Fix Our Earth: Zero Waste Car Kit

BY: STEPHANIE LICCIARDI, GROUP FOR THE EAST END ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATE
FIX OUR EARTH

A zero waste car kit is a collection of items that you keep in your car at all times to help reduce your dependency on single use plastics while you’re on the go. No car? No problem! Scroll to the bottom of this post for my lightweight zero waste kit recommendation that will fit in most bags and backpacks. 

Here’s what you can include in your own zero waste car kit:

1. A basket, box, bag, or some other container to hold everything in your kit so your things don’t roll around the car. It’s easy to reuse boxes from online orders that we all have around or grab a basket from a yard sale or one of the many vintage and thrift shops on the East End. 

2. A travel coffee mug that you enjoy using. My favorite travel mugs are from KeepCup, Stojo (collapsible coffee mug for compact travel), and Klean Kanteen. My Klean Kanteen tumbler keeps ice solid during an entire work shift. It’s amazing!

3. Utensils to replace disposable plastic cutlery. Eliminating single use utensils was one of the easiest swaps for me. Plastic cutlery can take up to one thousand years (1,000 years!!) to decompose. It’s difficult to justify using a disposable fork for one meal when that fork is going to sit in a landfill or in the ocean for generations. Pack what you need from your kitchen, find cool antique cutlery, or invest in a travel set like this metal option or this bamboo option. When you order takeout, ask your server to leave out the disposable utensils.  

4. Cloth napkins will come in handy for cleaning up spills, eating to-go food, or when you have an unexpectedly runny nose.

5. Reusable containers replace disposable takeout containers. I aspire to be someone who brings her own containers to a restaurant for leftovers and takeout. I’m not quite there yet and that’s ok, but keeping some containers in my car definitely will increase my chances of using it when it is safe to eat in restaurants again. The most sustainable option is to use what is already in your home, whether that means reusing takeout containers or packing your classic Tupperware food storage. If you want to buy new food storage specifically for your zero waste car kit, opt for a plastic free option like this stainless steel bento box trio or this set of airtight stainless steel containers. 

6. Pack reusable grocery bags, shopping totes, and produce bags. People often tell me that they intend to stop using plastic bags at the grocery store, but they forget to bring their reusable bags along. Put some smaller reusable bags in your front door pocket so it’ll be harder to miss. When you consistently ensure that there are reusable bags in your zero waste car kit, it will become a habit to always bring your own bags to the store. If you realize you forgot to bring your bags into the store, simply put your paid items back into your cart at checkout and bag them at the car. You can do it!

7. Jars come in handy for fountain soda, bulk shopping, and ordering iced drinks at a coffee shop. You could also use jars, instead of plastic containers, to store leftovers. If you plan on using the jar for ordering drinks, it is helpful to pack one that you are sure of how many ounces it holds. For example, 16 ounces is a typical medium-sized drink so, if that is your regular order, then carry something like a 16 ounce mason jar with you.

8. Lastly, include some reusable straws. Depending on your preferences, you can use stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone.

Most importantly, this kit does not have to cost you anything. You probably have most of these things in your home already.

Don’t have a car? Here’s a lightweight zero waste kit that’ll fit in any backpack and shoulder bag:

• The bamboo cutlery set mentioned above is lightweight and includes chopsticks, a cloth napkin, straw, fork, knife, and spoon, with a bag to store it all.

• The Stojo coffee mug collapses down to 2 inches and comes with a silicone straw. It holds hot and cold drinks.

• Include sturdy reusable bags that fold small, like the kind Baggu sells.

• In place of jars or containers for leftovers, you can carry a collapsible food container or a reusable silicone baggie. Rezip bags are more affordable and Stasher Bags are more of an investment.

Now, you have the tools to create your own zero waste car kit. Tailor it to your own habits. I include a garbage bag in my kit so I am always prepared for a beach cleanup. If you make your own zero waste car kit, share it on social media and tag Group for the East End!