Don’t be afraid to refuse things in an effort to protect the environment. And don’t be hard on yourself if you forget every now and then. The more you practice this, the more it will become habit. Here are some suggestions of things you can easily refuse:
STRAWS: “I’ll have a water with no straw please”, easy peasy!
PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL: Flyers, pamphlets, business cards. If you really want one, try taking a photo instead
SAMPLES: Samples at stores that come in single use plastics or containers that you would throw out right away, try to avoid. (also hotel shampoos, beauty product samples, food samples, etc)
DENTIST GIVEAWAYS: My dentist always kindly offers me a little plastic bag filled with floss in a plastic holder, a plastic toothbrush and a little plastic bottle of toothpaste. I always respectfully decline and use my own zero waste alternatives
GIFTS: It’s ok to say no if someone try’s to gift you something that is wasteful and you don’t want. I know it can be awkward, so use your own judgement or regift / donate
DISPOSABLE COFFEE CUPS: Bring a reusable mug if you know you’ll be out stopping for tea or coffee
PLASTIC CUTLERY, NAPKINS AND SAUCES: Ordering takeout? Ask if the server can not put these things in your takeout bag and bring your own reusable swaps
PLASTIC PACKAGING: Ordering something online? If you are able to, contact the sender and ask for no plastic packaging
