Lately, we’ve all been hearing about how bad plastics are for the environment, especially single-use plastic. While it would be silly, even from an environmental standpoint, to throw out all the plastic items I already own, what I can do is try to buy items that I need now and in the future made from materials that have less negative impact on the environment or that have lifetime-use potential.
One of the things that has been appealing to me about plastic items in the past is that they are light in weight compared to dishes made of ceramic materials. It is common for me to have pain and inflammation in my hands and arms that sometimes leads to difficulty holding heavier items (“heavier” being a relative term in this case, but I do tend to drop things or have things slip from my hands more frequently than most people because of nerve and inflammation issues).
Recently, I saw some beautiful bamboo bowls in a gift shop but when I touched them I knew I could not use them. I have synesthesia and most of my experiences of it are very pleasant (or at least neutral) but touching anything that feels papery (newpapers, cardboard, etc.) causes a reaction in my body that is like fingernails running down a chalkboard. The hairs on my arms stand up, my shoulders get tight–it’s very unpleasant. Touching those bamboo bowls caused that reaction.
I decided to look into other products and that’s when I found this wooden mug on Amazon. I absolutely love it! It’s beautiful and it’s so incredibly light that I still feel suprised when I pick it up because I expect it to have greater weight based on appearance but it’s a relief to my hands to find that it’s not at all heavy. I can hold it by its handle or cup my hand under or around it, depending what is comfortable on any given day.
If you like, you can order your own mug, pictured below, here: https://amzn.to/2Aixe95
In addition, I decided to order some wooden spoons that are also light as can be. I opted for teaspoons as they suited my preference for smaller spoons very well. I am enjoying both of these products so much!
You will find a set of these spoons, pictured below, here: https://amzn.to/2AizM7b
Above: My wooden mug and spoon with non-fat greek yogurt and PB2.
I’ve also been working with a Registered Dietician in order to meet some personal health and wellness goals. She has advised me to increase my protein intake and one of the ways I’ve been doing that is by eating non-fat greek yogurt. I’ve been adding protein powder to it for an extra boost and I’m completely hooked on PB2. It has all the flavour of peanut butter without all the fat and fillers, plus it’s in a powder form so it travels easily and can be added to all kinds of things with ease because it blends very smoothly without leaving clumps or grit. Adding it to greek yogurt makes a snack or dessert that tastes like peanut butter pie filling (you can add sweetener of whatever kind suits your dietary needs, if you desire)! It comes in some different flavours but I’ve only tried the regular peanut butter version, so far.
You can check it out here: https://amzn.to/2K3Nc6M
Now, back to utensils and such…I realise that the wooden bowl and spoon require a bit of extra care in that they’re not meant for the dishwasher and the spoons are smaller so they won’t work for all foods you might be eating.
One way to reduce the use of plastic utensils is to carry your own in your purse, backpack, glove box, etc. so that you can skip the plastic next time you’re eating on the go. Here is a handy option in a couple of colours:
Blue: https://amzn.to/2Lup17h
They also make a version that includes chopsticks (green): https://amzn.to/2OqdDXR
I’m always looking for new ways to be a “greener” consumer so if you have some ideas or favourite products, please share them in the comments section!