How to create an on-the-go, eco-friendly kit
Living a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t start and end at home. The decisions you make while running errands, at work or out with friends matter too! But it’s not always easy to put the environment first when we’re busy.
The solution? An eco-friendly kit you can take with you wherever you go.
Our resident sustainability expert, Halie Tenor, has some smart suggestions of what to include in your kit. She recommends thinking about what disposable materials you use when you’re not in the convenience of your home. From to-go containers to coffee cups and plastic bags, there are alternatives that you can feel good about.
Check out her suggestions and create an eco-friendly kit to keep in your car or by your desk today!
[music]
On Screen: American Family Insurance
Halie Tenor: Want to maintain a sustainable lifestyle on the go? Create an eco-friendly kit.
On screen: On-the-go eco-friendly kit.
Halie Tenor: Hi, I'm Halie Tenor, and I'm a Sustainability Analyst at American Family Insurance.
On screen: Halie Tenor, Sustainability Analyst, American Family Insurance.
Halie Tenor: When I go into work, I get to help reduce American Family's environmental footprint. I'm passionate about doing this in my own life, as well, and one of the things I've done is create an on-the-go eco-friendly kit.
Halie Tenor: Putting together a kit is a super-easy way to reduce your environmental impact. You can keep it in your backpack, by your car, or by your desk. This way, you won't have to rely on things like disposable coffee cups or to-go containers. Let me show you a few of the things that I keep in my kit.
Halie Tenor: First up, I like to go to eat with my friends, and it's good to have a few items on hand that help me make smarter choices. I have reusable utensils, a straw, a mason jar, a to-go container, and a napkin.
On screen: Avoid disposable plastics.
Halie Tenor: Avoid disposable plastics and choose items that are made from things like bamboo, silicone or stainless-steel.
On screen: Get a reusable straw.
Halie Tenor: I have a stainless-steel straw, but you could also use paper straws or silicone straws.
On screen: Use sustainable utensils.
Halie Tenor: I also have bamboo utensils because bamboo is a sustainable resource, but you could also look for regular silverware or just anything that's not disposable plastic.
Halie Tenor: I have a mason jar, which is versatile because you can use it for things like iced coffees, water, or leftover food from a restaurant. I also have a reusable napkin, which I got from a thrift store.
On screen: Pro tip: Buying used items further reduces your waste.
Halie Tenor: I have the plastic to-go container...
On screen: Reuse to-go containers.
Halie Tenor: ...that I got from a different restaurant when I forgot to bring something along. I remembered to wash it out and put it back in my kit so I could reuse it at least one more time. I find it useful to keep a few different drink containers in my kit, as well.
On screen: Carry a water bottle.
Halie Tenor: I have a water bottle that's reusable that I can refill when I need to.
Halie Tenor: I also keep a travel mug in my car.
On screen: Bring a to-go coffee mug.
Halie Tenor: In case I want to stop for a coffee. I don't have to use a disposable cup.
Halie Tenor: The kit is also helpful while running errands like going to the grocery store. I have a few different bags that I make sure to bring along, like a reusable tote and reusable produce bags that you can use instead of the plastic ones.
On screen: Remember your reusable bags.
Halie Tenor: So those are a few of the things that I have in my kit. Try putting one together yourself.
On screen: On-the-go eco-friendly kit.
- Reusable utensils
- Stainless steel straw
- Mason jar
- Reusable napkin
- To-go container
- Water bottle and mug
- Reusable bags
Halie Tenor: To make it convenient for you to make eco-friendly choices on the go.
On screen: American Family Insurance. Insure carefully, dream fearlessly.
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.
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