livin veg

Plastic is one of those materials that we use for absolutely everything. From water bottles to beach balls to cereal containers. Plastic utensils, plates, cups. A plastic world.

For the past few years my husband and I have been trying to minimize our impact. And that means, avoiding plastic as much as possible. Forget bottled water. And in fact, forget any beverage that comes in a plastic container. It also means buying items like lentils, nuts, beans, and seeds from the bulk section. We bring our own containers. We buy compostable garbage bags.

The title of this post is vegans avoiding plastic. To be vegan/vegetarian means that we see the world in a different way. A more compassionate way. Most of us at one time or another enjoyed eating meat. But we adapted, gave it up for the sake of a larger cause. Using plastic, in my opinion does as much damage to animals as killing and eating them. To be veg means to minimize harm.

This article on plastic in the ocean says:

The debris is harmful for fish, sea mammals – and at the top of the food chain, potentially humans – even though much of the plastic has broken into such tiny pieces they are nearly invisible.

Since there is no realistic way of cleaning the oceans, advocates say the key is to keep more plastic out by raising awareness and, wherever possible, challenging a throwaway culture that uses non-biodegradable materials for disposable products.

“Our job now is to let people know that plastic ocean pollution is a global problem – it unfortunately is not confined to a single patch,” Cummins said.

So, with earth day as a catalyst, say no to plastic, and to companies who shamelessly give it out. Tell companies like CVS and Subway that you don’t need a plastic bag for every single purchase. Bring your own bags to go shopping. Carry a reusable coffee container or water bottle. Buy in bulk with your own containers.

Any other thoughts on how to avoid plastic?

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