Give Us This Day Our Daily Plastic. . . Taking Stock

Becoming Aware. . .

I kept a list with me for the whole day yesterday, adding to it whenever my hands came across something noticeably plastic.  I'm sure I've missed plenty, but this is what I noticed.  Two full pages worth...  In order of how short the "life span" of the item.

!!!! ONE TIME USE  (Take it out, throw it away – none of these examples are even recyclable)

Plastic Bag on Newspaper

Plastic Window on Bill

Plastic Sleeve for Greeting Card

Swiffer Pad

Produce Bag - Asparagus

1 Diaper

Cereal - plastic bag in box 7 Items

!!! LIFETIME MEASURED IN DAYS  (Grocery store weekly list – mostly recyclable)

Milk Jug

Plastic Produce Bag - Pre-cut Veggies

Veggie Dip

Juice Bottle 4 Items

!! LIFETIME MEASURED IN WEEKS (More long-lasting  groceries – some recyclable)

Toothpaste Tube

Moisturizer Bottle

Chapstick Container

Dog Food Bag

Dish Soap

Sponge

Baby Wipes Container 7 Items

! LIFETIME MEASURED IN MONTHS  (Even longer-lasting groceries – some recyclable)

Shampoo

Conditioner

Shower Curtain

Cell Phone

Pen

Hair Straightener

Make Up Containers

Toothbrush

Lotion Bottle

Spiral on Notebook

Food Storage Containers (leftovers)

Laundry Detergent Container

Dish Brush 13 Items !    31 PLASTIC CONVENIENCE ITEMS USED IN ONE DAY  !

**  LIFETIME MEASURED IN YEARS (Long-term items in household use) Sippy Cup

Multiple Baby Toys

Multiple Kid Toys

Toilet Seat

Computer

Glasses

TV

DVD

DVD Player

Trash Can

Coffee Maker

Shirt

Underwear

Microwave

Garage Door Opener

Jacket

Salt & Pepper Shakers

Battery Charger

Broom

Swiffer Mop

Laundry Basket

Camera

Flash

Memory Card

Dog Dish

Measuring Spoons

Butter Dish

Recipe Book Cover

Knife Handle

Measuring Cup

Ice Cube Tray

Key Coating

Alarm Clock

3 Remote Controls

Scissor Handles 32 Items

*“ASSETS” LIFETIME IN YEARS (Either part of the house or large possessions)

Car (From Dashboard to Bumper and everything in between and on all sides!)

Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Sink Handle

Window Blinds

Washing Machine

Stove Knobs

Drain Pipes

Cords of any electronics

Linoleum Floor

Polyurethane on Wood Floor

Carpet 12 Items !*   75 TOTAL PLASTIC ITEM USE IN ONE DAY   *!

! -the convenience items that I’m looking to replace with non-plastic

* permanent home items that I won’t replace until absolutely necessary.  Plastic is made to last forever, so why replace it just to go “Plastic Free” and add it to the landfill prematurely?

NOTE: I intend to use whatever plastic I currently have repetitively until it falls apart or is a health issue. It’s already here.  I’m hoping not to add NEW plastic to the batch.