It’s so easy to take for granted the convenience culture so many of us grew up with. Even those of us who are environmentally aware can get caught up in the trap of disposable culture. Take for instance the filter in your water filtration system of choice. It will be made mostly of plastic and is meant to be disposed of. Since it is not entirely plastic it is difficult to recycle. Many of us have tossed it in the bin or the trash and hoped to make up for our eco transgression elsewhere. Did you know though that if that is a britta filter you can send it back to the company and they will recycle the product. It wasn’t always so, but  a woman named Beth Terry started a campaign to change the companies policy. The best part is any one of us can do this with any company out there.
This is just one of the wonderful things you will take away from reading this book. Not only are there inspirational stories of others leading the way in life without plastics, there are tips on how you can make everyday changes that help reduce plastics in your own life. The first step in understanding the problem is understanding what plastics are. Beth does a great job of this, never letting the reader feel like it is beyond their understanding. Once you understand what the different recycle symbols on the bottom of those disposable goods mean you won’t look at recycling as the same “fix it” solution we have previously believed it to be. Not all plastics are taken for recycling, and it is up to the consumer to know what their recycling center will take.
What I enjoy most about this book is the well thought out solutions to having the things we need without buying new plastics. Beth has been on this journey since June 2007. Through her blog, it has been a journey that has involved many active readers. This community of like minded individuals has offered numerous solutions to life without plastic. I know that the chapters on take-out food & packing lunches, grocery shopping, and personal care & household cleaning will be ones I will turn to again and again.
For anyone who is looking to make a significant impact on the environment at large I highly recommend this book. I also recommend a plastic free lifestyle. Our oceans, the planets animals, our landscapes and ourselves are increasingly becoming plastic. It is all around us and through the food chain in us. This is an issue that affects us all.
What are some solutions to plastics/disposables you use in your daily life? What are some of the challenges you have faced trying to live plastic free? Are you new to the idea and want to know more?
This post was written by
Beth is the folksy, radical, down to earth gal behind the creations of Unraveled Revelry. When not sewing or writing, you can often find her in the kitchen or garden, or reading a stack of how-to books. Self sufficiency and sustainability are two of her biggest passions. Lets make the world a greener place to live and add some flavor while we are at it!
Thank you for such a positive review! I hope this book can jump start a lot of other people in reducing their plastic consumption!
I was so pleased to review this book Beth. It is something that touches the lives of the eco etsy artists for sure. I am implementing many of your helpful plastic free living tips into my own life. Thank you again for writing the book and being an inspiration.