With all the evolving knowledge of COVID-19 that’s been circulating in the past weeks, there’s no denying that we, in fact, have not reached a post-pandemic world quite yet.

Here at SLO Veg, we feel a huge sense of responsibility in being environmental stewards within our business model. With that responsibility, we feel that while it is our job to implement sustainable procedures within our own work, we are also called to offer insight and resources to our customers on how to be sustainable superheroes in their own daily practice. Due to the public health guidelines ushered in response to the pandemic, we saw a huge increase in single use plastics, disposable masks, and packaging. Meredith from our team shares her tried and true ways to further minimize your household waste.  

Like many of us, I have spent much of my summer outdoors, biking on new trails, hiking, swimming and kayaking when I get the chance. In doing so, I have begun to notice larger volumes of trash scattered alongside some of my favorite outdoor spaces. After ruminating on my own consumption in the last year or so, I feel inspired to minimize my personal waste in conjunction with the hurdles the pandemic has presented. Below are some of my recommendations!

Swap out plastic where you can

I recently purchased a set of silverware and metal straws that I carry in my bag with me at all times. This way, if I am ordering food to-go, I can use my own silverware instead of having to use single-use plastics that are often wrapped in their own plastic. 

 

Store your food correctly

We’ve talked about this before at SLO Veg but storing your food correctly is so important for optimizing your produce’s lifespan and minimizing food waste. I have found that purchasing clear storage bins for my fridge has been super helpful in being able to see what food I currently have and preserving my produce!  

 

Packaging intentionality 

I remember being in grade school and learning that the triangle that we see on recyclable packaging was a universal symbol of “this belongs in the blue bin.” While this is true, the numbers within the symbol is what tells us how easily something can be recycled. Symbols with the numbers 1 and 2 in the center are the most easily and widely recycled. I have started looking at these symbols while grocery shopping so that I can trust that the packaging that I am using can at least be reused easily. 

 

Be resourceful in the grocery store

Mid-way through the pandemic, I learned that if I bagged my own groceries, I could use my own reusable grocery bags. Another change that we saw in response to covid was the changes in the bulk food section. I’ve found that the best way to navigate sustainable shopping is asking the store employees what they would recommend in terms of bringing your own bags or containers. I’ve also stopped purchasing tupperware and have started to use food packaging such as old peanut butter jars to store my personal leftovers, sauces, and juices.  

 

One bottle at a time

A few months ago, I looked at my toiletries and was curious as to how I could minimize the amount of bottles/products I was using without compromising my hygiene routines. I started with a small goal of eliminating one bottle from my daily routine. I decided to swap my body wash with bar soap which was so painless and easy. Making this adjustment has inspired me to look at other ways I can eliminate packaging, one bottle at a time.