We’ve all been there. You’re out and want, say, an iced coffee or a smoothie but forgot your cup and/or straw. Or, there’s a catered lunch at your office, but you don’t want to use another plastic fork. Or, you’re out for ice cream again – woohoo – but can’t fathom using another plastic spoon.
To honor Plastic Free July, now’s the perfect time to pack a small plastic-free to-go bag that you can easily transfer between bags to minimize your footprint.
So, what essentials should you ensure you’re never without (in addition to a reusable water bottle)?
- Reusable cup for that said iced coffee, smoothie or even water, and my go-to is my Beautycounter Klean Kanteen* (yes, I realize it’s a plastic top, but I usually remove it or know it’s better than a plastic disposable every time).
- Stainless steel straws – you can’t never have enough straws and this is a fun option from Klean Kanteen (my SS straws are so old that I can’t remember the brand nor where I got them). While I don’t have a specific carrying case for my straws, I usually keep them in a cloth napkin, so it’s extra handy!
- Bamboo cutlery and chopsticks – this To Go Ware set looks great after several years of use and love the convenient carrying case.
- Cups – I usually keep two smaller cups in my bag, which help when traveling (esp with kids), and rotate between my Klean Kanteen and Silikids cups. While I don’t have any collapsible cups yet, this Stojo cup looks like the perfect addition to any to-go bag (and one I may add to my collection down the road)!
Keeping these essentials in a small bag will help us be part of the solution, minimizing our waste and plastic usage and also ensuring we’re prepared as possible when out and about.
Any other essentials you have or would add to your bag?
Share away and let’s do our part together to be as plastic free as we can this month!
*Amazon affiliate links
Living Cleaner, Easier & Safer 