11–20 of 55 posts
It's interesting to see headlines like this a few years after people were worried about peak oil.
On a side note, I had a shower thought the other day. Isn't plastic one form of carbon sequestration? It doesn't decompose easily and holds carbon in place. If plastic is land filed then it will remain out of the atmosphere. I know this is an overly simplistic view, but given plastic is a byproduct of oil refinement, I don't see too much to hate.
I have significantly reduced the use of plastic in the kitchen over the past few years. * Only metal or glass containers (sometimes with plastic lids) * But fresh vegetables/fruits (95% of these are not covered in plastic) and grains/spices from bulk barn (take your own glass containers and fill them up). * Meat and dairy comes in plastic wrap or bottles. But I am hoping to find a butcher who will let me take away th…
"Meat and dairy comes in plastic wrap or bottles." I kind feel like if your butcher doesn't use butcher paper, you aren't really going to a butcher but a meat department at a grocery store.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Have reusable bags for groceries that last many years There is another way. After you’ve paid for the items, put them back into the shopping cart. This is very easy at self checkout. Take the cart to your car and unload the items into one or more plastic bins (typically used to store stuff long-term and come with lids). Carry the bins into the kitchen when you arrive home and unload. I can fit all groceries into on…
Take the cart to your car I think it would be better if you rode a bicycle or took a public transit, preferably train. unload the items into one or more plastic bins whoa there.. Not sure about those plastic bins. There is another way, unload them into handcrafted wood (sustainably sourced, of course), bins.
Plastic is just too good a material for too many use cases. On a side note, I had a shower thought the other day. Isn't plastic one form of carbon sequestration? It doesn't decompose easily and holds carbon in place. If plastic is land filed then it will remain out of the atmosphere. I know this is an overly simplistic view, but given plastic is a byproduct of oil refinement, I don't see too much to hate.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
That still feels very far from net zero. The train is supported by rail and concrete. It is far better to walk or better yet minimize your trips to the store altogether. Reducing your motion will reduce your need to consume.
Reducing your motion will reduce your need to consume. So true, I've been practicing slow shallow breaths to reduce carbon output. Staying totally still most of the day reduces some of the dizziness.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Have reusable bags for groceries that last many years There is another way. After you’ve paid for the items, put them back into the shopping cart. This is very easy at self checkout. Take the cart to your car and unload the items into one or more plastic bins (typically used to store stuff long-term and come with lids). Carry the bins into the kitchen when you arrive home and unload. I can fit all groceries into on…
There is another way... Take the cart to your car If you’re really concerned about your environmental impact, you’re probably not driving a car (which itself is made of hundreds of pounds of plastic). Much better to take transit, bike, or walk. My bike has a folding pannier basket that perfectly fits a reusable shopping bag.
Plastic is just too good a material for too many use cases. On a side note, I had a shower thought the other day. Isn't plastic one form of carbon sequestration? It doesn't decompose easily and holds carbon in place. If plastic is land filed then it will remain out of the atmosphere. I know this is an overly simplistic view, but given plastic is a byproduct of oil refinement, I don't see too much to hate.
Also the article is focused on PET, I don’t think your shower is made from this crap.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
"Meat and dairy comes in plastic wrap or bottles." I kind feel like if your butcher doesn't use butcher paper, you aren't really going to a butcher but a meat department at a grocery store.
Probably depends on the product. My local butcher sells most things wrapped in paper, but sausages come in a plastic bag (I have no idea why).
One problem I’ve noticed there is the high volume of single-use plastic water bottles in use to deliver potable water. Most water is not drinkable from the tap, so this is the solution.
Ensuring country-wide safe drinking water from the tap is no small feat, so this is incredibly discouraging.