Thank you for committing to this 30 Day Christian Green Living Challenge with us! Each day as we step through our journey, I’ll share the challenge for the day then, depending on your green goals, I will share resources where you can learn more, dig deeper into the topic, or challenge yourself even more. We will do the challenge once *live* together, but you can participate anytime by joining in on the comments below and by using the hashtag #ChristianGreenLiving. So, when you’re ready, let’s Go Christian Green!
Have you ever purchased something and you had to dig through layer, after layer, after layer of packaging? The product is shrink wrapped inside a bubble pack, inside a window box that has been shrink wrapped. Yikes!
How about “organic” products inside a ton of non-recyclable packaging? Or feeling like you have to buy your loose organic produce inside plastic bags?
I wish these kind of packaging stories were rare, but they’re not. How often do you buy something without some kind of packaging? What do you do with the packaging once you finally peel it all off? I understand that some foods need to be tamper-resistant, but do non-food items need all of this packaging?
Recycling and composting everything we can is imporant when we have no other choice, but recycling is not a very sustainable answer in the big picture of packaging/plastic pollution.
It’s time to challenge our packaging!
In America we are blessed with so many shopping options. We almost always have more than one choice for every type of product we need and often times we have more than 10. We have a lot of choices and if we still don’t have sustainable options, it’s time to seeking them out and/or asking for them.
Today’s Day 10 Challenge:
How do we reduce packaging waste? There are small things we can do, just through our product selections: search for and buy items with the least amount of packaging possible, buy in bulk or the largest package available (unless it might spoil), use reusable produce bags (or reuse the store bags) at the grocery and avoid single-serve items. But can we do more?
Pray
In our prayers today, let’s pray for help to fight the “throwaway culture” and throwaway mentality. Ask God for the help to evoke change in ourselves so that we can influence others by our example.
Act
Take extra time when making product choices to avoid excessive packaging and only choose products that are either without packaging or if it can’t be avoided recyclable packaging.
Bonus Actions: Consider being an activist for less packaging and more environmentally friendly options. Write an email to a company asking them to reduce their packaging and to include clearly visible recyclable icons. Ask for less packaging when filling out store comment cards and/or surveys. Talk to a manager about their packaging practices or write to their corporate headquarters. They appreciate it when we let them know how they can improve their stores for their customers!
Share
Let us know how you are avoiding excess packaging or how you’re choosing to be an activist. Don’t forget to comment below and/or use the hashtag #ChristianGreenLiving.
Learn More~
- How to Reduce Packaging Waste —by Terri Bennett via Howdini
A short video with tips to reduce waste packaging waste at the grocery store. - Avoid Products with Excessive Packaging — Sustainable Living Guide
This site has a list of practical ways to reduce packaging waste. - Plastic Pollution Coalition — This is a very informative site with really great resources.
- How to Purchase Zero Wate Coffee (for beginners) —by Erika at Mint Green Living
Erika shows us step-by-step how to buy coffee without packaging. The method used can be used for coffee and other bulk items too!
Click here to go to Day 11
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