Accessible Plastic Swaps - Food Storage Part 3
Bottles
Plastic bottles are a common target in the environmentalism community, and for good reason (Note: this article is over 3 years old). So what can we do about it? As with many of my posts, I’m going to mention a few ways that I’ve seen environmentalists provide a solution for this problem, and discuss some alternatives for those who can’t participate in those solutions.
The most trendy products I’ve seen are no doubt good solutions (given you actually reuse them and don’t over-consume them either!). Metal and glass bottles come in fun colors and patterns, I myself have a metal bottle from my school and a metal coffee mug with a cat on it! I’ve also seen reusable cups with lids and straws here and there.
Now, what do you do if you don’t have the money or ability to use them?
Budget wise, I buy most of my stuff second-hand if I can, or at least at a discount store. If you’re in college, go to school events and you’re almost guaranteed to find a reusable bottle. There are also cheaper reusable bottles made from a more durable plastic. I’ve mentioned before that reusable plastic is still better than single-use (a note on plastic safety)! You can also bring mugs and cups from home, I do so whenever I get coffee from a shop! Also, if you can buy a drink--like soda for example--in a glass bottle or aluminum can, you can wash and recycle it after without having to purchase a whole reusable bottle (however, you could argue it’s better to buy a reusable bottle since the extra cost of the glass bottles could add up, but I digress).
For my followers with strength or motor control problems, reusing your favorite “single-use” plastic bottle until you need to throw it away is a great option too. At this blog post, which is more for fighting climate change as a disabled person in general, the author mentions how they reuse plastic bottles that work for them. See the aforementioned link for safety regarding reusing plastic!
It can be difficult, if not impossible, for some folks to use glass containers due to broken glass being a possibility, as can having memory issues that prevent you from being able to bring a reusable container in general, so remember to be kind to yourself and do what you can when you can. Environmentalism doesn’t start and end at reusable bottles, and you don’t need to do everything to do your part!
For more info about the plastic problem and why recycling isn't an end-all-be-all solution see this link. (Note: it mentions an ableist example of why single use plastic is bad, so just a reminder that wrapped/encased cut-up produce is necessary for people who are unable to cut produce themselves)
Plastic bottles, like all single use plastic, is an issue that we are still learning to deal with. There are many options out there to reduce your plastic bottle usage, but remember that not everyone can participate! Find what works for you, and do what you can!
If you have any other options to reduce your plastic bottle usage, reply or reblog with your ideas!
