My smart goal was to eliminate my use of paper plates. In the last week, I have not used a single paper plate. Throughout the entire week I have used our re-usable glass plates. I have also been hand washing my dishes at the end of each day instead of using the dishwasher, which saves on water and electricity. Planning my meals ahead and not eating when I'm rushed has helped me not use paper plates. Some challenges I had last week was eating fast food. Even though I did not use paper plates, my meals from Burger King and McDonald's come in paper bags, and the food and drink containers are made out of paper.
Since I have been more aware of the products I am eating and using, I feel better about myself when I have washed my dishes by hand and saved on electricity and water. I am also hoping that by not using paper plates it will cut down the amount of garbage we have each week.
This week has taught me that one simple change to your lifestyle can have multiple impacts on the environment. For next week I will be changing my SMART goal to make it a little more challenging. I am going to eliminate all paper products including napkins, paper towels, paper plates, and paper cups from my lifestyle. I will also try to only eat at fast food restaurants once a week to cut down on my use of paper products.
COOL! Very nice when you make a change and it FELLS good. Helps keep that motivation brewing.
ReplyDeleteSo, I have to ask... :) since you are reducing your paper products further, I'm guessing you have a back up for the paper napkins?? :)
You probably already do this, but I make a huge effort if I go to a fast food type place, delivery, etc. and they give me napkins, I always try to save them and use them when I might need them. Handy to have a stash in the car in an emergency. If they are giving them to you, you can't give them back... so, may as well keep them for times they are handy.
Very good idea, in college it is so easy to go for the convenient route. But I am learning that washing dishes isn't so bad, less garbage and glass is just so much more sturdy than paper :) Way to set a good example for your roommates and venture into a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteHope things are going well with the lifestyle change! Like Sarah said, it is SO easy to give in to convenience at this point in our lives. But, I suppose we all have excuses as to why we lean toward convenience. The whole point is to stop making excuses and give a little!
ReplyDeleteGood idea for a SMART goal. I think this is a habit many of us can relate to.