Mark Swingle

This was a relatively easy one because my family is already packing our food with us for most travel, especially when camping. Packing most of your food is beneficial in many ways, from helping to manage a healthy diet, to saving time and money while traveling. Of course, packing in reusable containers just makes sense!

Most of us have many options available for food storage that can eliminate the need for single use plastic bags and containers. Reusable containers are an obvious option, but we also find ourselves in situations where we don't currently have good choices - such as my favorite take-out restaurant that still uses many single-use products. There is legislation to address some of these issues, however our communication with the retailers about our preferences for more green food service products can also be an important component. Some changes will take time, but we can reach our goals if we stay focused on the desired outcomes.     

It as a good experience beyond the benefits of the fresh produce because we are spending time outside, paying attention to the natural wonders of the garden, and using our compost for the benefit of enriching the soil. 

First, it is very difficult to purchase many items without single use plastics. This emphasizes the need for re-thinking the supply chain, for reducing dependence on plastics, and for extended producer responsibility for plastic packaging. In the mean time, we can make good choices whenever and wherever they exist. 

I believe the plastic packaging for produce is believed to serve the consumer, but it also has been widely adopted by the producers and retailers. We can market and shop for produce without single-use plastic, but we have to have the will to do it! 

It makes you more aware of the problem, such as what are the primary components in the litter steam, and therefor more resolved to be part of the solutions, especially to single-use plastics.