A few new things...
I didn't realize it, but I guess I have already implemented several of Kathryn's tips on living a more sustainable life. (pat on back goes here)
Improvement #1: We already compost as much as possible, use reusable totes, bottles and coffee cups, but there is still room for improvement. My preteen-aged niece and nephew who now live with us, love to eat tons of super processed foods, like little individually wrapped muffins and chips. I know it all comes down to what I shop for them to eat in the end, but it's one small battle at a time. Right now it's just getting them to eat a vegetable every once in a while, but eventually I would like to minimize their poorly-packaged junk foods too.
Because of this, there were so many plastic wrappers in my trash! I have done a little researched and found that the REI near us does offer a snack wrapper recycling program called TerraCycle that I would like to try to utilize. It's just a matter of getting the rest of my house onboard with taking that extra second to separate the trash correctly.
Improvement #2: I also noticed a lot of paper towels in my garbage. This one has been on my mind for a while now, but I believe I am going to make the shift to cloth napkins and more hand towels. Again, it will take some time to get everyone on board, but I think it will be worth it in the end.
Improvement #3: Lastly, I love to thrift shop! I love turning old or abandoned things into something new or fresh. I love the creative challenge and excitement of the hunt for the next project. But... because of this class, I have learned that I looooove plastic fabric. Not that I like plastic, but apparently my clothing taste only comes in plastic! lol
I went looking for a few new pieces this weekend and found only one thing that fit in with my wardrobe, was my size and was 100% natural silk. I had no idea that most everything I pickup and own is synthetic. This will be one of the major upgrades to my new sustainable lifestyle.
I just want to say thank you to Kathryn for all your awesome advise on small changes that we can each make, and most of all, not making me feel like a giant turd for not being the perfect Planeteer from Captain Planet (I'm sure I just dated myself). I know it will just take one step at a time.