So apparently, the US's so called "throw-away culture" is from the post WWII era. The government trying to improve the economy so they promoted use, throw, buy, type of consumerism. HOWEVER, it's not post WWII people! Don't be so old fashioned~
So typical throw away items for a typical umich student and replacements?
-Coffee cups : duh~ reusable mugs guys. Most cafés will give you a discount for bringing a mug anyways so in time, it'll pay for itself too.
-Paper towels : after you wash your hands... I mean... I just wipe the water off on my clothes... It's just water girls, we'll live. And when you're cleaning or something, buy a rag. It's easier to clean with too.
-Clothes : shop at salvation army, take up sewing, GO THROUGH YOUR PARENTS STUFF. I swear, my mother's olds clothes ROCK. Aren't you guys sick of seeing everyone with the same clothes as you? Stay away from Uggs, they're so ugly.
-Utensils : plastic knives, forks, spoons. I like to carry around my own actually. I have these cute Donald Duck spoon and chopstick set from when I was a kid.
-Plastic bags : canvas bags! Remember that paper bags are harmful to the environment too.
-Technological products : Keep using until it is no longer usable. Why buy the new iPod or phone when you already have one right?
-Water : don't flush after a pee. Flush after a poooooooooooooooooo. No, really. Do you know that every time you flush your toilet about five gallons of water goes to waste.
-Drinking water/bottled water : don't waste a dollar or more on water, silly! Go to the drinking fountain or buy a reusable water bottle. Some of your tax money is paying for the water to be cleaned anyways~
-Sandwich bags : I like to use containers that I get from buying other products (e.g. tomato sauce bottles or yogurt containers). If you need to use a sandwich bag reuse it. They're pretty durable especially the Ziploc® ones.
Most of these actions are so effortless. The only problem I have with some of this is that I forget to do it. Just post a note on your door or something and you'll remember every time. So tomorrow morning, don't forget your coffee mug and other necessities kids.
Happy humpday,
Seohee
