How to Help

Personal Actions & Initiatives:



  • Reusable alternatives
    • Water bottles, utensils, plates, bags, straws ect.
  • Using water bottle filling stations
  • Refusing single-use alternatives
  • Bringing reusable bags to stores
  • Bringing reusable containers to restaurants for leftovers
  • Shopping at zero-waste stores
  • Using products without plastic containers
    • Example: shampoo bars, soap bars, bamboo toothbrushes, ect.
  • Ask to use your own cup at fast food chains.
  • Get your meat products fresh and placed directly into a reusable container.
  • Buy liquids (milk, juice, ect.) in glass bottles.
  • Shop at bulk stores and bring your own containers
  • Avoid snack foods in plastic packaging
  • Buy fresh products without wrappers
  • Go to a farmer's market for produce
  • Always carry reusable utensils and straws with you
  • Use plastic free every-day products
    • Example: hairbrushes, combs, stainless steel containers, ect.
  • Check products for microplastics
  • Use plastic-free toiletries
  • Make your own cleaning supplies
  • Use beeswax wrapping paper instead of plastic bags
  • Make your own food instead of buying process, packaged snacks
  • Locate and use a local refillery
  • Influence your peers and community to reduce their single-use plastic consumption

Minimal Waste Recipes:


Granola Bars


Dry Ingredients:

1 ½ cup oats

½ cup dried cranberries

½ cup chopped pecans

¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs

¼ cup ground flax seed

2 Tablespoons chia seeds

2 Tablespoons hemp seeds (optional for an extra boost in nutrients!)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

½ cup honey or agave

2 Tablespoons smooth peanut butter

2 Tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Line the bottom and sides of an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper or cooking spray

2. (optional) mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Stir the liquid ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until melted and smooth

3. Mix ingredients well, then evenly spread the mixture into the prepared pan and chill for at least 2 hours.

4. Cut into bars and store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, or in the freezer for one month if you can make them last that long! ;)

*All ingredients can be found at your local bulk food store! Bring your own containers to make this tasty treat zero waste!*




Power Balls

Ingredients:

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

½ cup dark chocolate chips

1 cup oats

½ cup ground flax seed

2 tablespoons honey or agave

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so that they are easier to roll.

2. Roll into 12 bite sized balls and store in the fridge for up to one week.

*All ingredients can be found at your local bulk food store! Bring your own containers to make this tasty treat zero waste!*




Crock-Pot Yogurt

Ingredients:

½ Gallon (8 cups) milk (I use 2% cow’s milk but you can use other fat contents or try other milk types although you may need additional thickeners)

½ commercial plain yogurt that says “Live and Active Cultures” on the tub

Instructions:

Add milk to a large crockpot and leave on low for about 2 ½ hours. Then unplug and let sit for 3 hours.

Stir in ½ cup yogurt and let sit for 8-12 more hours. If it’s cold in the room wrap in towels or a blanket.

Place in container and refrigerate for a few hours before serving

Options:

For Greek Style Yogurt you can strain the finished mixture in cheese cloth for a few hours (keep in fridge while straining).

You can flavor the yogurt with jam, pie filling, concentrated juice or fresh/frozen fruit.

You can also store ½ cup of the finished plain yogurt to use as the starter for your next batch.