How to Sidestep the Trash Tidal Wave

If we could take a peek back into the old general store of a century or so ago we would see that there have been some changes in the way we shop.

We have more choices today, but that variety is also accompanied by a lot of trash. A hundred years ago there were no plastic containers, aluminum cans, foil packets, poly packs, blister wraps, styrofoam trays, shrink wrap, or blister packs.

The person behind the general store counter did not ask if you wanted plastic or paper bags to carry your purchases, because you brought your own basket or cloth sack. If you did have something that needed to be wrapped-- like a nice wedge of cheese cut from a wax-covered wheel, it might be wrapped in some brown paper and tied with string. Chances are, that both the paper and string were later used by the purchaser for other purposes.

Old glass and metal containers often found new purposes in a household. Flour, rice, and other dry foods came in large cotton bags, which later became dishtowels, curtains or even diapers. Likewise, burlap sacks full of feed or beans, would be put to another use, once empty.

Today it seems like about half of everything we put in our grocery cart, is excess packaging that goes to the dump. We can understand that the innovations in modern packaging came from good intentions to preserve freshness of products, to extend shelf-life and to avoid contamination, but sometimes the packaging has become overdone. People have been moaning about the evils of throwaway society for decades-- yet it seems that there is an ever increasing problem with the disposal of trash, and much of it seems to come from the grocery store.

Even though more people than ever are doing some kind of recycling, either voluntarily or under the pressure of legislated ordinances, our landfills are overflowing.

If you live in the city or suburbs-- your trash "just disappears". If you have to haul your own trash to the landfill, you may be more aware of the huge problem trash is becoming. You may also notice that disposal fees are rising

Concentrate. --More products, like detergents and cleaning products are being concentrated and sold in smaller containers that use less plastic.

Bulk up --Bulk bins for cereals, nuts, grains and other dry foods eliminate a lot of packaging, and are also less likely to use additives and over processing.

Use your own bags.

It takes a little getting used to, but more people are starting to bring their own cloth bag or use a sturdy cardboard box for groceries. Some stores are starting to charge a fee for plastic bags. Other stores have special containers where you can at least leave old plastic bags for recycling.

Buy more fresh, unprocessed foods.

Even fresh fruits and vegetables are more and more beginning to be packaged in plastic containers. Look for unpackaged produce. Shop at a farmers market when you have a chance.

Avoid styrofoam trays.

Some markets are reinstating the old fashioned butcher counter where fish poultry and meats can be selected and wrapped in butcher paper-- no styro tray. You might give vegetarian fare a chance, maybe even if only once or twice a week.

Self- sufficiency.

If you live in a place with a little land you might try some vegetable gardening. Every food item you can grow cuts down of packaged food to buy. If you can keep a couple of hens-- you won't have egg cartons to toss out.

Compost.

Your garden will love coffee grounds and the peelings and trimming you don't have to put in the garbage.

Re- use containers.

If you have a certain item that you buy regularly like peanut butter in a plastic jar, wash and reuse the jars to organize nails, nuts, bolts, etc. Some pasta sauce jars come in re-useable canning jars. If you don't do canning, save them for someone who does.

Use fewer paper towels and napkins.

Buy a bunch of inexpensive washable dishcloths to wipe up spills or use for napkins.

When you shop, look for items with less packaging.

Photos of the Mariposa History Center and Museum--by Linda Gast

http://www.mariposamuseum.com/

What do you do to help stem the flow of trash? Please add your ideas.