aren’t the only concern. These massive operations are substantial environmental polluters – of waterways in particular. 

According to a report from the Pew Environment Group, the Chesapeake Bay is suffering from the roughly 523 million chickens produced a year in just Maryland and Delaware alone.

“The environmental consequences of the broiler business’ explosive growth are especially profound in the Chesapeake Bay, one of the nation’s most important, scenic and threatened bodies of water,” said Robert Martin, an expert on industrial animal agriculture reform at the Pew Environment Group. “Instead of working to limit the effects of all this chicken waste, the industry has fought to avoid responsibility for cleaning up one of our national treasures.”

And don’t forget – when you can walk out to your backyard for eggs instead of driving to the store to buy a dozen that’s been shipped on diesel-guzzling trucks for hundreds of miles, it’s most certainly a win for the environment. 

Chickens and Gardens Go Hand-in-Hand

When my husband and I started our own flock this summer, one of the benefits we were most excited for was experiencing the harmony between chickens and our garden. 

We’ve been buying chicken compost for years, as it’s one of the best natural fertilizers for a garden. Now, instead of buying expensive bags of compost, we can take the waste product from our flock to boost our crop yield.

Don’t add it directly to your garden though, the Chicago Botanic Garden warns. High in ammonia, it needs time to break down. Mix it into your compost pit, give it about six months, and you’ll have the perfect, nitrogen-rich soil to add to your garden.

In addition, chickens can drastically reduce your tilling time. Let them loose on a new garden bed, and they’ll use their feet and beaks to tear up the soil looking for tasty treats.

A Safe Way to Control Pests

Stop using insecticides in your yard that can have devastating effects on the local ecosystem. Instead, opt for a flock. Chickens love roaming around the yard looking for slugs, snails, beetles, and more. In fact, just the other day I observed one of our hens pluck a mosquito right out of thin air!

Insect pests can become a nightmare for a gardener or anyone trying to make the most out of their outdoor space. Not only will this trick cut down on pests, but is also a beneficial addition to a healthy chicken’s diet.

If all these reasons aren’t enough to convince you to start your own backyard chicken coop, here’s one more – chickens are great pets! There’s nothing like watching your chicks grow into healthy, egg-producing chickens. Not only are they a great source of entertainment, but also create a rewarding experience that stems from a self-sufficient, eco-friendly lifestyle.

Interested in getting started with your own backyard coop? Check out this step-by-step guide on raising chicks.

One Planet Life Spotlights a Local Farm in Southwestern Pennsylvania and Making an Impact in Their Community 

McConnell’s Farm and Market, located in the Aliquippa area, is one of several CSAs in southwestern Pennsylvania. It’s one of our favorites, and is making a big impact in the lives of their community members.

According to Calvin McConnell, the history of this family’s multi-generational and sustainable 180-acre farm goes back as far as 1787. McConnells’ Farm and Market has participated in the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model for the last eight years. The CSA model provides much-needed committed funds to the local farm and delivery of high-quality fresh farm produce for CSA participants.

Better Farming, Better Quality Food

According to McConnell, the farm is not certified organic.  However, their growing practices range from non-certified organic to integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on common-sense practices.

The McConnells are involved in every stage of crop production. Their home is on the farm. They drink the well and spring water and consume what they grow. This makes them highly aware and conscientious of safety precautions for their family and clientele. The farmers rely on crop rotation, planting ground covers to regenerate soil naturally rather than depleting it, drip irrigation, hand picking in place of herbicides, as well other sustainable techniques.

Several years ago, they built a barn, adding much-needed space to showcase the variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers grown on the farm. A large CSA chalkboard informs customers what is available and defines mandatory and value-added items weekly. Local artisan products such as soap, candles, pottery, and canned goods are also available for sale, along with canning supplies and canned goods.

To learn more about CSAs, read our blog: Community Supported Agriculture A Win For Farmers and Families.

Other articles you may be interested in:

• Farmers Markets and CSAs Positively Impact Communities
• One Vermont Farm Chose Regenerative Farming and Created a Ripple Effect
• Shop Local and Support Your Community

Find local farmers’ markets, CSAs, and agritourism near you.

Visit the USDA’s Local Food Directories

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a growing, mutually-beneficial partnership between local farmers and their community. Small farmers secure essential income at the beginning of the growing season, and people in the seasonal shares get weekly or bi-weekly access to fresh, local produce throughout the growing season. CSA provides farmers financial security, and community members get good quality food from local farmers.

There are roughly 4,000 CSA programs across the United States.

Most of the CSA shares supply a 3-5 person household. During the approximately 15-30 week season, each CSA box contains a variety of fresh food depending upon the harvest. A weekly selection can include fresh produce, eggs, dairy products, and whole grains. Each weekly box provides a new opportunity to explore new recipes and new ingredients. If you find that your share offers more than you can eat, you can share it with friends or preserve your fresh produce by freezing, pickling, and canning. Now is the time of year to sign up for a weekly or bi-weekly subscription.

Some CSAs offer a self-pick operation.

A selected area of blueberries, apples, peaches, pumpkins, cucumbers, grapes, and other produce and flowers is available for members to pick on certain days. Members are always the first to receive the best selection before opening up to sell to the general public.

Picking up your weekly CSA share is fun and educational for the whole family.

Children can gain an understanding of where and how the food they are eating is grown. They also become appreciative of how fresh local grown produce tastes.  Now is the time of year to sign up for a weekly or bi-weekly subscription.

Find local farmers’ markets, CSAs, and agritourism near you.

Visit the USDA’s Local Food Directories

Interested in learning more? 

Read our spotlight on McConnells’ Farm and Market in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  

You may also be interested in these articles:

• Farmers Markets and CSAs Positively Impact the Community
• One Vermont Farmer Chose Regenerative Farming and Created a Ripple Effect