LeboGREEN

No Straw, Please!: Next time you grab a drink, turn down the straw. It’s a small act, but a step in the right direction to make a conscious effort to reduce your plastic use. Bring your own steel, copper, or silicone one if you’d like. (p.s. you can also count this challenge if you turn down any single-use plastic.) 

Use a Reusable Coffee Cup or Water Bottle: Using a reusable water bottle instead of disposable bottles is not only sustainable, but also economical. Reusable coffee cups are my preferred to-go container for hot or cold beverages. Nowadays, nearly all the coffee shops will allow a reusable container, including all the ones I have visited in Mt. Lebanon. Here are some of my tips: Make sure it’s clean, keep your cap and only hand the mug to the barista, and know the size of your cup so they can charge you appropriately. In my opinion, travel mugs are superior for iced coffees. 

Bring your own Containers for Restaurant Leftovers: Next time you eat out or get something to go, bring your own container to transfer it home.  I always know that I won't be able to eat a whole portion, so I typically have a simple takeout container in my purse to collect the leftovers. This one can be hard to remember so it’s useful to have a large bag and helpful to keep a takeout container in the car as part of your zero-waste kit. 

Get an Office Plate: Probably not a relevant challenge if you work from home, but if there is a place your routinely eat outside your home, make sure you have a reusable plate, silverware, and mug.  Sturdier than a paper plate, so you can load up on food at your next company picnic. Alternatively, you can also stash some silverware in a bag or your car. I often use my own fork and spoon instead taking the disposable silverware when eating at food trucks.