![My large Aldi reusable shopping bag was filled to the brim with plastic bags from various stores. I keep it in my kitchen pantry.](https://www.augustachronicle.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/12/26/NAUG/72033801007-image-2-21.jpeg?width=660&height=653&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
In June, the Augusta Chronicle hired me as its new climate change and environment reporter.
It would be no exaggeration to say that my life has changed.
Before I covered all things environmental, I was familiar with terms like recycling and campaigns dedicated to removing plastic from the oceans, like 4Ocean, which promotes the transition from plastic to reusable straws.
I did what I thought was within my reach. I bought some recyclable bags. Do you pick them up every time you go grocery shopping? No, I often forget. And only remember them when, after ringing up your item, the cashier asks, “Is plastic okay?”
At this moment, I think about the reusable bag in my kitchen pantry filled with dozens of plastic bags. “Yes,” I say to the cashier and make a mental note to bring my reusable bag next time. It might be better to keep it in the trunk.
Since stepping into this new and unfamiliar role, my understanding of the term recycling has become clearer. And the words reduce and reuse are now part of my daily routine.
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We learned that reducing, reusing, and recycling are all ways to help conserve natural resources. Reusing something saves energy by eliminating the need to make a new one and reduces the amount of energy used.
Recycling is easy because we have recycling pickup where I live.
Disposing of everyday items responsibly also helps prevent contaminating nearby natural areas.
An example of reusing items for me is taking two plastic bags I have and using them as freezer bags. With food prices soaring, when family packs of ground meat are on sale at the grocery store, it makes sense to split them in half before storing them in the freezer. This way you will have two meals instead of one.
I don’t drink much coffee, so my only caffeinated drink is a 4-pack of Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccinos. The glass jar can then be used for propagating and watering houseplants.
However, you need to be careful when reusing things. I don’t want to end up appearing on an episode of A&E’s hit TV show Hoarders.
Now I look at labels differently.
Previously, I looked at product labels for nutritional value. I am currently investigating whether the product is recyclable. One of my favorite bottled water brands, Evian, promotes the importance of sustainability by making their bottles from 100% recycled plastic (excluding labels and caps).
Why is recycling important?
You may be wondering why this is important. The Fifth National Climate Assessment predicts that as the climate changes, food production and distribution systems in the United States and around the world will become more unstable, making food less available and more expensive.
Households that struggle to pay their utility bills, including rural areas, low-income households, and communities of color, are especially vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. For example, Black Americans are more likely to live in older, less energy-efficient homes and face disproportionate heat-related health risks.
It all boils down to “do your best until you know better.” And when you know better, do better. ” – Maya Angelou.
what about you? Do you have any eco-friendly tips you’d like to share with others? Send us an email and we may use your information in future interviews.
This reporting content is supported by multiple funders and partnerships with journalism funding partners.
Erica Van Buren is a climate change reporter for the Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or her X: @EricaVanBuren32.