Sustainable Ways to Kill Time While Your Pear Carton Dissolves

Published April 27th, 2021

Happy Earth Month, LIV Fam. Just last week, we launched Pear Hydration Multiplier, a delicious limited edition flavor with an innovative outer carton that rapidly dissolves in water. It got us thinking—what other changes can make a huge impact on the planet in a short amount of time? Keep reading for nine things you can do to build a more sustainable future in 10 minutes or less. 

 

1. Recycle in Every Room

Did you know that in 2017 only 8% of discarded plastics in the US were recycled? If you find that your empty shampoo bottles tend to get lost on their way from the bathroom to the recycling bin, then this tip is for you. Make it easy on yourself by setting up recycling stations throughout your home, especially the bathroom. After all, convenience is the key to compliance. 

2. Upgrade Your TP

While we’re in the bathroom, look around: That tiny roll of toilet paper took 37 gallons of water to make. Over the course of a lifetime, one person’s toilet paper supply uses about 384 trees. Now that’s a lot of lumber. Instead, try switching from your conventional roll to something more sustainable, like toilet paper made with 100% bamboo. . 

3. Reduce Your Paper Use

Single-use paper items, like paper towels, coffee filters, and even tea bags are easy-to-avoid waste generators. Try replacing them with these alternatives: Cut up those old t-shirts to use as drying towels in the kitchen, opt for a reusable stainless steel coffee filter, and switch to loose tea with an infuser when you sit down for your next cup. They’re easy, small changes that add up. 

4. Ban Single-Use Bottles, Seriously

Ditching single-use water bottles can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Plastic bottles are created using fossil fuels—up to 17 million (yes, million) barrels annually just for the US’s consumption. Once used, 86% of bottles become garbage or litter. Instead, opt for a reusable bottle that you can fill yourself. (Our Beyond The Bundle Bottle is a fan favorite.) 

5. Empower Your Appliances

Even if your appliances are newer models that rate well as energy savers, you can still maximize their greening potential in just a few minutes. Use cold water in your washing machine to save energy (and money), and line dry clothes when possible. Pack dishwashers strategically, and only run them when they’re full. Turn off the drying cycle and open the door to let dishes dry overnight. Click off lights when you’re not using them, and consider unplugging less-used appliances (like toasters and coffee makers) until you need them. Lastly, turn down your thermostat based on your needs, or install a smart one to do it for you. 

6. Borrow + Re-Buy More

Borrowing instead of buying where you can will reduce the amount of waste you generate. You can support your local library and re-use books by signing up for a library card in under 10 minutes. Consider consignment shops or checking out local buy and trade social media pages, too, instead of making new-item purchases. 

7. Bright Idea: Buy Better Bulbs

How many environmentalists does it take to change a lightbulb? None—if you’re using LED. These long-lasting bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent or fluorescent varieties. Advancements in technology mean that LED bulbs can even mimic the warm, yellow light of traditional bulbs, too. Less money over time, less bulb swapping—LED bulbs are an easy and smart upgrade. 

8. Check Out Your Fridge

Here’s something to chew on: Food waste accounts for 8% of greenhouse gases, making the consequences of food you’re not actually eating pretty significant. You can cut down the damage in just a few moments—and save some money along the way. First, plan your meals and shop according to what you need, instead of wandering the aisles and just buying what looks good. Consider portioning out meats and seafood and freezing them for later use—and do the same for leftovers. 

9. Ditch Disposables

Yes, all of them. In your bathroom, invest in reusable metal razors with replaceable heads. In the kitchen, banish plastic wrap, bags, and foil in favor of glass food storage solutions and cloth or silicone baggies that you can wash and reuse. Bring canvas totes to the supermarket instead of using throwaway plastic bags. Why? In 2018 in the US, the average person produced 4.9lbs of trash per day. By going disposable-free, you’ll reduce what you and your family generate every day.