We talk a lot about reuse and reducing single use and disposable items. Here’s an actionable step you can take. Sometimes the most important thing is preparing ahead of time and having items on hand for when you need them.

No matter how hard we try we often have way more food than we need at gatherings. All year long stash away yogurt and other dairy tubs, containers from take-out, and salad boxes for reuse. It’s important to be prepared so that you have these containers available when you need them. If you host loved ones for a meal, they are perfect for sending home leftovers and you don’t have to worry about getting your container back. They are also perfect to bring to gatherings where you suspect leftovers will have to be packed up and sent home. Rather than reaching for single use items, like zip-top plastic bags, to pack up leftovers these containers are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and can still be recycled when you are done using them. Be the hero at the next gathering of friends and family when you show up with a stash of to-go containers.

These materials can often come in handy for a variety of other uses too. Need to organize small parts, toys, or office supplies? Need to store tools, crafts, pet supplies, or first aid supplies? Need to organize batteries, can carriers, or other special collection items until you can drop them off at a recycling location? Before you toss that container in the recycling bin check and see if you can reuse it first!

P.S. Don’t forget to save those resealable tortilla bags and wash your tinfoil pans for reuse too.