The Kit

Lessening your environmental impact doesn't have to mean to expensive electric cars and solar panels on our roofs. Put together a few to-go items and reduce the waste you create!

By Carilyne Hébert

HANDKERCHIEF HANKIES are incredibly handy. Use them for a runny nose, to grab a cookie, or to use as a lunch napkin. Find beautiful vintage handkerchiefs for only $1 or $2 at McHa¬es Flea Market in Morrisburg. mcha¬efleamarket.ca

STAINLESS STEEL STRAW Straws suck. In Canada, we can fill 5,500 school buses yearly with these discarded, non-recyclable items. Pick up a reusable one at Life’s Little Pleasures in Cornwall for $7.99. @lifeslittlepleasures

BENTO BOX You don’t need to give up your favourite take-out food to keep your waste to a minimum. Just Make sure you have your LunchBots box from Kid’s Korner handy and ask nicely to have it served in your own container. Only $21.99. @CornwallToys.77

TOTE BAG Tote bags can be used for more than hauling cauliflower and eggs. Grab this cute and sizeable Crush Lane tote for $24 and avoid a plastic bag at the thrift store, pharmacy, craft store and anywhere else you might shop. crushlane.com

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE A million plastic bottles are purchased every sixty seconds worldwide. A reusable water bottle will save you money and lessen the burden of plastic. Pick one up at Mrs. B’s Gifts & Home Décor for $26.95 to $32.95 mrsbsgifts.getpayd.com CUTLERY SET Next time you are at a family BBQ, take out your cutlery set from Laura’s Flowers and Fine Gifts. It could spark a great discussion! Yours for $20.99. lauras.ca

TRAVEL MUG Many of us can’t get our day started without a stop at the coffee shop. Arrive prepared with your fave mug from Campbell Creative. Find yours at the The Maker Shop for $25. @CampbellCreativeService