I believe the most sustainable choice is to reduce first and recycle second. But I’m also a realist, a mother, and a busy business owner, so I take short cuts and those short cuts can result in trash.
One of the short cuts that has snuck into my world are- snacks. Granola bars, chips, candies- these are all packaged using multilayer plastics. Picture those foil lined wrappers. These plastics are tough to recycle. You can’t put them in your traditional local recycle bin. And they will take decades, honestly longer, to ever decompose into the earth. And who wants that in our ground- ever!
There are local shops that take many of these plastics and other companies such as Rabbit Recylcing here in the Philadelphia market. However, if you don’t have these resources, I recently found Ridwell, which is a national company. You simply fill a bag and either ship it off or schedule a pick up if you are in their specified locations.
I just completed my first shipment and I loved their communication. They texted me when it arrived and when it was wrapped up to be shipped along with 1,000 pounds of plastics to be recycled. They even sent photos which I thought was a nice touch.
My kids have learned to not throw away their snack wrappers. They leave them on the counter for me to clean out and store until my bag is ready to ship again.
It’s been a game changer to help me feel a little better about not making everything from scratch or picking quick snacks for school. Yes, reusable containers are always best, but my sanity is also important. This is also teaching my kids through small habits, we can make a difference.
I do have a discount code if you are interested- simply comment below.
*I am not a paid sponsor for any of these organizations mentioned.
Kelly's Healthy Home 
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